Bret Dodd

Ever since borrowing my moms new Minolta 35mm, to trading it for a professional video camera, I've always been drawn to the image. There's a certain something about catching light that can't always be taught. I've traveled the world and have had the honor of filming some incredible events, subjects and locations. I've worked on projects that were very emotional and thought provoking. One special project I produced, were two Drunk Driving videos for the Washingtons "Sober Roadways" initiative, which was used as part of driver education curriculum and drunk driving prevention, statewide. I'm extremely interested in AI and it's applications to pre-project planning, script writing and it's future in video production.

My Background

I am

Adaptable
Adroit
Bon Vivant
Capable
Communicator
Creative
Enthusiastic
Experienced
Influencer

Inquisitive
Knowledgeable
Problem Solver
Raconteur
Resourceful
Tenacious
Trustworthy
Witty
Writer

Videos

My Town Demo 2024

Go Like Hell/Ghost Breweries trailers 2022/2023

Creative Reel 2024

Bull Trout in the Balance - USFWS 2003

The racing world has a front row seat to the end of an era in Motorsport; Group B Rallying.

Two drivers, one title..... World Drivers Championship.

The documentary “Go Like Hell” will focus on the last three races of 1986 - San Remo in Italy, The RAC in the UK, and the only American round of the WRC: The Olympus Rally. It will explore how the exclusion of Peugeot at San Remo erased a 20-point lead by Kankkunen, resulting in a battle of titans that would come down to a 1-point race for the World Drivers Championship at the final rally of the year and how that Championship was overturned 10 days later in France.

In 1982, the FIA instituted Group B. Essentially a “Gloves Off” class, requiring only 200 homologation specials (road going versions), everything else was open to interpretation. There were no restrictions on engine size, body or chassis materials, drive train layout, super charging or turbo charging, (or in the case of Lancia, both). It brought about the advent of All Wheel Drive cars. It resulted in power exceeding 700 horsepower, and cars that were nearly faster than the driver's ability to react to them. It was an automotive technology arms race, which was about to meet it's untimely demise.

“Go Like Hell” will focus on the relationship between Markku Alen and Juha Kankkunen. Fierce competitors, yet respected adversaries, their will to win the World Drivers Championship in the final chapter of Group B Rally, became the ultimate focus. “Go like Hell” will examine the physical, mental, and emotional stresses of competing for the World Drivers Championship in 1986; Tip-toeing the razor's edge between victory and disaster in some of the quickest cars in the world.

Go Like Hell script

Wedding video

Digital Images

Published works

Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. The road was built in the late 1800's by Otto Mears, and apparently it was built with horse and carts in mind, not cars. As rumor would have it, the exact name varies from the cost per mile to pave it, to a terrified traveler who said he’d rather pay a million dollars than travel it’s guardrail-free road again. The 11,000 foot San Juan mountains rise high above the Uncompahgre Gorge, providing a stunning backdrop for this incredible drive.

Starting in Ouray, at 7792 feet, you quickly start a steep drive around corners marked by fog lines that are only good for letting you know when you’ve run out of talent. There is NO guard rail. Nothing but a steep drop to your death. Did I mention, no guardrail?

Once you clear this, it starts to become fun. The road turns into Italy’s Stelvio Pass. A stick of al dente pasta draped on the valley of the San Juan mountains. At this point, you'll meet a series of power corners combined with knuckle whitening increasing radius turns that last for the next 3.5 miles. Twisty and fast, you work your way up towards Red Mountain Pass, with over 40 gold, silver, copper and lead mines, as well as high alpine meadows to explore along the way. From the Red Mountain overlook, you can capture pictures of the Yankee Girl Mines red wood shaft house, abandoned in 1890 and still standing today.

Once back on the road, it becomes an elevator shaft, dropping from 11,018 feet back to 9318 ft to Silverton. Fast, straight, quick corners. Nothing like the hairpins in the way up. A total elevation change of 7,722 feet of pure driving road. Near the San Juan overlook is the entrance to the infamous Black Bear Pass, an offroad excursion not for the faint of heart. Stop and explore the town of Silverton and enjoy it’s 1880’s old west charm. Off roading and alpine hiking are favorite activities to do while in Silverton.

Continuing south from Silverton you’ll reach the frontier town of Durango. Much of the town is listed on state or national historic registries. There are currently six microbreweries in town, and many great restaurants. Check out the Strater Hotel, built in 1887, this Victorian style hotel is open for business. It’s bedrooms are like a time machine back to the iconic era of high end travel, with Victorian walnut furniture and period correct wallpaper. Many famous people have stayed at the Strater, including Will Rodgers, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, and author Louis L’Amour. Several block from the Strater is the Durango – Silverton Railroad. The historic steam locomotives take passengers round trip on the 45 mile narrow gauge railroad tracks established in 1882.
(Part of Story submitted to Epic Roadtrips)

Many people feel that, with a cell phone and some editing software, they can produce professional videos, ads or marketing materials. This truly isn't the case and why Bret Dodd, with his years of experience and skills, as well as his willingness to learn new creative formats, is needed to assist with your productions. Bret takes video storytelling to professional levels and works in tandem with clients to bring their vision to reality. Request to check out his portfolio! Bret would be a benefit to any project where his creative talents are applied.

Caitlin Cormier
Web & Internal Communications
Washington State Employment Security

I found Mr. Dodd technically competent, proficient at independently managing and directing a video production operation and a willing contributor to to the mission of the agency and the the overall goal of professional wildlife conservation. I would recommend his talents and experience to any potential employer that values these qualities in a prospective employee.

David Klinger
Asst Regional Director - Public Affairs (Retired)
US Fish & Wildlife, Portland, OR

I found Mr. Dodd to be an exemplary employee in doing the vital jobs assigned to him. He was a master at video production. His work was vital to the Service's mission, and to the public's understanding of many complicated and controversial issues. I highly recommend Bret Dodd to any future employer.

David Frederick
Western Washington Office Supervisor (Retired)
US Fish & Wildlife, Lacey, WA

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