A Tale of Two Visionaries

Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze, Pioneers in San Diego’s Video Production Scene

San Diego’s vibrant community of visionaries recently celebrated the well-deserved recognition of two distinguished figures in the video production industry. Patty Mooney, the trailblazing Video Producer and Partner at Crystal Pyramid Productions, and Mark Schulze, the esteemed CEO of the same company, were both honored for their remarkable contributions at various prestigious events. Let’s dive into the extraordinary journeys of these two pioneers who have left an indelible mark on San Diego’s video production landscape.

Congratulations to Patty Mooney: A Pioneer in Sports Entertainment and Video Production

San Diego Magazine chooses Patty Mooney as 2023 Pioneer in Sports Entertainment congratulations

Patty Mooney, the Video Producer and Partner at Crystal Pyramid Productions, has been a pioneering force in the San Diego video production industry since she joined forces with Mark Schulze in 1982. Over the span of 40 years, Patty has worn multiple hats with aplomb, excelling as a Producer, Editor, Sound Technician, Boom Pole Operator, Voice Over artist, Still Photographer, Teleprompter Operator, Writer, and Talent. Not only has she been instrumental in the success of Crystal Pyramid Productions, San Diego’s longest-serving video production company, but her efforts have also secured the company’s top-ranking position in search engines since the late 1990s.

Throughout her illustrious career, Patty has created groundbreaking and award-winning videos. She produced the first-of-their-genre educational videos, such as “Massage For Relaxation” (1985), “The Great Mountain Biking Video” (1987), and “Common Sense Self Defense for Women” (1985). Her contribution to the world of extreme sports videos earned her the title of the “grandmother” of Extreme Sports. As one of the first seven mountain bikers to ride in the World’s 1st Himalayan Mountain Bike Rally, she embarked on a daring journey, becoming the first female “underwater mountain biker” off the coast of Costa Rica and the first woman to mountain bike inside the Turrialba Volcano.

Activism

Beyond her impressive work in video production, Patty has been a passionate advocate for important social causes. She produced and edited “The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans,” a powerful film shedding light on the plight of homeless veterans, which received multiple awards in 2008. Patty’s dedication to giving back is evident in her pro bono work for various nonprofits, including Earth Day, Girls Think Tank, Peace Resource Center, and the San Carlos Area Council.

Patty’s exceptional talent and commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including a 2021 Silver Telly Award for her video “Cultural Resources Awareness Training” for contractors working at Camp Pendleton. Her outstanding contributions to video production have earned her recognition as a Top 100 Producer twice, a Women Who Mean Business honoree twice, and Business Woman of the Year, as honored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Patty’s passion for community activism shines through her involvement with the San Carlos Area Council (SCAC). As VP of the SCAC, she shares local news on their social media platforms and writes a monthly article for the Mission Times Courier about San Carlos. Patty’s vision and dedication have been vital in shepherding the long-awaited construction of a new library in San Carlos, a project that promises to be a cornerstone of the community.

Patty Mooney’s impact extends far beyond her role as a video producer. As a mentor to young individuals in video production, community activism, and sports like mountain biking, hiking, and snorkeling, she continues to inspire and uplift the next generation. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, social causes, and community betterment solidifies Patty Mooney’s status as a true Pioneer in Sports and Entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the video production industry and the San Diego community as a whole.

Congratulations to Mark Schulze: A Visionary CEO Shaping the Future of Video Production

mark schulze 2023 ceo of the year finalist san diego business journal congratulations

Mark Schulze, esteemed CEO of Crystal Pyramid Productions, has carved a niche in San Diego’s video production landscape with a career spanning over four decades. In 1981, Mark founded Crystal Pyramid Productions with a vision to capture the stories of the world’s best and brightest, both in the corporate and broadcast spheres. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working with renowned personalities, including Kim Kardashian, business magnate Warren Buffett, and legendary musician Willie Nelson, among countless others from various fields such as entertainment, finance, and philanthropy.

As the CEO of Crystal Pyramid Productions, Mark has cultivated a reputation for excellence. His talent lies in making each individual look and sound great on screen, ensuring their stories are effectively communicated to the world. Through his creative vision and attention to detail, Mark has established Crystal Pyramid Productions as a trusted name in video production, delivering gems that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.

Practicing Philanthropy

Mark’s contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. He is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved in the community and supporting various charitable causes. His collaboration with nonprofits, volunteer work, and donations reflect his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Recognized for his outstanding work, Mark has received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He was honored as the 79th Assembly District’s “Businessman of the Year” by former Assemblymember Shirley Weber in 2019. Mark has also been the recipient of the prestigious Heilbron Award from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. And he’s garnered multiple industry awards, including Tellys, Cindy’s, Aurora’s, and Top Producer awards, among others.

With his wealth of experience, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to excellence, Mark Schulze continues to shape the landscape of video production in San Diego. As the CEO of Crystal Pyramid Productions, he remains dedicated to showcasing the remarkable stories of individuals and organizations, while making a positive impact on the community at large.

Conclusion:

To conclude, in celebrating the achievements of Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze, we honor not only their individual successes but also the collective spirit of innovation and excellence that defines San Diego. As these remarkable individuals continue to leave an indelible mark on their respective fields, they inspire us all to reach for new heights, break barriers, and make a lasting impact on our communities. Congratulations to Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze for their well-deserved accolades – may their stories inspire many more to come.