Production team
Rod Martel, Director
Rod is the grandson of German born cinematographer/director Karl Freund (Metropolis, The Mummy). He came to filmmaking late, with his first film: Susette’s Story completed in 2013 at the age of 63. His second film, Lost in Berlin, is the result of 7 years work and a dedicated production team, many of whom volunteered their time or worked for a “stipend” to complete the project.
Randall E. Johnson, Editor, Cinematographer
Randy has worked in visual journalism for most of his life. His photographic journey went from The Minnesota Daily to Reuters to The St. Paul Pioneer Press, where he became a photo editor. He has also taught photography and video classes at the University of Minnesota, where he earned an M.A. in Visual Communication, and Minneapolis College, where he learned video and motion graphics. He has a life-long interest in World War II history. Randy currently teaches Graphic Design and Digital Imaging at Minneapolis College.
Jaisa Blegen, Assistant Editor, Graphic Design
Jaisa enjoys bringing creative ideas to fruition. This young-yet-veteran digital generator of ideas studied motion graphics, videography, and photography at Minneapolis College, where she earned a degree in graphic design and web design. Film and video editing is a current passion and specialty of Jaisa’s. She assisted as a post-production editor for Lost in Berlin.
Paul DeMarchi, Videography
Paul has a background in visual communication, having graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism. He's worked at several newspapers and for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in marketing/communications. His skill set includes photojournalism, portraiture, videography and editing. He has a keen eye for detail and shows a high level of understanding and empathy for his subjects.
Laura Irwin Schack, Illustrator
Laura is a professional artist based in Minnesota. She has created art in many different mediums for several decades. Laura specializes in pastel paintings portraying people, places, landscape, and animals. Her education includes formal art training at institutes of higher education, professional art workshops, and WARM’S Mentor Protege program. She has been actively involved with several professional art organizations and has experience demonstrating and teaching art classes. Laura has also created unique artwork for numerous art commissions and has won many awards for her paintings. She exhibits and sells her work throughout the Twin Cities area.
Mitch Granholm, Assistant Editor, Graphics
Mitch has a vision for design, one he applies to the mission and process of each project he works on. His focus is on effective, purpose-driven and beautiful design. Mitch applies his process in a way that helps him optimize the project's creative potential while staying on track. Mitch's skill set includes website design and development, printed graphics, motion graphics, and illustration.
Eric Tuominen, Assistant Editor
Eric is a Cinematographer and Editor who graduated from Minneapolis Community and Technical College with an emphasis in Film and Media Studies. He has worked on various projects and commercials in the Twin Cities including project for Mpls/St. Paul Film Society, Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), and the Minneapolis-based media production company Crash+Sues.