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
Loyal
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.

I left Olympia in the Xterra at 8:04 am sharp, heading for Cottage Grove, before heading overland through Willamette National Forest to Bohemia Mine and on to my planned overnight at Boulder Flat campground along the majestic Umpqua river. The first 40 miles were incident free, but somewhere in Southern Washington, the traffic came to an abrupt halt. I passed what looked to be a M35 Army troop carrier with armed civilians in the back. Now confused, I see fire fighters dousing the remains of a tan HumVee, with two dudes in civilian clothes and tactical weapons. I'm still confused.

As I drive south toward Cottage Grove, the exhaust headers I bought for "dirt cheap" do as advertised. I got 18.9mpg from Hillsboro to Cottage Grove. Anyone who owns an Nissan Xterra knows you don't get 17mpg, going downhill in neutral on fire. I roll into Cottage Grove at about 4:00pm. I fuel up and see a group of guys on dual sport bikes, so I roll over for a quick introduction. Turns out all three are from "Boston" but the one brother lives in Portland, and everyone else is visiting. They all sound like they're related to Ben Affleck. They happen to be heading the same direction as me, so we roll out in a caravan. (Side note: A man showed up and started talking about driving all over this area. I showed him where I was heading, and he said he "Takes his station wagon up there".....More on that lie later)

So the road starts out great. I continue following the On-X Off road app I have that shows me all my route waypoints. Eventually the pavement ends, and smooth gravel presents itself like a red cape to a bull. My inner Clarkson takes control of the gas pedal and off I go. I meet up with the motorcycle guys, who have pulled over and are discussing which way they were heading. At this point, I should have followed them, however, my inner Clarkson yelled "More Power" so off I went. The false sense of security created by "Station Wagon man" suddenly wore off when the road now became more rock climb than drive. I quickly questioned doing this trip solo.

As I crept around a hairpin turn, the road suddenly got even steeper, rockier, and more narrow. If you fell off the side, your tabs would expire before you hit bottom. Did I mention it's narrow? Like 1.3 car widths narrow. In the next 6 miles, there are ZERO places to pull off or move over. Did I mention it's rough? According to the Forest Service, this route is NOT for vehicles without 4WD, Low ground clearance, or the inexperienced. Good thing I didn't have low ground clearance. Also, you're doing 4 mph....so do the math on how much time it takes to do 6 miles. If you look up “Whiteknuckle” there's a map of this road.

This road actually gave me the creeps. Keep in mind, I've driven Pikes Peak before it was paved. The Million Dollar Highway. Stelvio Pass. Tail of the Dragon. 6250 miles in Alaska in the dead of winter. To say I've driven some sketchy roads, is, in itself, sketchy. It was also the first section where I shifted into 4H. The BFG KO2's were crazy good on the rocky sections. I never felt at a loss for traction. I drove all the way to the fire lookout at nearly 6,000 feet, and was greeted by a spectacular view!

Go Like Hell script

Gambler 500 story for 4x4 Magazine (Sample)

Moto 1 Demo 2024

Digital Images

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

Testimonials

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