MCA-I Member Profile June 2009 - Michael Martin Greater Wisconsin - 20-Jun-09: Media Communications video production multimedia producer director editor camera operator

Michael Martin has been at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for 21 years. He is presently a broadcast specialist. Michael is an example of an MCA-I member giving back to his chapter having served as President, President-elect, Program Director, and as a member of the Board of Directors for Greater Wisconsin Chapter. He has served on International Video Festival preliminary panels and as host for other chapters' video festivals.

"Good question. Even my wife can’t explain what I do. My working title is Web and Media Specialist. I typically chuckle at the “Specialist” part because I’m truly a generalist, everything from traditional video production (if there is such a thing) to basic webpage support. While I don’t have a typical workday, here are some of the things I do. I organize, shoot and edit videos, handle basic audio recordings, research solutions to faculty media needs or issues, create or update web pages to hold audio or video media, transcode media, create streaming audio and video files, create and or alter Flash elements, work on media servers, research E-Learning solutions and software, facilitate the implementation of media delivery systems… You get the idea."

"Some might say too long, about 30 years. I got started in video production in high school around 1978. While attending college, (got my degree in Environmental Education) I worked for the campus video production facility. After graduation I found I had my vocation and avocation mixed up. Been working in media production ever since."

"The only thing that surprises me is that I’m still working in this field. I’m starting feel like an old bugger. Good think we still have a few people older than me in our chapter."

"While I’ve always had and interest in video production but I sort of stumbled into this field. As I mentioned, I’ve got my B.S. in Environmental Education (EE) and planned to save the world. I started my Masters degree in EE but couldn’t make ends meet so I took a job as a news photographer at WAOW in Wausau. I worked TV news for a few years and in a few towns until the video production department at UW-SP called and asked if I’d consider leaving the news biz for four-year project appointment. Consider it, hell I think I set a new land speed record getting to Stevens Point. I really enjoyed the job and with prodding from other on the staff, I decide to finish up my Masters in Educational Media. Some of you know the last five years at UW-Stevens Point have been a little turbulent. Departmental changes, downsizing, reorganization with terms like that you’d think I’d be working in the corporate sector."

"You name it, and I’ve probably done it, or at least tried to. Years past I use to work on larger scale external client video projects, but lately it’s been mostly image and campus updates type work. You know under three minute promotional pieces. Being a one-man crew means if it needs to get done, I’ve got to do it. (Okay, I do get some very talented student help) I also work a lot on Flash based media."

"Having worked for the University for 20 years, it’s hard to remember my other jobs. The one thing I did like about being a news photographer was it really allowed me to develop my video shooting skills."

"Several years ago, I would have answered this questions with the typical, “I like the creative.” While I like my job, I love working at a University. Working at a place of higher learning and being surrounded by interesting faculty and students is a real treat. That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed put so long."

"Technology can inspire, but I’m a traditionalist. I like a good solid story, everything else is gravy. I often get to see first year video production student projects. It’s usually pretty easy to tell which ones haven’t been exposed to higher-end editing and effects programs. It seems they see all the fancy effects as a challenge and try to use them all. I still believe that there has to be a reason for a fancy effect or it detracts from the experience."

What was the most rewarding project you've worked on and what made it so rewarding?

"Working for a University with a renowned Natural Resources college has provided opportunities for some real rewarding work, projects that directly relate to my love for the environment. However, the most reward project was the first really big project I ever worked on which was a national snowmobile safety video. This project involved lots of travel, location arrangements, a decent budget etc… It’s funny that this would be my most rewarding. As a cross-country skier and outdoor enthusiast, I hate the noise and disturbance a snowmobile creates."

"I can sum this up with on word, committee. Any project that has a committee is always challenging. I’ve had so many of these that I don’t think I could narrow it down."

"Okay, many will laugh at this one, but when I was in high school I loved the Marty Stouffer Wild America series. I wanted to be out in the wilderness filming wildlife. Of course, I had no idea the majority of his stuff was from tame and/or caged animals. I was just a kid and like the romance of story. Prior to that I was hooked on Marlin Perkins and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom."

"Seems like a pretty open question. Life is a journey and I try not to take it too seriously. I often hear graduating students questioning their abilities and whether they know enough to make it in their prospective field. My response, you never know enough and no one ever does, just be happy in what you do and if all else fails, fake it."

What role does/has MCA-I played in your career? Why do you remain involved?

"While I can’t say that MCA-I (or ITVA for that matter) has ever changed my career path, I do enjoy being a member of the local chapter. It’s great to have access to the knowledge banks of so many well-rounded individuals. It’s hard to imagine how a group who, for the most part, compete for many of the same projects and market dollars getting along so well. When I’m able to attend the local meetings, I know it’s going to be a good day."