Media Archive & History
Public-Access Television — circa 1985
Just the Dowgone Facts
My first public-access television program was produced around 1985. I was primarily the host, arranging guests and handling the on-camera conversation while others handled most of the technical production.
At the time, public-access television was an important way for local people, organizations and businesses to reach an audience. The show became an unexpected source of business connections, introductions, press coverage and opportunities to appear on other programs.
The original program is no longer available, although I may still have a few pieces of memorabilia from the show.
Camera Operator — circa 1987–1997
From approximately 1987 to 1997, I also worked as a camera operator for a small production company covering beauty and talent contests and other events.
This was a very different role from being the host of my own program. Instead of being the person talking to the audience, I was responsible for finding and getting the shot.
Ross Perot — 1994
When Ross Perot came to town during his presidential campaign, I was there as a camera operator.
The official news crews had their cameras positioned at the back of the room. I was able to work from the stage and get a much closer angle.
The photograph below was part of a montage produced by the production company.
Dog Training & Instructional Video
Video has also been part of my dog-training work for decades.
In 1997, I produced instructional material on VHS for clients and dog owners. As cameras and video technology changed, I continued producing dog-training instructional material.
The surviving archive includes training videos dating back to approximately 1998. Some eventually became part of my online instructional work.
Dog Training Instructional Video
A surviving example of my instructional video work, showing standard-definition source material incorporated into a modern 1080p production.
Returning to Public Access — 2014
After years of working with video primarily in connection with dog training and other projects, I returned to public-access production in 2014 with On The Road With Andrew.
The program gave me an opportunity to combine hosting, interviewing, field production and local storytelling.
On The Road With Andrew
The Dog Adopt Show
The Dog Adopt Show brought together dogs, rescue organizations, adoption, training, and community stories.
Real Estate Show
An interview-based program exploring real estate topics and conversations with people working in the field.
My On The Road
On The Road With Andrew eventually evolved into My On The Road, a more informal field-video format.
Many of these videos are produced independently in the community, often using a GoPro rather than a traditional television crew. The format allows me to explore local places, people, history and events at a more personal pace.
From Host to One-Person Production
Today’s production work is very different from my first public-access program. I now handle much of the production myself, including camera setup, microphones, lighting, guest coordination, animal handling, releases, noise control and keeping the conversation moving while dealing with whatever happens in front of the camera.
Camera • Audio • Lighting • Guests • Animals • Releases • Coordination • Conversation • Problem Solving.
Other Media Work
My media work has also included video supplied to PBS SoCal’s Real Orange, local community events, beauty and talent competitions, dog-training instructional video and independent field production.
Some of this work survives only through photographs, memories or references rather than complete programs.
Archive note: Much of the earlier material was recorded on Betacam, VHS or S-VHS and is no longer readily available. This page presents selected surviving work from more than four decades of involvement with video and community media.
Current Media Work
My current media work is increasingly focused on stories that combine practical information with demonstration and conversation, including safe dog walking for seniors, fall prevention, dog behavior, community stories and local history.
I am particularly interested in local stories that can be explored through interviews, demonstrations, field segments or conversation.
Have a local story, interview or demonstration in mind?
Contact Andrew
562-606-1729