Growing up in the surf and skate culture of Santa Cruz, California, Sam first started making skate videos with his friends.  This led him to studying film at Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television.  During this time, he focused his studies on cinematography and documentary filmmaking, while receiving an education in all aspects of filmmaking.   

His work as a documentarian led him to living abroad in Panama working with the non-profit, Floating Doctors to touring for 3+ years with the musical group Major Lazer and the DJ Diplo.  During this time, Sam co-founded Will Call – a boutique creative production studio with William Carnahan.  Together, they have utilized their community of creatives to collaborate with musicians, multinational corporations, non-profits and local small businesses.