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 because I myself am part Inupiaq. My family lineage is from the Seward Peninsula area in Northwest Alaska. I have produced videos all over Alaska, and many have to do with Alaska Native Issues and Rural locations.

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

* Exceptional attention to our clients needs.
* We usually don’t charge for clients re-scheduling editing or video shoots.
* Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accommodate any schedule.
* Experience in all of Alaska, using hand picked professionals that are proven leaders in this profession.
* We are the largest studio in Alaska.
* The owner being part Inupiaq.

3. List the type of services you offer.

* Video recording using single or multi camera configurations
* Digital Video editing services
* Equipment and Grip rentals
* DVD, CD-ROM, and VHS duplication
* DVD-Video creation
* Script writing
* Graphics creation
* Internet web and video design
* Live Event Broadcasting

4. How reliable is your equipment? Is it state of the art?

The equipment we use is state of the art technology, not only in Alaska but nationally. Digital Betacam is our preferred format for video recording.
We were the first company to purchase this technology in Alaska. It is the best video picture available in Alaska.
We also have Betacam SP, DV-CAM and Mini-DV video systems.There are three digital non-linear editing systems available.
We purchased two new digital editing systems in 2003. And in 2002 obtained the most equipped location “Grip Truck” in Alaska.

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?

We have shot video productions locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally.

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.

Types of location shooting with a camera:

Underwater, Watercraft, Aerial Helicopter, Aerial Airplane, Snowmachine, Four wheeler, Automobile, Skiing.

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 environment of your facility. How do you think this is appealing to a client working there?

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 add a new disk every month to keep current “sounds” available. 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 5 staff members, and 6 part-time contract crew members.

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

Jeremiah J. Jones,
Computer Graphic Artist. Web Site Design.

Charles Lindemuth,
Print and Computer graphics. Web Site Design.

Michael Bergstrom,
Key Grip/Gaffer. Production Assistant.

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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