Capture: Video Storytelling
Watch more
Encompassing many styles, moods and messages, and accessible to every budget, video is the language of today.
David W. Smith
I am amazed at the power of image, movement, words and music working together to illustrate what a person puts their time, effort and heart into. My name is Dave Smith. I live in Middlesex, Vermont, with my wife - an international languages teacher - and son. After a 20-year career as a journalist and marketing editor, I've turned my efforts to creating videos for branding, promotion, TV, social media, events, Kickstarter and anything else you can imagine.
with a background in journalism and marketing communications
news and views
Dave’s blog: An unthreatening spot on the border
This week I traveled up to Derby Line to help out on a television shoot on the U.S. border with Canada. The story, a sort-of investigative piece about how consumer electronics are designed to be difficult (or impossible) to repair, had nothing to do with immigration or border policy. The producers – for the Canadian Read more about Dave’s blog: An unthreatening spot on the border[…]
Dave’s blog: Mailing it in
In addition to my video business, I work at Town Hall in Middlesex, where I live. I’m assistant town clerk and collector of delinquent taxes. Although I’m at least a little bit reluctant to place myself in front of the camera, I decided to make this video as a response to the poisonous rhetoric that’s Read more about Dave’s blog: Mailing it in[…]
Dave’s blog: Stand Up to Stalking
Anna Nasset is a client who educates law enforcement and the public about the crime of stalking. This was a fun, emotionally engaging shoot that required some creativity. I feel like I learned a lot. I’ll admit to knowing very little about stalking, so some of her statements and experiences really hit home. It’s clear Read more about Dave’s blog: Stand Up to Stalking[…]
Dave’s blog: Fired up
Red Hen Baking Co. is a bakery and cafe located in the Camp Meade complex in Middlesex, just a quick jog from my house. A few weeks ago the bakery started selling wood-fired pizza on the green out back. You can place your order and watch staff members bake it. Customers can take their pizza Read more about Dave’s blog: Fired up[…]
Dave’s blog: Whiskey reverie
Calling a cocktail “zen” may sound like a stretch, but making one certainly can be. The colors, the sounds and the anticipation all work together to create a reflective moment. It’s something that should be done with care and reverence. This idea came out of the Mad River Valley Moments of Zen, which is a Read more about Dave’s blog: Whiskey reverie[…]
Dave’s blog: Healing nature
I haven’t posted much since the Coronovirus social distancing period began. I don’t know if that’s because I don’t want to put out another this-is-what-my-life’s-like-under-pandemic story, or just general malaise and laziness. COVID-19 has had predictable impacts on my life. Work has almost disappeared. I’ve filed for unemployment — yet to receive any — and Read more about Dave’s blog: Healing nature[…]
Dave’s blog: Message to the self-employed out there
We’re about one week into the COVID-19 isolation period, full swing, and it has impacted enough people’s lives that I can say it’s an event we will never forget. I’m at home with my family. We have a lot to be thankful for. My son is still receiving schooling, via email, virtual sharing and self Read more about Dave’s blog: Message to the self-employed out there[…]
Dave’s blog: Buy Bernie Bars
I made this TV/web video for Rabble-Rouser in Montpelier, a cafe, performance space and maker of fine chocolate and granola. The interviews proved to be a bit of a challenge. Grace knew what she wanted to say, but I kept messing things up by asking questions. In the end, however, it all came together very Read more about Dave’s blog: Buy Bernie Bars[…]
Dave’s blog: When your GoPro says “no”
Some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine zipped by our snowmobile in Stowe last week, but I could only watch the GoPro. I sat in the back. Caleb, my guide for the shoot, steered the snow machine through the back roads and trails of Moscow Woods. We were attempting to capture dynamic footage Read more about Dave’s blog: When your GoPro says “no”[…]
Dave’s blog: Manghis’ mojo
Here’s a video I made back when I was working at the Times Argus. Manghis’ Bakery is kind of an institution in central Vermont. Not only do they make simple, healthy bread of excellent quality, but it’s a business that’s been handed down to a second generation. Kids grew up stopping by their School Street Read more about Dave’s blog: Manghis’ mojo[…]