Multimedia Specialist 

Producer / Editor / Audio-Video Storyteller

based in Niagara Falls, NY

DaveRiffel.com | LinkTree | LinkedIn | dave.riffel@gmail.com | (716) 866-3354 | 

Experienced Content Producer & Multimedia Specialist with 15+ years of success in creating impactful content for corporations, non-profits, students, artists, and entrepreneurs. Proficient in managing projects from concept to completion, with strong skills in video/audio production management and story development. Proven ability to collaborate effectively and meet project objectives and deadlines. 

Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts High School | Buffalo, NY

Media Communication Program Manager & Lead Educator  2018 - Present

https://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ 

• Produce PR/Marketing content from concept to completion

• Coordinate award-winning student-driven community projects

• Lead Photographer & Content Creator 

• Commencement ceremonies & community events

• Candids

• Portrait/Studio

• Student Performing Art Events for Instagram

• Coordinate student profile videos/mini-documentaries

• Document public and private performing arts events

• Multi-camera recordings

• Turn-key production of commercial television programming

• Write, produce and publish original video biopics

• https://linktr.ee/bavpamediacomm
  

• Redesigned Communication Department

• Developed and managed a board of advisors: public, private, and nonprofit

• Designed and managed processes and procedures

• Researched & analyzed program compliance guidelines

• Managed student and community relations; conflict resolution and designed improvement plans

• Designed and implemented curriculum, created work-based lessons & coached students to earn industry credentials 

• Implemented onboarding of new student cohorts to prepare for four years of work-based learning

Niagara Arts & Cultural Center  |  Niagara Falls, NY

https://thenacc.org/

Multimedia Specialist / Educator / Event Coordinator (part time) 2016-present

• Coordinated and documented promotional documentary and a wide variety community art events (music series; gallery exhibitions; poetry open mics; recording workshops; audio poetry books) sponsored by 

• Niagara State Council on the Arts Niagara Arts & Cultural Center 2022 Events Playlist (2022)

• Pathways Through The Dark: Multimedia Project (2022)

• Podcast / Audio book of Visually Impaired Writers

• Pathways Through The Dark AudioBook (YouTube Playlist) 

• Music Garden Sessions Community Recording Arts Project (2021): Executive Producer & coordinator; recorded/edited multi-camera music videos; audio engineering and audio mixing; editing complex projects with multi-camera sequences in Adobe Premiere Pro. Pandemic Community Arts project with multiple recording sessions promoting local singer/songwriters

• Executive Producer: Web-Interactive Virtual Circle Talk: “LANGUAGE & CULTURE KEEPERS OF THE HAUDENOSAUNEE” (2020)

• Ways of Sharing: Indigenous Fashion Show (Photoshoot) 

• Documented and recorded visual & performing arts events; fashion shows; gallery openings; lectures; community events; kids summer camp Media Educator (2016-2018); archiving past performances; fundraisers; “Nacc-umentary” project helping secure state & federal and state grants. https://www.daveriffel.com/work/nacc

Upper Story Studios | Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY

Founding Producer / Freelancer (2009-2022)

Co-founded media production company that has yielded long-term relationships with clients, organizations and institutions.

Producer: freelance photography/video/audio storytelling - amplifying the voices of aficionados.

• DreamworksTV (now Peacock Kids) YouTube Channel

• Coordinated twelve on-site pilot video shoots in Everglades “Don’t Do This”

• Managed budgets, billing and purchase requests for contracts

• Negotiated rights to secure exotic animals and locations

• Produced/filmed/edited to secure my client further project work with the network

• University at Buffalo 

• Lead Alumni Photography

• Linked In PhotoBooth photographer (over 15,000 student headshots of students at Career Fairs & alumni events)

• ReptileRiff.com (Animal Educator) 

• Website development/branding, video & photo production

• Produced 1-minute “about me” promo video/mini doc: Meet Reptile Riff 

• Produced/Filmed/Edited: "Don't Do This: Baby Alligators" 

• Produced/Filmed/Edited:Don't Do This: Burmese Python

Valu Home Centers | Buffalo, NY 

Video Production Manager        2015-2018
Multimedia Designer     2014-2015
Product & Event Photographer  2010-2013

Valu Portfolio: https://www.daveriffel.com/work/valu 

• Writer, Shooter, Editor & Photographer for Commercial Broadcast Communications/YouTube Channel

• TV Commercial: Celebrating 50 Years of Valu

• Developed & Documented Volunteer/Community Program: “Valu Crew” (YouTube Playlist)

• Product & Staff Photography for weekly Print Ad

• Produced & delivered photo directory of 41 locations storefronts & management team headshots

• PR & Branding Development

• Print design for internal & external audiences

• Created assets, soundtracks, animations, slideshows for district corporate meetings

• Produced and published internal blog for company-wide messaging & content

• Designed stylized annual reports. 

• Produced 16 major TV Campaigns

• Aired in 4 major TV markets Erie, PA; WNY; Syracuse, NY; Central, NY 
  

EDUCATION

SUNY Buffalo State University

MS.Ed, Career & Technical Education/Media Communication

2018 - present

SUNY University at Buffalo

Bachelor of Arts, Department of Media Study: Production
2009, High Honors

AWARDS

Outstanding Editing & Viewers’ Choice Award: Northland Workforce (2019)

Pierre McAloon Award for excellent work in the Department of Media Study at UB (2009)

Allene Buckly Scholarship (2004)

Communicator of the Year Award, WKBW TV (2004)

CERTIFICATIONS

NYS Teacher Certification

SKILLS

Premium Verbal and Written Communication Skills | Strategic Planning & Analysis
Exceptional People Management | Master Visual Design & Storytelling 

SOFTWARE:

Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Encoder, Express

Logic Pro

Google Workspace

Trello.com Project Management (Kanban)

Microsoft Office Suite

Plural Eyes (Red Giant) Video Effects Applications

Cinema 4D Basic Understanding

Schoology & Google Classroom Learning Management Systems

Basic knowledge of Wix.com / Wordpress.com back-end web development