How a local video producer's portfolio leans into history
If you're the member of a historical society or organization sending out RFPs for history documentaries, you should consider contacting director Matt DeSarle.
DeSarle has directed several documentaries for local organizations since launching his independent video production company in 2015. His professional timeline of historical work began with an internship at the "Mountain Lake" PBS Station in Plattsburgh, New York.
Therefore, this article summarizes his "filmography" of history programming since then.
Documentaries Matt De Sarle directed in the areas of Preservation and Migration
Matt DeSarle started his professional career as a television news producer. He served as a line producer for a 24 hour news station in Albany New York. There, he covered history in real time. Those events include Hurricane Katrina, the election of President Barack Obama, and the Great Recession.
In 2015, he launched Matty D. Media where he transitioned his editorial management skills to direct a series of local documentaries.
In 2016, DeSarle directed a YouTube documentary that was tied to a PBS oral history project focused on Mexican migration to the state of Kansas.
Historical Documentaries Directed by Matt De Sarle
In 2018, Douglas County Kansas hired Matt DeSarle to direct a video series dedicated to training civilians about how to properly preserve historic cemeteries in their communities. As you can see below, these training videos doubled as documentaries about the history on the grounds.
Historical Documentaries Directed by Matt De Sarle
How COVID-19 Changed the Course of History and How We Produce Documentaries
Like most small businesses, Matt DeSarle’s first company is rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Overnight, he and his crew can no longer perform video productions in the field for their non-profit and local business clients.
Instead of waiting things out, DeSarle and his partner, Eric Scherbarth, pivot in a new direction. They launch “Free State Horror Stories,” a video series that explores the history behind classic ghost stories in Eastern Kansas.
When DeSarle’s spouse accepts a job back East during the turbulent job climate, the project continues. He begins producing new episodes from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, keeping the series alive in a new location.
Day-in-the-Life Recruiting Video by All Business Videography
Video production service for historical documentaries continues
Matt DeSarle's two video production companies continue producing documentaries for local audiences.