Tim Dachtera

This project entails the complete lifecycle of video production.  WMSTR is an annual exhibition of threshing, plowing, sawmills, horsepower, music and steam, demonstrating how life on the farm was nearly a century ago.  I, along with a partner have taken on the task of filming, editing and producing this yearly full length DVD, along with assorted social media clips during the off season.

I am responsible for creating the annual budget for each years film, lining up the rental gear and coordinating with any special exhibits or demonstrations taking place at the show for the upcoming year.  This may also include some filming during the summer months, or shortly after the show.

Between my partner and I we, film hours of footage at the show, that needs to be condensed down to 90-100 minutes to fit onto a DVD.  I perform the lion’s share of this work, including audio mixing, editing of the the video, putting together the story board and flow for the video.  In addition, I handle design and cover art for the DVD and case as well as coordinating with the production house to ensure the DVD’s are created on time for annual delivery.

We were handed off this monumental project from a previous Member in 2007, who no longer had current cameras or editing software to produce the products they thought we should be producing, so I stepped up and took on the role as I owned most of the gear for filming in HD, and the editing gear as well.  With renting minimal gear to have two Hi-Def cameras, we now can produce beautiful DVD’s documenting the show, including narratives, music and interviews.

This project take roughly 140 to compete in editing, and is 100% volunteer time.  I make no money from this production.

This client came to me in 2011 with a 1/2 completed video project, and needed someone to go that last mile to ensure it was done to his satisfaction.  Knowing of my work thru the WMSTR DVD and common friends, he went on recommendations alone that I was the guy to complete his project.

Working to complete a 5 day seminar, filming with poor quality video, and house audio, I only had so much to start with.  By spending many hours adjusting the audio, removing background noise, hum and static, along with dozens of tweaks to the color to compensate for lack of white balance, I was able to produce a final product of decent quality.  You can only do so much with what you have to start with.  The real area where I was able to improve upon was the packaging, and included standardizing all of the presenters PowerPoint material to format into DVD frames and be easy on the eyes.

For packaging, I used the same house I use for the WMSTR production, and in total made nearly 3600 units between matching audio and video media at 16 each, fully branded and in professional quality cases (vs the off-the-shelf jewel cases the previous shop was using).

The client was happy with their final product, and has hired me on for the 2012 seminar, where I’ll be able to work with a camera-man I know, start with quality footage and have more opportunity to streamline the process, and brand the entire seminar as needed.

I have been working with ASSE – Northwest Chapter since 2009 to film their monthly meetings.  By working with another local group (CLMI) The group has been able to have me film and edit the meetings, and have CMLI format the footage into the ASSE website.

Not only is this useful for members of the group who are unable to attend the monthly meetings (which contain business related information to the group, as well as a featured speaker) but also some of these courses count towards the required continuing education.  By utilizing my video services, and the services provided by CLMI, the Northwest Chapter is the only one currently offering online videos and credit for reviewing them online.  This has been a significant gain by allowing more members to keep up on the groups events, with busy schedules.