Behind the Screen: Dakota Reinike
Meet Dakota Reinike, Digital Producer for ASR Media Productions. Dakota has loved creating content for as long as she can remember and her typical Friday night as a kid was spent writing and editing videos with her best friend. The two of them created TV shows, music videos... even commercials. Although silly and juvenile concepts, the work done sparked Dakota’s passion for storytelling.
Dakota learned at an early age how bringing video clips together perfectly can be incredibly satisfying. During her junior year in high school, Dakota took her first Film/Editing class. She learned how to analyze movies and the major role editing plays in making film. In her senior year, she and a few friends were in charge of producing the school’s morning show. She pitched, planned, shot, and edited episodes that she hoped would keep tired high schoolers engaged early in the morning. They worked hard to add fun and creative elements to their shows!
Dakota decided to pursue a B.A. in TV/Film at DeSales University where she fell in love with television development. Her love of creating videos had always been apparent but continuing to master the technique of taking an idea and bringing it to life fueled her dedication and made it clear she chose the right field.
“Video is the only way to truly bring a story to life in moving form. The creative process has always been very fulfilling to me.”
After completing a senior year internship with ASR Media, Dakota officially joined the team immediately following graduation in May of 2018. ASR Media’s content is much different than what she experienced in school, but she quickly found “familiar” opportunities developing and producing ASR Media’s first podcast, Unscripted with Russo.
Take a listen to Dakota’s favorite Unscripted episode!
Dakota enjoys editing projects in which she’s able to be experimental and creative with graphics. There are so many great resources that allow ASR editors to stretch their imagination and have fun while editing. Of the many elements involved with editing, Dakota gets most excited finding a piece of music that perfectly matches the mood and tone of the piece she’s working on. Dakota strongly believes that “whenever a video feels incomplete, the right music is almost always what ties it all together.”
(Very interesting...editing coincidence or are we onto something here?? Check out Abby’s blog HERE)
Check out Dakota’s Emmy-Nominated piece on Tails of Valor.
Of the many lessons Dakota has learned while at ASR is the importance of timing. She enjoys writing comedy in which timing is everything, no matter the medium you’re working with. Dakota believes having music, soundbites, and footage that all hit at the right time can really make or break a video.
Since working at ASR, she has discovered an affinity for telling heartfelt and moving stories. The many amazing nonprofits and organizations that ASR works with give her the perfect opportunity to share touching, impactful stories. When she’s not editing, Dakota loves to write, interact with any kind of animal, and sing while playing the piano!