He served in the U.S. Navy from 2005–2016 before seeking a career in film production through UCLA Extension and AFI Conservatory.

He graduated in 2003 from James E. Taylor High School and joined the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program.

[2] He was promoted to petty officer first class and served until 2016 when he received a Bachelor of Science – Nuclear at Excelsior College and Certificate – Producing at UCLA Extension.

[6] In 2018, he found work in the production department at HBO through Veterans in Media & Entertainment Internship program.

Dawson said he and Binse plan to turn that project into a feature film.