Dan Heuser, Founder of Dude Oyster Productions:
Since graduating from Western Illinois University in 2003 with a degree in Broadcast Communications, I've worked various full time and freelance jobs in the video production industry. I started out as a news videographer for WQAD in Moline, IL and then moved on to work for Comcast, running a public access TV studio and working at CN100, doing everything from videography to editing to producing.
I started Dude Oyster Productions in late 2012 so I could have a consistent brand associated with all my freelance video work. I am passionate about creating great video for my clients at an affordable price. I have an artistic eye and great attention to detail. Check out some of my past work, and contact me regarding your next video project. I'd love to help you out!
Some of my areas of specialty:
Promotional videos
Instructional videos
Corporate Videos
Live music / theater performances
Event coverage (graduations, corporate events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc.)
Public speakers / presentations
Live Streaming
Documentaries
Sporting events (football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, skateboarding, etc.)
Government board meetings
Some Past Clients:
So why are you called "Dude Oyster"?
One goal with creating my own production company was to find a unique and memorable name. "Dude Oyster" actually came about when a co-worker left me a voicemail. At the time, I had a free subscription to a service that translates voicemail to text. It mistakenly translated "Dan Heuser" to "Dude Oyster", among many other errors. Needless to say, I did not renew my subscription to the service, but it was good for a laugh. Dude Oyster became a nick name of sorts and soon after I decided that would be the name of my production company.
Do you even like oysters?
Dude Oyster is somewhat of an ironic name for my company because personally I think oysters are disgusting, especially of the raw variety. I'd really prefer to eat some breaded shrimp, or a nice salmon fillet. Lucky for me, The Dude is not for eating. Special thanks to my brother Brian for bringing The Dude to life by designing and drawing the logo for me.
Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
To me, video is not just a job, it's a passion. I have great attention to detail and I'm committed to making each project the best it can be. I am also very inspired by music and love when I can make use of it in my videos. Picking just the right music to capture the perfect mood for a video is something that I think I do particularly well.
What do you like most about your job?
I love when my videos have a positive effect on people, whether it be entertaining or informative. I love the opportunity to edit a video that will evoke emotion out of the viewer, especially laughter. For example, if I see that someone is cracking up while watching one of my wedding reception dance floor montages, then I know I've done my job well.
If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
While the visual look of the video is important, audio is just as important. Audio complements the video, and without it, you aren't left with much. Video of a bride saying her vows is much more effective if we can actually hear her saying them. When planning out a video shoot, the audio should not be overlooked.
How did you decide to get in your line of work?
During my first years of college, I took courses on everything from theater to business to computer science. I wasn't really sure what direction I was headed...until a friend of mine invited me to a live taping of the Jerry Springer show in Chicago.
Now, I wasn't really a fan of the show by any means. But it was my first experience seeing behind the scenes of the taping of a TV show. I was fascinated by the cameras, the lights and how it all came together. It was at that moment that I realized that TV was something I should pursue. So I eventually transferred to WIU, majored in broadcasting and the rest is history.