A southern Missouri native, Byron graduated from Missouri State with a bachelor's degree in mass media. After working with local television stations, he pursued his graduate degree at the American Film Institute and went straight into the film-making industry. He has worked on such programs as "Nip/Tuck," "The Bachelor" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
He recently finished a film project with Demi Moore, Jennifer Anniston and Alicia Keys. The project is a collection of five short stories called "Five," and its purpose is to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Byron learned much of what he knows about screenwriting at Missouri State. "Within a short time [in the industry], I was doing the editing for films I was working on while others who had been in the industry many more years than I were doing smaller jobs."
Byron attributes his early success in life to his time at Missouri State. "The film department used all of the same tools that we use in the industry, so I learned the fundamentals of the industry at Missouri State."
When asked about his time as an undergraduate, Byron described it as his own coming-of-age story. "I had all the excitement of becoming an adult and exploring the avenues before me. Missouri State was my launch pad into my future."
Byron's advice to current students includes, "take your time with your studies." He also encourages students to get a well-rounded education. "You wouldn't believe how many times I have wished I knew Spanish, French or even business administration. In today's world of changing careers, a wide range of knowledge is invaluable."
Byron currently lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Danielle and their two-year-old son Beckett.
