Thomas Essig

**Biography of Thomas Essig**

Thomas Essig is a multifaceted American creative known for his work as a film producer, musician, and actor. His journey began in Pittsburgh, where he played drums for the local band The Prestons before a career opportunity with McKesson took him to New York in 1999. By 2022, his passion for filmmaking and music allowed him to return to Pittsburgh, a city close to his heart, where he has reconnected with family, friends, and his unwavering support for the Pirates.

Essig's foray into acting took shape in 2005 while residing in Hudson, NY, where he performed at the Rhinebeck Centre of the Arts, notably in "War Games: A World War II Memoir" by Sam Hall. His foundation as a musician began at age six, and he embraced audio engineering in the 1980s, learning the intricacies of recording with a Tascam 424 cassette recorder. By the 2000s, he was adept at playing various instruments and producing music alongside his robotics career.

In 2017, he founded SSYY Productions Inc. (Stick Shift Yaya’s) and produced his first short film, "Drive." This project ignited his filmmaking journey, leading to his directorial debut with "Something Divine," which garnered six awards, including a prestigious Telly Award for Feature Documentary. He has also served as Executive Producer for the acclaimed "Go/Don’t Go" (2021) and Co-Executive Producer for the award-winning short "Through the Stars" (2023). Currently, he is working on "I’m the Drummer," a personal narrative that explores his life experiences, alongside contributing to the upcoming Pittsburgh project "The Monte Carlo," set for release in 2026. In May 2025, he participated as a panelist at the Global Entertainment Showcase during the Cannes Film Festival, marking another highlight in his evolving career.