Tuba Ted - Trenton Film Festival
Our latest documentary, about a man who has played tuba professionally for over 70 years and who tells stories from his life and gigs, will
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Oct 19, 2019
- 2 min
Procrastination
We all procrastinate. We put off making that colonoscopy appointment, dinner with an overbearing friend, difficult meeting with a colleague
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Aug 18, 2019
- 2 min
Our Latest Documentary - Tuba Ted
Roughly four years ago, I finished a documentary about the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act. About that same time I met Ted Goeden and was captivated by his storytelling. Ted was playing tuba in a small combo at Bull Falls Brewery in Wausa u, Wisconsin the night we met. In between numbers he would tell jokes and share highlights from his musical career. Now an octogenarian (translation: he is in his 80s), he began playing tuba professionally when he was just 15 years old. T
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media LLC
- Jun 2, 2019
- 1 min
Award Winning Virtual Tour for Ridges Sanctuary
Creating a virtual tour takes creativity and teamwork. Read more about our award winning project.
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media LLC
- Jan 17, 2018
- 2 min
Evolution of a Video Script
When we start a new video project, we know that it will involve writing a script. It’s just foolish to go into production armed only with a vague idea of what you hope to get. It’s about as advisable as trying to build a house without a blueprint. Our first step in the scripting process involves a discussion with the client. During that meeting we’ll determine primary and secondary goals, demographics of target audience, key points, and tone. We’ll also get any background mat
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Dec 12, 2017
- 4 min
Giving Your Video Voice
Tips on getting great voice work for your video project.
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media LLC
- Oct 25, 2017
- 2 min
Devil in the Details: Finishing a Documentary Project
Sometimes it seems like the last part of creating an interview-driven documentary should be the easiest. Mind the details to prevent disaste
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media LLC
- Aug 24, 2017
- 2 min
Where Do YOU Find Inspiration?
Inspiration can be an elusive and fickle beast. Some days it’s there, whispering or even roaring in your ear. Others, it’s gone and no amount of bribery will bring it out of hiding. When you work in a creative field like we do, you simply don’t have time to chase the tail of inspiration. You need to know where to find it and how to harness it. That means you might need to have a some tricks up your proverbial sleeve. Here are a few of our favorite ways to find inspiration. Le
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media LLC
- Jun 20, 2017
- 2 min
Being a Consultant
Rather than being offended when a client asks questions or offer suggestions, welcome the opportunity to collaborate and keep your project o
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- May 15, 2017
- 2 min
Storytelling for the Corporate World
I have always loved stories – whether they’re presented in song, film or print. Maybe that’s why I do what I do. Marketing is really all about telling stories. As a matter of fact, some marketing professionals refer to themselves as corporate storytellers which is a very accurate title. Stories are an integral part of the human learning process. And they are essential in creating transformation and change. We need more than raw data to move us; we need the narrative, the why,
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Apr 24, 2017
- 2 min
Who Should Tell the Story?
A story can be told by just about anyone. But a good story must be told in the right way by the right person. For example, you probably wouldn’t have the Jolly Green Giant as a pitchman for feminine hygiene products any more than you would use an interview with the Jabba the Hutt to sell weight lifting equipment. As producers and/or writers, one of the first things we need to determine is who should tell the story. Should it be an on camera narrator or a voice over? Or, shoul
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Mar 9, 2017
- 2 min
Making the Most of Video Marketing $$$$
Individuals and businesses need to be cost conscious. It’s a fact of life. Here's a way to get the most from your video marketing $$$$.
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Feb 9, 2017
- 1 min
Clear Communication for a Smooth Project
When managing a project for a client, clear communication is critical for success. That means budget, mutual responsibilities, deliverables
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Jan 9, 2017
- 2 min
Creative Commons = Common Sense
When I produce a documentary it is because I feel that the story is important. I think that’s the primary motivation for most documentarians. Budgets are often tight and we have to get creative when it comes to finding cost effective and ethical ways to stretch the limited dollars we have access to yet still incorporate compelling photographs, video and music. That’s where Creative Commons comes in. A grant funded project I worked on for a Wisconsin Technical College required
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Dec 12, 2016
- 2 min
5 Tips to Avoid Project Disaster
I work with a wide range of clients, from ad agencies and production companies to internal marketing departments and CEOs, department heads or executive directors. In each of these situations I write and often project manage creative projects including electronic newsletters, websites, videos, media releases, feature articles and more. No matter who the client, however, or what the specific project, I am always acting as a consultant, keeping in mind my client’s objectives an
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Nov 29, 2016
- 1 min
Clear Focus Media Earns Awards
On Thursday November 17, Wisconsin filmmakers gathered at Madison's Bartell Theater to celebrate their craft with the WAVE Awards. This annual event is a program of the Madison chapter of the Media Communications Association - International. Susan Reetz of Clear Focus Media, LLC (formerly of Rucinski & Reetz Communication) was there and accepted two awards. The first was for the documentary Missing Threads: The Story of the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act. Other production
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Nov 8, 2016
- 2 min
The Art of Listening: 6 Quick Tips
I was chatting with the owner of a talent agency a while back. She was asking me questions about using social media for marketing, and telling me about the update in progress on her website. To put it politely, her site’s redesign wasn’t going well. My friend had asked the web development company she’d hired for some specific things regarding design and functionality of the site. She had asked for a shopping cart so visitors could select actors and actresses they were interes
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Susan Reetz, Clear Focus Media, LLC
- Sep 20, 2016
- 1 min
Introducing Clear Focus Media
Clear Focus Media, LLC is a new company founded on over 20 years of award winning media content production experience. We take the time to get to know you and your project needs. We can blend with your existing team to tackle your writing needs or handle the whole project for you from concept to completion. We'll draw from our large network of talented project collaborators and create a team to meet your specific needs with outstanding results. Get in touch with us to get you
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