1. How did you choose your company name? What does it mean to you?

A “Talking Circle”, also known by some Indigenous peoples of Alaska as a “Raven’s Circle”, are groups that come together to discuss issues of importance and deep meaning. In the Talking Circle, communication occurs within the whole group allowing a creative flow of feelings, emotions, thoughts and ideas. Talking Circle Media’s name represents this sharing. I picked this name partly because I myself am part Inupiaq and I felt it embodied my view of media production.

2. What makes us stand out from other media companies?

* Exceptional attention to our clients needs.
* Schedules change, and things come up so rescheduling your edit or video shoot isn't a problem. However if we are busy and a re-schedule fee may apply, we will let you know.
* Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accommodate any schedule.
* Production experience across Alaska & the World.
* Professional, hand-picked staff.
* Largest studio space in Alaska.
* Native owned.

3. List the type of services you offer.

* HD Video Recording (Single or Multi-Cam)
* Digital Video Editing
* Film Equipment and Grip Rentals
* Meeting AV Rentals
* DVD, CD-ROM, and Flash Drive Duplication
* Custom DVD Creation
* Script Writing
* Graphics Creation
* Website Design & Maintenance
* Live Event Broadcasting (Air or Web)

4. What equipment would you hi-light?

We use Sony Broadcast HD Cameras. Editing is done on a new MacPro 8 Core system with HDSDI uncompressed input/output capability and Final Cut Pro 7. We can finish projects to any format including Blu-Ray, DVD, .MOV, AVI, etc..We also have HDV, Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, DV-CAM and Mini-DV video cameras.There are three digital non-linear editing systems available.

5. How long have you been in business?

The owner and Video Media Director Jonathan Butzke, first began working as a Producer in 1984 at Anchorage music t.v. station “Catch 22”.
In 1987 Jonathan started Video Perspective as a video support company.
In 2001 he purchased Alaskan company “TCS Video Production Center”.
In 2003 the Video Perspective name evolved to Talking Circle Media.

6. What are some of the far away places your company has worked?

Italy, Holland, Denmark, Greenland, Mexico, Canada. California, Oregon, Washington D.C., Massachusets, Conneticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, New York. Juneau, Angoon, Kake, Ketchican, Prince of Wales Island, Craig, Hydeburg, Sitka, Yakutat, Hoonah, Cordova, Nuchiiq, Valdez, Tatitlik, Green Island, Whittier, Seward, Aialik Bay, Kenai, Homer, Soldotna, Seldovia, Portage, Girdwood, Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Glenallen, Northway Village, Copper Center, Wrangell Saint Elias, Port Alsworth, Pedro bay, Kodiak, Adak, Dillingham, New Stuyohak, Bethel, Goodnews Bay, Chefornak, Hooper Bay, Chevak, Napaskiak, Napakiak, Kwethluk, Mountain Village, Aniak, Pilot Station, St. Mary’s, Huslia, Minto, Denali Park, Kahiltna Glacier, Fairbanks, Ruby, Galena, Tetlin, Tok, Arctic Village, Unalakleet, Selawik, Nome, Shishmaref, Deering, Beringian International Park, Ikpek, Serpentine Hot Springs, Kotzebue, Sesalik, Point Hope, Barrow, King Island, Prudhoe Bay, Scagway.

We have experience shooting in most every conceivable way, underwater, from boats, planes, helicopters, snowmachines, four wheelers, and production cars.

7. Who is ‘Talking Circles Media ‘target' clientele?

Organizations that need to communicate a video or DVD message, Alaskan Native organizations, Corporations, Advertising and PR agencies, other Producers and Directors.

8. Describe the studio.

I designed my studio environment in a dramatic colorful design that helps foster positive thoughts and feelings. It makes sitting in a dark editing room feel warm and inviting. We have Native artwork featured throughout the studio purchased from rural locations we have worked.
Work can be completed in comfort anytime day or night.

9. How many music libraries do you offer? What is unique about one or two?

Music is important for adding emotion to video programs. There are four music libraries in the studio that total 350 plus compact disks. We also have a special effects sound library.

10. What one thing is it you want clients to walk away with?

Talking Circle Media is in existence and is an excellent selection for their media creation needs.
That we are producers of a diverse selection of quality video programs.

11. How many people work full time? Who are they? Give a brief bio on their expertise. Describe the benefits of your freelance associates.

There are 6 staff members, and 6 part-time contract crew members.

Jonathan Butzke. Owner.
Director of Video Media. Editor. Videographer

Jeremiah J. Jones,
Computer Graphics, Web Site Design.

Charles Lindemuth,
Print, Computer Graphics, Web Site Design.

Michael Bergstrom,
Key Grip/Gaffer, Production Assistant.

Zak Melms,
Editor, Computer Graphics, Production Assistant.

Gary Johnson,
Videographer, Television Director

Freelance contract crew members are frequently hired as projects demand. At times, crews of 12 or more people are hired for large multi-camera projects, or to ensure multiple field shoots occur as needed.

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