Aaron L. Smith

Producer-Director-Writer-Editor-DP-Motion GFX Artist

Work History
Editor/Photographer/Producer, Chambers Productions ~Dec. ’09-Present
My boss referred to me as the Swiss Army Knife. I edited
numerous multi-cam long form projects, narrative pieces,
corporate videos and commercials. I also served as a DP,
DVD author, graphic artist, and producer.
(541) 485-5611 Steve Coker

Producer/Director/DP/Editor, The Division Productions ~Aug. ’07-Present
I co-founded The Division Productions. Along with my two
partners, I shot, edited, and produced “Graveyard Carz”. A
TV show that is airing internationally and was recently
acquired by Discovery HD Theater & Discovery Turbo.
(541) 543-8102 Mark Worman

Producer/Director, KEZI Channel 9 ~Nov. ’07-Oct. ’08
 I wrote, directed, edited and produced television
commercials. Often performing all tasks myself
but when budget allowed I worked with a full crew.
(541) 485-5611 Jason Knouse

Photographer/Editor, KEZI Channel 9 ~Apr.-Oct. ’07
 I shot and edited news stories for broadcast. Both
on location and in the studio.
(541) 485-5611 Gary Darigol

Production Assistant, KEZI Channel 9 ~Feb.-Apr. ‘07
 Floor direction, camera operation, operating the
teleprompter & organizing scripts.
(541) 485-5611 Brad Sloan

Television Production Internship ~Jun.-Aug. ‘03
I coordinated numerous three camera shoots–lighting,
shooting, audio engineering, editing and graphics.
(541) 556-0707 Jonathan Stemer

Freelance Video Production ~2002-Present
 Event videography, multimedia DVDs, educational
videos & commercials. I own and operate
a 5D MK II and I have extensive experience with
both prosumer and professional ENG style cameras.






Education

University of Oregon 2001-2006 B.F.A. in Multimedia Design
I completed a variety of courses including film studies, screenwriting, and video journalism. The majority of my classes were on video editing, DVD authoring, motion graphics, design, and several independent studies established for the completion of short films.

Lane Community College 1997-2001 Transfer Degree
I was on the speech team and received speech & communication scholarships
and awards.

Springfield High 1993-1997 Graduated with Honors
 I was awarded for my heavy involvement in theatre and I had my own column in the school’s newspaper.

Software Proficiency

Final Cut Pro – Advanced
DVD Studio Pro – Advanced
Soundtrack Pro – Intermediate
 Motion – Intermediate
Avid Media Composer –Intermediate
After Effects – Intermediate
Photoshop – Intermediate
Illustrator – Novice
Premiere – Novice

Defining the Terms

Programs run deep. Someone who says they've mastered a piece of software is likely no where close to that skill level.

When I use the words novice, intermediate and advanced I think of them in terms of my comfortability more so than my ability–given enough time one can do anything. Note I didn't mention Maya or Combustion among my proficiensies.

However, if someone asks me to do something in Final Cut Pro, odds are I can do it very quickly and efficiently. When I leaf through the advanced FCP books on my shelf or watch advanced tutorials, I'm familar with most of the techniques I see.

Whereas with a program like Illustrator, although I use it, it's not my tool of choice. I can stumble through it but it's a bit like my Spanish. It takes constant work to seem natural.

With all the programs mentioned, I would like to point out that I am constantly reading books, watching tutorials and using the software on real world projects. So on any given day, my abilities are greater than the day before.

After encountering a number of folks who claimed proficiency in Final Cut, but couldn't tell me what a ripple delete was. I felt some clarification on "proficiency" may be necessary. I hope this somewhat vague definition helps.