We are a storytelling firm that specializes in crafting cinema-style videos.
Our stories make us who we are; our passion connects us with people around the world. There is so much equity in your authentic story and we help you tap into it.
CARLOS MAESTAS
Founder & Chief Storysmith
Carlos believes storytelling is the best way organizations and people can move others to action. Through personal pain and spiritual growth, he discovered a passion for storytelling, especially for organizations with a significant social impact. He’s interviewed over 1,000 people in his career and has delivered powerful videos that draw in an audience by capitalizing on emotional connection and content.
Since its start 19 years ago, Key Ideas has received 5 Lone Star Emmy nominations. His work has garnered multiple industry awards and garnered the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation in 2013, which featured a public service announcement produced for St. PJ’s Children’s Home. He occasionally moonlights as a stand-up comedian, opening once for five-time Emmy award winner and Saturday Night Live alumnus Dennis Miller.
Carlos holds a B.A. in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from the University of Incarnate Word. He leads a workshop called Storytelling That Moves People across the US. His book on storytelling, Mommy Lied to God, launched in the summer of 2020 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller.
Since its start 19 years ago, Key Ideas has received 5 Lone Star Emmy nominations. His work has garnered multiple industry awards and garnered the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation in 2013, which featured a public service announcement produced for St. PJ’s Children’s Home. He occasionally moonlights as a stand-up comedian, opening once for five-time Emmy award winner and Saturday Night Live alumnus Dennis Miller.
Carlos holds a B.A. in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from the University of Incarnate Word. He leads a workshop called Storytelling That Moves People across the US. His book on storytelling, Mommy Lied to God, launched in the summer of 2020 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller.
JEN MAESTAS
Education Director
Drawing from 10 years as a school administrator in SA's largest urban district, Jen helps Key Ideas maintain a strong organizational culture. Her educational expertise provides insight on pedagogy & practice in education. Her experience leading staff and managing a budget provides knowledge about staff morale, productivity, and goal attainment. She is skilled at creating and providing professional development related to leadership, management, and organizational culture.
Jen hosts an education podcast called Miss Education that has reached the Top 20 education podcasts on Apple Podcasts with over 20,000 downloads. She is also the founder of San Antonio Leaders and Teachers (SALT), a nonprofit for educators.
Jen hosts an education podcast called Miss Education that has reached the Top 20 education podcasts on Apple Podcasts with over 20,000 downloads. She is also the founder of San Antonio Leaders and Teachers (SALT), a nonprofit for educators.
CHRISTOPHER BRANCA
Senior Storysmith - Editor & Director of Photography
Born and raised in San Antonio, Christopher pursued his interest in photography and filmmaking at San Antonio College. In 2009 he moved to New York, continuing his education at The Edit Center. Christopher served as an editor on several feature-length documentary and narrative films, earning him an Emmy nomination along the way. He also edited commercial and corporate short-form videos for clients, including Fox Searchlight, Goya Foods, and more. His work has been featured at Sundance and the South by Southwest film festivals. He moved back to San Antonio in 2014 and has been with Key Ideas since 2015. View a full list of his works here.
FABIO LIMA
Storysmith - Director of Photography
Originally from Brazil, Fabio moved to the U.S. fifteen years ago. His passion for storytelling lies in videography and photography. He has experience in storytelling for various mission-driven organizations and in high-quality event video and photo capturing. He is a researcher at heart and believes it is important to seek first to understand before being understood.
In his free time, he enjoys taking photos of daughter Elisabeth.
In his free time, he enjoys taking photos of daughter Elisabeth.
NICK ZAMORA
Storysmith - Editor
Born and raised in San Antonio, Nick has spent most of his life pursuing creative endeavors. With a mother who danced and choreographed Ballet Folklorico with some of the most prestigious dance companies in San Antonio and a father who still performs music around the San Antonio area, Nick was raised in the local arts scene.
Over the past 25 years, Nick has spent the majority of his career working as a Creative Director for several non-profit organizations leading teams in creative video production, live stage and event production, marketing, branding, and communications.
After receiving his Bachelor's degree in Digital Cinematography, Nick has had the opportunity to work with worldwide companies like Active.com and as Digital Journalist / Videographer for KENS 5 News in San Antonio.
Currently, you can also catch Nick performing in the country music scene around the San Antonio area. See where Nick will be next here - nicholaszamora.com
PAUL STEHLIK
Director of Operations
Paul’s first foray into production was an internship at Saturday Night Live while he attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, followed by a stint studying film at USC. Those early experiences were the launching pad for a career in production over the last 25+ years, where Paul has had the opportunity to serve in various roles, from the creative director for a national fundraising organization to producing and directing the award-winning independent film Seasons of Gray. His love for missional story-telling has fueled an adventure that spans five continents, including three years living and working in Rwanda. His favorite story is the one unfolding each day with his wife, Sarah, and their three teenage sons.