ABOUT
Contrary to pop culture, Offbeat was not started in a garage or a basement in an attempt to make millions of dollars. Nay, Offbeat’s origin was much more interested in getting people to see and hear things in a novel way. To help people feel something unexpected or share a meaningful experience.
Origin Story
Offbeat is more than just a name of a business, it’s a way of viewing life and a passion we share for family, friends, and the power of story… Here, let us show you:
Long ago at a University far far away (Gonzaga) the name came to Thomas and Danny one night whilst they were together singing and playing music back in their college days. For some strange reason, be it fate or just some odd coincidence, Bill Nye… yes, the Science Guy… came up in conversation. Naturally, they started singing the iconic theme song. OK let’s scratch that itch and just take a moment to and listen to this incredible piece of art.
You’ll notice during the theme song when they start chanting Bill’s name: “Bill! Bill! Bill!”
THAT’S IT, THAT’S THE OFFBEAT
Not only is it literally placed on the off-beat of the rhythm, rather than the main “down-beat”, but also it’s the moment where you nod your head or tap your feet along with the music, it’s the moment that draws you in and captures your attention.
It was in that moment Thomas and Danny just started laughing. “Offbeat” they repeated. For whatever reason, that moment stuck with them, that word stuck with them, Offbeat.
You see, the “offbeat” aims to address that which is not right in front of us, but hidden behind the curtain of ‘normal’. It is in between beats. The moment that draws you in deeper and captures your attention, or if we’re lucky, your imagination. If you pay close enough attention you can notice the offbeat moments in everyday life. The little things, the details that often go unnoticed, yet without them life would feel empty.
Here we aim to bring that viewpoint to each and every project. To pay attention to the details, the in-between, the meaningful, and create something truly offbeat.
Manifesto
WE ARE HERE
to witness the wonders of the world, no matter how small, and share them with you.
WE CELEBRATE
humans! The different ways we all feel, think, look, and live to tell the tale. We are vulnerable, and it shows.
OUR PRODUCT
gives permission to feel bigger feelings. It shines a spotlight on the stories of others, and pulls unexpected beauty out of “normal”.
AT OUR CORE
authenticity pumps the heart of our production. We simply believe in one another, and trust that the rest will follow.
OUR PURPOSE
starts with relationships, and grows from there. We are here to build beautiful things. Together. This is what we love.
WE ARE HERE
to push beyond potential. To inspire, to create. To use passion as our fuel and honesty as our engine.
That’s what makes us Offbeat.
The Team
Thomas Ackels
Head of Production/Co-Founder
Thomas has a passion for people and a specialty in taking an idea and turning it into a reality. With his background as a producer, one of Thomas’ favorite parts of work is to assemble the ideal team for the job. Outside work, he enjoys a good podcast while playing catch with his dog Nemo.
Danny Chastain
Director of Photography/Co-Founder
Danny loves to capture images in a beautiful and human way. He specializes in steadicam and handheld operation, and putting the camera where it needs to be to tell the best story. Outside of work, you’ll find him in the mountains or cooking up a delicious meal in the kitchen with his wife (and honorary Offbeat member), Hannah.
Frequent Collaborators:
Jessica Clement
Production Designer/Art Department Extraordinaire
Jess is the absolute master of figuring out how to get the job done. Whether it is building puppets, hanging artwork from a c-stand, or painting art for a background, Jess has a knack for enhancing any image she gets her personal touch on. Her inquisitive and naturally curious nature make her a joy to work with on set.
Matthew Joseph
All Hands on Deck
Matthew has worked with Offbeat from the very beginning. He has DP’d, produced, edited, gaffed, gripped and run audio for us over the years. His diverse skill set is a trait that runs in the Offbeat DNA. For fun, Matthew does improv comedy with his fiancee at Bandit Theater and even runs an auto shop out of his garage, Joseph Auto.
Taylor Pedroza
Director/Sound Mixer
Taylor is a director and a writer to the core. With a background in stage acting and directing, he understands blocking and dialogue as a tool to help tell the best story possible. When he is not on set (or even when he is), you’ll probably find him reading an old book that no one has ever heard of.
Nate Townsend
Director
Nate Townsend’s directorial work has been profiled in Ad Age, Hollywood Reporter, and Variety, and has been recognized by Cannes Lions, the National ADDYS, mid-American Emmys, and Communication Arts.
Michael Hurst
Executive Producer
Michael Hurst has over 15 years experience as a commercial producer, working with such brands as AT&T, Bayer, The United Way, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Boston Scientific, and Leica.
Geena Pietromonaco
Assistant Producer
Geena is a local Seattle acting staple. In addition to acting, she helps our productions move along during pre-production and on set by bringing her goofy attitude and a strong work ethic. She is bound to make everyone on set laugh at least once throughout the day.
OUR SERVICES
Video
Production
We offer a wide array of production services. Whether you need a turnkey production solution from storyboarding to final deliverable or just need a resource to hire all the right crew, let our roster of talent go to work for you. We have the unique position to streamline the entire production process, saving your production valuable time and money.
POST-PRODUCTION & VIDEO EDITING
Using software ranging from the adobe creative suite to Davinci and others, we offer full Post-Production services including: video editing, color correction, audio mastering, and more. Our expert video editors are here to assemble your project and put on the final touches.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Offbeat has the unique set up to offer Creative Development as part of our service. Our roster consists of personnel who can direct, storyboard, design, and execute. With this all in one service we are able to keep costs low and supply a bigger bang for your buck!
ANIMATION
Many times your story is best told as an animation. Our process focuses on assembling the ideal team for your animation story. With connections to top tier animators across the globe, we ensure you have the best team that fits the project at hand.
