Savo Talks Taking Over the Media Landscape and Defining Tacoma Culture on The Pop-Up!
The Pop-Up!: Tacoma Takeover host Elisha Michelle recently welcomed some of Tacoma’s most prominent figures to the Black Media Matter Studio. Among the featured guests was Savo, a Tacoma-based media professional, videographer, and the driving force behind the rapidly growing visual podcast and brand Get to Know ‘Em TV.
Savo gave insight into his work ethic, his creative blueprint, and the Tacoma Dog, a viral culinary sensation that sparked a playful cross-city rivalry between Seattle and Tacoma.
From Passion to Platform
Savo’s journey into the media landscape began on the mic thanks to his passion for music. Realizing early on that he needed to become self-reliant to bring his artistic vision to life, he mastered every aspect of the creative pipeline.
"Through music, I had to become basically everything I needed. So I had to become the photographer, the cameraman, all these things. And I feel like I mastered it in that sense. The last missing ingredient was the platform.”
Savo recognized a glaring void in the Pacific Northwest media ecosystem. He envisioned a unified press framework similar to major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, where artists and culture creators could execute structured press runs within their own region.
Building an Empire
That inspiration has since manifested into a powerhouse production schedule. Alongside running Quicc Savo Films, a production business specializing in music videos and graphic design, Savo and his team have been on a run. Within the last six months alone, Get to Know ‘Em TV has produced upwards of 60 episodes.
Savo’s high-profile interviews, including a recent sit-down with rap icon Soulja Boy, have further elevated the platform's visibility. Yet, despite the star-studded guests, the show's most memorable and viral moments often come from internal team dynamics.
The Legend of the Tacoma Dog
Beyond traditional digital media, Savo has managed to leverage his platform to create a literal taste of the town: the Tacoma Dog.
Born out of a casual cooking session with his childhood friend, the hot dog has taken social media by storm. The recipe, which features a hot dog topped with onions, crushed Hot Cheetos, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, was designed to capture a distinct aesthetic and high virality.
The hot dog quickly sparked online chatter when Seattle was publicly crowned online for having the best hot dog just one day after Savo dropped his video. Savo used his appearance on The Pop-Up! to officially set the record straight regarding the timing.
"We did not copy. We were literally a day ahead if you guys can check the stats and everything," he said.
The creation was even delivered directly to Soulja Boy and his crew's tour bus during their recent promotional run. Currently, Savo and Chef Lee are actively navigating high demand and exploring long-term business models, moving from festival pop-ups toward food trucks and eventual brick-and-mortar locations.
A Vision for the Future
When looking ahead at the next five years, Savo’s objectives are entirely clear: total regional dominance driven by authenticity.
"Just being the biggest in the Pacific Northwest, period," he said when asked about his trajectory. "We just want to dominate this space we are in…’Cause I feel like our intent is pure. Some people do it for different reasons. I think we do it for the right reasons.”
Part of that intent involves heavy community integration, giving back through holiday toy drives, and paying homage to fellow local creators who consistently use their platforms to elevate the community.
With major national eyes fixed on Washington state following the FIFA World Cup and sporting milestones, Savo believed the region is finally entering a golden era for local creators, musicians, and digital media brands.
"I think it is springing up more content creators and giving people the motivation to do it," he said. "I feel like the Pacific Northwest time is like right now.”
To follow Savo's creative journey and watch upcoming episodes of the visual podcast, check out Get to Know ‘Em TV on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. For his personal videography and visual art, give him a follow across all major platforms.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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