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Meet Zachary Crute: The Event & Studio Wizard Powering UnoDeuce Multimedia

Walk into the UnoDeuce Multimedia studio on any given day and there’s a good chance you’ll hear a mix of camera shutters, live audio checks, creative brainstorming, and somebody laughing in the middle of a production meeting. Somewhere in the center of that controlled chaos is Zachary Crute—the guy helping bring it all together.

Known around the studio as the “event and studio wizard,” Zac has quickly become one of the driving forces behind UnoDeuce Multimedia’s live productions, in-studio recordings, and community storytelling projects. Whether he’s managing livestreams, coordinating nonprofit events, troubleshooting tech minutes before a broadcast, or helping nervous guests settle in front of the camera, Zac brings a calm energy and genuine enthusiasm to every production.

And honestly? That passion shows up in every frame.

From Intern To Events Manager

Zac’s journey with UnoDeuce Multimedia started the same way a lot of great stories do: with an opportunity and a willingness to jump in headfirst.

Back in 2024, Zac joined UnoDeuce as a fall semester intern. Like most internships, it started with learning the ropes—editing videos, assisting productions, and observing how the team crafted stories for nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations across Michigan.

But for Zac, it immediately clicked.

“My time with UnoDeuce started in 2024 as an intern during the fall semester. It was great.” Simple. Honest. Completely Zac.

After spending months sharpening his editing skills and freelancing on additional projects, Zac became the obvious choice when UnoDeuce needed someone to take ownership of events and studio operations. Just a few months into officially stepping into the role, he’s already become an essential part of the team.

And he genuinely loves the unpredictability that comes with it.

“Here I am now two months in. I think the events are cool.” That excitement fuels everything he does.

Making Live Events Feel Effortless

If you’ve ever watched a smooth livestream or polished event production, you probably didn’t think about all the moving parts happening behind the scenes. Zac does.

For him, event production is equal parts technical precision and creative problem-solving. One day might involve setting up cameras and audio systems inside the studio. The next could mean hauling livestream gear across town for a nonprofit gala or community event. And sometimes? Things go sideways.

That’s where Zac thrives.

“I think that it is neat to go out and do different things, hear different speakers, troubleshoot on the fly sometimes if needed.” That ability to adapt quickly is what makes great event producers stand out. While audiences see polished productions, Zac is behind the curtain making sure every mic works, every camera angle lands, and every livestream keeps rolling without interruption.

It’s fast-paced work. But for Zac, that’s part of the fun.

The Stories Behind The Events

What really energizes Zac isn’t just the production side—it’s the people.

UnoDeuce Multimedia works with nonprofits, museums, schools, local organizations, and businesses that are actively making an impact in their communities. Through those productions, Zac gets a front-row seat to stories most people would never hear otherwise.

One event in particular stood out immediately. When asked about his favorite project so far, Zac pointed directly to the “Slavery to Freedom” event featuring Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Held at the Charles H. Wright Museum, the event blended history, storytelling, and baseball culture into a powerful conversation that stuck with Zac long after production wrapped.

“I enjoy sports and I enjoy baseball. So it was really cool hearing him talk about baseball for an hour and a half.” Moments like that remind the UnoDeuce team why storytelling matters. They’re not simply recording events—they’re helping preserve conversations that inspire communities.

Helping Nonprofits Amplify Their Mission

At its core, UnoDeuce Multimedia isn’t just a production company. It’s a storytelling partner for organizations trying to create positive change. That mission resonates deeply with Zac.

“Anybody watching this, I want them to know that we’re here and we’re doing good work. We’re helping nonprofits tell their stories and helping them raise money to further their goals.”

That focus on community separates UnoDeuce from traditional media production companies. The goal isn’t flashy content for the sake of attention. It’s about creating meaningful stories that help organizations connect with audiences, build trust, and inspire action. Whether it’s a fundraising campaign, documentary-style feature, livestreamed event, or promotional video, the team approaches every project with collaboration first.

And Zac believes that trust matters.

Amplifying Stories — Not Manipulating Them

One of the most important things Zac emphasizes is UnoDeuce’s approach to storytelling. The team isn’t interested in reshaping someone’s message or manufacturing emotion. They’re there to elevate authentic voices.

“We’re not coming in to manipulate your story. We’re here to amplify your story.” That philosophy has become central to how UnoDeuce operates. In an era where content often feels overly polished or disconnected, that authenticity matters more than ever.

The Culture Inside UnoDeuce

Beyond the productions and technology, UnoDeuce Multimedia has built a reputation for something equally important: culture. Zac describes the studio environment as collaborative, creative, and supportive—a place where interns, freelancers, producers, and storytellers all contribute ideas together.

In one of the lighter moments during his interview, Zac even gave a shoutout to UnoDeuce intern Aral as his favorite employee.

“My favorite employee is the intern Aral.”

That small moment says a lot about the atmosphere inside the studio. There’s professionalism, sure—but there’s also genuine camaraderie. And honestly, audiences can feel that energy in the final product.

Looking Ahead

As Zac continues growing into his role as events manager, his goals are already expanding beyond day-to-day production work.

He wants to help more nonprofits amplify their voices. He wants to tackle larger events and more ambitious livestreams. And eventually, he hopes to mentor new creatives entering the industry the same way Uno Deuce helped guide him.

Because for Zac, this work is about more than cameras and editing timelines.

It’s about people, it’s about community, and it’s about helping stories reach the audiences that need to hear them.

Final Thoughts

Zachary Crute represents exactly what makes UnoDeuce Multimedia special: passion, adaptability, creativity, and an authentic commitment to community storytelling. Whether he’s troubleshooting livestream equipment five minutes before showtime or helping organizations share life-changing missions with the world, Zac approaches every project with energy and heart.

And as UnoDeuce continues growing, one thing feels pretty clear: the studio wizard is just getting started.

The 14th Annual Deucey Awards: Celebrating Lansing’s Most Inspiring Stories and Creative Community Voices

There’s something special about the Deucey Awards every single year, but the 14th Annual Deucey Awards Livestream hit differently. Maybe it was the energy. Maybe it was the record-breaking vote totals. Or maybe it was the fact that this year marked not only the 14th Deucey Awards, but also 25 years of UnoDeuce telling stories across Lansing and beyond.

Whatever the reason, one thing became crystal clear during this year’s livestream: community storytelling matters. From accessibility advocacy and youth mentorship to emotional wellness and campus innovation, the 2025 Deucey Awards showcased organizations doing meaningful work and using video to bring those stories to life.

And honestly? The competition was intense.

As votes poured in from supporters, families, coworkers, and entire communities rallying behind their favorite nominees, categories tightened into nail-biters. Some races were separated by just a handful of votes, proving how invested people were in these stories and the organizations behind them.

“Absolutely bananas. More votes than we’ve ever gotten in this awards situation.”

A Celebration Bigger Than Awards

The Deucey Awards have always been about more than trophies. They’re about recognizing creativity, highlighting impact, and giving organizations a platform to share what makes their mission important.

This year’s livestream added even more excitement with upgraded production, behind-the-scenes conversations, and a deeper look at the people behind the videos. Every nominee brought something unique to the table, and the result was a showcase filled with emotion, innovation, and authentic storytelling.

Small Business Superstar: Able Eyes

Able Eyes captured the Small Business Superstar category with 52% of the vote.

Able Eyes focuses on accessibility through immersive virtual tours that help individuals with disabilities explore spaces before ever stepping inside. Their work spans parks, universities, businesses, and public institutions, helping users evaluate accessibility features at their own pace.

Think about how valuable that is for someone navigating physical disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or invisible challenges like anxiety. Instead of walking into an unfamiliar environment blindly, users can explore everything beforehand—from ramps and entrances to bathroom layouts and counter heights.

“You can turn and look at counter heights or how high a paper towel dispenser is.”

This year’s featured project highlighted Abrams Planetarium, combining interactive virtual tours with narrative-driven video storytelling. The addition of video created a richer experience, helping visitors not only understand the layout, but also feel connected to the mission and atmosphere behind the space.

For Able Eyes founder Evan Winters, the collaboration opened up new creative possibilities and reinforced how impactful visual storytelling can be.

Most Inspirational Video: Positive Somebody

If there was one category that pulled at emotions the hardest, it was Most Inspirational Video.

Positive Somebody dominated the category with an overwhelming 74% of the vote, and it’s easy to see why. The nonprofit focuses on teaching children emotional regulation, positive coping skills, and healthy mental wellness practices through hands-on tools and educational programs.

At the heart of the organization is founder Jenny’s own story. Growing up with trauma and undiagnosed ADHD, she understood firsthand how difficult emotional regulation could be without proper support.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define her negatively, she transformed them into a mission to help children develop the tools she wished she had growing up. “We just want kids to know that they can have a positive life through positive coping and emotion regulation.”

The organization’s Positive Pack program continues expanding into schools, equipping kids with practical wellness tools while encouraging healthy conversations around mental health.

And the video itself? It became more than promotional content. It evolved into a fundraising tool, a sponsorship driver, and a powerful way to communicate the organization’s purpose in a deeply personal way.

Most Entertaining Video: MSU Landscape Services

The closest race of the night belonged to the Most Entertaining Video category, where MSU Landscape Services edged out the competition by just one vote.

One. Vote.

That razor-thin margin perfectly captured the excitement surrounding this year’s livestream.

Representing one of the largest university landscape operations in the country, MSU Landscape Services manages over 5,300 acres across Michigan State University’s campus. Their responsibilities stretch far beyond mowing lawns—covering snow removal, river management, seasonal displays, sustainability efforts, and long-term campus planning.

“Anything outdoors on campus is kind of under our purview.”

What made the winning video resonate was its ability to spotlight the expertise, dedication, and pride behind the scenes. Instead of simply showing landscaping work, the story focused on the people doing it and the impact they have on campus life every day.

The response inside MSU leadership was immediate, sparking interest in creating additional departmental storytelling projects moving forward.

Most Outstanding Video: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region

Closing out the night was the biggest category of all: Most Outstanding Video.

In another incredibly tight race, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region secured the win for the second consecutive year, finishing just seven votes ahead of the runner-up.

Their video centered around mentorship, connection, and the power of consistent support between “Bigs” and “Littles.” But what truly elevated the project were the firsthand stories shared by the children themselves.

“To hear our Littles say they have better relationships with peers and family members…really inspiring.” Those authentic moments transformed the video from a simple organizational spotlight into something much more powerful—a reminder of how life-changing mentorship can be.

The organization continues growing through community partnerships, fundraising events, and outreach efforts designed to create lifelong relationships that positively shape children’s futures.

More Than Just Videos

At its core, the Deucey Awards represent something bigger than content creation. They celebrate people who care deeply about improving lives, strengthening communities, and telling stories worth sharing.

This year’s winners highlighted accessibility, emotional wellness, mentorship, education, and innovation—all through the lens of authentic storytelling. And judging by the record-breaking engagement, Lansing showed up in a big way to support them.

As Uno Deuce enters its 25th year, one thing remains unchanged: great stories connect people. Whether it’s a nonprofit helping kids, a business improving accessibility, or a university department shaping campus life, every organization honored during the Deucey Awards reminded viewers why local storytelling still matters.

And if this year’s livestream proved anything, it’s that the community is more than ready for what comes next.

Meet Aral Gribble: From Actor to Filmmaker

Finding Purpose Behind the Camera: An Internship Story That Proves It’s Never Too Late

“I’m an old man who went back to school and this is still my first internship I’ve ever done.” That line stops you for a second. It’s not the typical opening to a story about film, media, or internships. But that’s exactly what makes this journey worth paying attention to.

For Aral Gribble, a seasoned actor stepping into a new chapter, the decision to return to school at Lansing Community College wasn’t about reinvention for the sake of it. It was about curiosity. Growth. And a deeper connection to storytelling. What followed was something unexpected. Not just a new skill set, but a new sense of purpose.

Starting Over Isn’t Starting From Scratch

There’s a difference between starting over and starting fresh. Aral didn’t walk into the classroom without experience. He brought years of acting, time on sets, and an understanding of story. But stepping behind the camera meant learning an entirely new language.

Lighting. Audio. Composition. Timing.

The technical side of storytelling revealed itself quickly. And instead of being intimidating, it felt energizing. Going back to school wasn’t about chasing a title. It was about expanding a passion that had always been there.

The Internship That Changed the Perspective

Landing an internship is often seen as a rite of passage for younger students. But for Aral, it became a defining moment later in life. The opportunity placed him in a space where storytelling had real-world impact. Not in a theoretical sense, but in a way that directly affected people and communities.

Working with nonprofit organizations meant every shoot had purpose. Every interview mattered. Every frame carried weight. It wasn’t about building a reel. It was about helping people share their stories.

From Actor to Storyteller in a New Way

For years, Aral had been the person in front of the camera. The one delivering lines, hitting marks, and bringing scripts to life.

Now, he was on the other side. And that shift changed everything.

Being behind the camera meant seeing how every piece came together. The lights that shape a scene. The sound that carries emotion. The crew that makes it all work. It also created a deeper appreciation for collaboration. Film is never a solo act. It’s a collection of moving parts, all working toward a shared vision.

On set, that realization hits fast. It feels like being a kid again, surrounded by tools, ideas, and possibilities.

Learning by Doing

There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom. Real growth happens on set. Aral found himself setting up equipment, adjusting audio, framing shots, and working alongside a team in real-time situations.

No pause button. No perfect conditions. Just problem-solving, adapting, and learning as you go. And somewhere in that process, something clicked.

The most rewarding part wasn’t getting the perfect shot. It was watching someone else step into the frame and realize they had a story worth telling.

Giving People Their Moment

Not everyone is comfortable on camera. In fact, most people aren’t.

That’s what makes nonprofit storytelling so powerful. You’re often working with individuals who have never been filmed before. People who don’t see themselves as “on-camera talent.” But with the right environment and support, something shifts. They open up. They share. They shine.

Helping someone feel confident enough to tell their story becomes the highlight of the process. It’s not about production value. It’s about presence. Giving someone their moment on film changes how they see themselves. And that kind of impact lasts longer than any video.

Storytelling With Purpose

At some point, the goal of storytelling evolves. It stops being about recognition and starts being about contribution.

For Aral, that shift was clear. After years of acting, the realization came that storytelling could be used to make a difference. Not just entertain, but elevate. Nonprofit media work creates space for voices that might otherwise go unheard. It highlights programs, people, and missions that are actively working to improve lives. And when those stories are told well, they do more than inform. They inspire action. That’s where purpose lives.

A Love for Film That Keeps Growing

Even with a new perspective, the love for film remains rooted in appreciation. From projects he’s worked on, like Prodigy, to films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, storytelling continues to be a source of connection.

It’s not about picking a single favorite. It’s about recognizing how stories evolve, how they borrow from the past, and how they continue to shape the present. Film is a living medium. And being part of it, in any capacity, is a privilege.

Advice for Anyone Thinking About the Leap

Aral’s journey offers something simple but powerful. You don’t have to follow a straight path. You can change direction. You can learn something new. You can start at any point in your life.

The key is staying open. Say yes to opportunities. Focus on work that feels meaningful. And don’t be afraid to step into roles that feel unfamiliar. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones.

Where Passion Meets Purpose

In the end, this story isn’t just about an internship. It’s about rediscovery. It’s about realizing that storytelling has more layers than you once thought. That being behind the camera can be just as fulfilling as being in front of it.

And most importantly, it’s about understanding that the best stories aren’t always your own.

They’re the ones you help others tell.