For Nic Fossali, a lifelong passion for video games has evolved into a dynamic career. Now a broadcast engineer for Film Quality Services in Flowery Branch, Ga., Fossali’s journey demonstrates how dedication to a personal interest, combined with targeted education, can pave the way for professional success in a burgeoning industry. His story is also a testament to the hands-on training provided by Georgia Film Academy (GFA).
Fossali’s interest in gaming started at a young age.
“My dad is a nerd. He had a computer and I played games like Pajama Sam and Putt Putt growing up and that was my journey.”
This early exposure on the PC grew to include various consoles, solidifying his love for interactive entertainment.
As he entered college, his hobby transformed into a competitive pursuit. He discovered the world of esports through the game Overwatch, climbing the ranks and joining the esports club at the University of North Georgia. This led him to compete in local tournaments, including PantherLAN at Georgia State University (GSU), which marked his first significant entry into the organized esports scene. The experience of playing on a professional stage, complete with guest speakers and panels, opened his eyes to the industry’s potential.
During the pandemic, Fossali channeled his passion into a charitable cause. He co-organized “Shoot for the Stars,” a fully remote collegiate esports tournament that raised more than $5,000 for Make-A-Wish Georgia. Taking on the complex role of broadcast production, managing remote camera feeds and syncing them for a professional stream, ignited his interest in the technical side of esports.
Fossali’s newfound focus led him to transfer to GSU and, on the advice of an advisor, enroll in GFA’s esports program, where he found the structured learning environment he needed to turn his practical experience into a skillset.
He was particularly impressed by his instructor Whitney Faigle, noting, “Whitney’s incredibly talented at organizing events and really breaking down what makes an industry event successful.”
In class, Fossali gained hands-on knowledge in event coordination, the fundamentals of esports broadcasting and the technology behind live productions, skills he credits as essential in shaping his professional capabilities.
“GFA gave me the foundational knowledge I needed to succeed,” Fossali states.
Through his classes, he connected with Film Quality Services, which led to an internship and eventually a job as lead broadcast engineer.
In his current position, Fossali is responsible for the technical architecture of broadcasts, ranging from corporate meetings to major events like DreamHack. He designs the signal flow, ensuring every camera feed and audio source is integrated and delivered to platforms like Twitch. He has contributed to projects for major clients, including Electronic Arts and the NFL, building the technological backbone for high-stakes live productions.
Fossali’s journey from playing children’s games on his father’s computer to engineering complex live broadcasts for a global audience illustrates the power of following one’s passion.
