Capture: Video Storytelling
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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: 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[…]
Dave’s blog: Personal histories
I’ve been exploring the idea of offering a service for interviewing and recording people’s personal histories. Here is a short sample of a recent interview with a gentleman who lives in Randolph Center. He speaks about his career as an oboist, teacher and concert program producer I find the process very moving, and utilizes my Read more about Dave’s blog: Personal histories[…]
Dave’s blog: CCV’s history
I recently finished a series of videos for the Community College of Vermont, interviewing five of the people who have served as president in the college’s history. The videos accompany a website and timeline celebrating the CCV’s 50-year history, in which it has evolved from an upstart, non-grading “practical” learning environment to a multi-site institution Read more about Dave’s blog: CCV’s history[…]
Dave’s blog: One year and counting
One year ago today I woke up self-employed with a plan to make something out of my hobby-job video business. What a year! I’m truly grateful to those of you who believed in me, and excited to work with those of you I have not yet met. Much more to come! davecaptures.com.
Dave’s blog: Russian journos do Burlington
This summer I had the super-fun task of documenting a brief cultural exchange program of Russian journalists on their visit to Burlington. The gig came through PH International, a Waitsfield cultural exchange program I knew through Emily, who used to work there. The job was to cover the Vermont portion of a one-month visit to Read more about Dave’s blog: Russian journos do Burlington[…]