Sound Visions Media provides full service video production, post-production/editing, compositing and animation, delivery and management for your marketing and promotional needs. With well over 50 years experience combined, our team can help you produce and promote a message that will drive business to your door and through your web site. We have a network of regional pros with the expertise to produce and deliver exactly what you want and deliver media in any format that your project’s needs.
Meet the Team
Jeff Foster – Principal
Award-Winning Producer, Published Author, Videographer/Photographer, Animator/Editor, Trainer & AI Media Specialist
Jeff Foster is an award-winning author of several computer technology, animation and video production VFX books and training videos. He’s been an Adobe Community Professional and served as an instructor and featured speaker at conferences such as Photoshop World, Macworld, Photo Pro Expo, Adobe MAX, the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Post-Production Conferences and several workshops on CreativeLive.
Foster has been producing content and providing training for traditional and digital images, video, illustration, animation, motion graphics and special effects for over 30 years. Some of his clients include: Tribune Broadcasting, Motorola, Stanford University Hospital, FOX Television, Spike TV, Discovery/TLC, Deluxe Digital, Universal Studios, Lions Gate Films and Disney.
His books and videos have been published internationally as well as several trade magazines and hosted online ezines and regularly contributes in the ProVideo Coalition. He is the author of “The Green Screen Handbook” and “After Effects & Photoshop”, among others and has produced several training videos for Photoshop, After effects, Animation and Green Screen production and most recently, specializing in POV cams and video production for indie filmmakers including UAV/drone photography & videography.
He was first thrust into the world of consumer/prosumer UAV/Drone technology since 2012 and has been a leading presenter, author and reviewer of personal and professional aerial photographic and video/imaging products and gear. His 2-day live streaming workshop on CreativeLive titled: “Taking Flight: Drone Photography & Video” won a Silver Telly Award.
In addition to working on various films, articles and other productions, Jeff is also currently serving as Sr Manager/Producer for MarCom Video & Imaging Services at Bio-Rad Laboratories in the San Francisco East Bay area, and serving all of Northern California.
Jeff’s IMDb Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3590618/
Ellen Johnson– Principal Producer, Music Supervisor, Publicist, Content Writer, Voice Over, Vocal Coach
Co-founder, Ellen Johnson, has a distinguished career as a professional musician/recording artist, educator, songwriter, author, publicist, and producer. An entrepreneurial spirit, Ellen founded her own record label and educational division (Vocal Visions), media group (SV Media Relations), publishing company (Long Snows Moon Music) and a non-profit organization (Jazz Vocal Coalition).
Ellen’s work as a publicist and promoter through SV Media Relations and other companies helped gain visibility for artists, authors, businesses and non-profit organization as well as being a valued consultant for start up companies building press kits and promotional presence. Ellen’s own experience as a professional actor is an integral part of the positive results she obtains doing voice-overs and interviewing and directing others behind the camera.
As an author Ellen’s biography Jazz Child: Portrait of Sheila Jordan
(Rowman and Littlefield) was one of three books nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association 2015 best book award and selected in the JazzTimes Readers Poll best books category.
As a musician, Jazz Journal International describes her vocal performances as “superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality” and JazzTimes remarked of her last recording, “Johnson packs as imaginative a wallop as the mighty (Bobby) McFerrin.” Along with lyrics to both Sonny Rollins and Charles Mingus compositions Ellen has over 30 or more published songs, is on over 10 recordings, and developed music instructional products, The Vocal Warm Up (CD/Downloads), Vocal Builders and You Sing Jazz.
Ellen’s educational background in music makes her a valuable addition as a music supervisor on film projects. Her education includes; a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University, BM in Vocal Performance from the American Conservatory of Music, PhD coursework from the University of Humanistic Studies, UCLA Extension courses in the Music Business Certificate Program and she has been on the voice faculties of the University of San Diego, the Old Globe Theatre’s MFA program, California Polytechnic University Pomona, the California Jazz Conservatory and Jazzschool and has given master classes in vocal jazz at the University of Southern California as well as many other colleges. Her research, studies on music healing and certification in Expressive Arts Therapy inspired her to complete training with Eric Maisel to become a Creativity Consultant and teach workshops on “Using Vocal Improvisation To Encourage Creativity.” She is a member of BMI, Jazz Journalists Association (JJA), Jazz Educators Network (JEN), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), The Voice Foundation (VF), and the Creativity Coaching Association (CCA).
Contact us:
Email: info@soundvisionsmedia.com
Client Testimonials:
” Jeff Foster directed and edited a series of mini programs entitled “Visions of America” for my partner and I. Attention to details, creative judgment and sense of timing were all superb. It is my hope to work with Jeff again in the near future.”
– Herman Rush, Network Television Producer, Former CEO of the Columbia Pictures Television Group
“ Jeff Foster has been instrumental in training my clients across many disciplines. My clients have become more productive and as a result, happier in their work environment. Due to Jeff’s expertise and method of training, I have been able to focus on my core abilities in growing my company. I highly recommend Jeff for anyone looking to enhance their operations by utilizing the excellent training methods and abilities he provides.”
– Kevin Comora, Vizicast Multimedia, Inc.
“ Jeff, worked on a quick turnaround project that was a nightmare from start to finish. Even though we were on opposite sides of the country, Jeff was always ready to turn around changes, make helpful suggestions and be quick to get the job done. This was an important project for a major mobile phone company and Jeff did not let us down. Jeff is also extremely charming and friendly and easy to work with. I highly recommend Jeff. He’s terrific!”
– Robin Feminella Olson, Designer, Project Manager for Motorola
” Jeff Foster is a true professional. He has taught Photoshop and After Effects classes for Webucator at a number of large media companies and studios. Our clients appreciate his real-world experience and his terrific communication skills.”
– Nat Dunn, CEO, Webucator
“ Jeff is an all-around expert on media design and has helped Scala with demos, training and writing documentation as well as installation and design of digital signage solutions.”
– Marc Rifkin, Scala, Inc.
” Jeff’s currently developing a series of ambitious training titles with us at video2brain. Everyone on the team has been impressed with not just the exceptional quality of Jeff’s work, and how much he’s brought to these projects, but also with how great and flat-out fun Jeff is to collaborate with.”
– Dan Brodnitz, Director, English-Language Program, video2brain
“ Sound Visions Media (Jeff and Ellen) quickly ascertained what I needed and delivered a beautiful product, quickly and efficiently.
– Rosalie Zabilla, Realtor
“ Jeff Foster is a digital wizard with the right skill-base to translate my vision into many different mediums. If you need someone that has a wide digital pallet, call Jeff, you won’t regret it.”
– Joseph Sohm, Author-Photographer-Speaker, VisionsofAmerica.com
“ Jeff Foster is creative, knowledgeable and effective. The video advertisement for our book that he directed and edited drew almost 20,000 hits in a year.”
– Richard and Alice Matzkin, visual artists and authors of Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self
” Sound Visions Media does fantastic work for their artists and they are in my opinion “The Real Deal”. They have been great to me and I wish them the very best in there continuing work for artists.”
– Sheila Jordan, legendary jazz artist
“ Jeff is an incredible artist and a skilled craftsman but most of all a master of the technology he uses for his art. He has provided valuable tips to our customers at PhotoSpin and I regard him as an icon in the digital imaging industry. The best part about Jeff? He’s always fun! I highly recommend him and would work with him again at any opportunity.”
– Joeaux Robey, President and CoFounder, PhotoSpin, Inc.
” Thanks so much for all of your hard work! I wish all artists’ publicists were as great and as proactive as you are! Your attention to detail, pro-activity, and thoroughness with the media are qualities that make for a fine publicist!”
– Cynthia Cifuentes, Gallo Center for the Arts
“ Jeff’s work is completely professional, he is positive, flexible and exacting in his standards. I have always had good experiences with him every time we have worked together.”
– Kevin Klingler, President, CEO, SmartSound Software
” Sound Visions Media has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Prior to working with them, I was a relatively unknown artist in the Jazz community. Now thanks to them, I am not only gaining national attention through reviews and interviews with my new CD release, but I also have a much better grasp on marketing my music as a result of our consultations. They have been very personable to work with and extremely dedicated to my project and I would happily recommend them to anybody looking to take their career to the next level.”
– Danny Green, Alante Recording Artist
“ I have worked with Jeff Foster on many occasions over the years. He may be one of the most talented, fun and positive people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with! We always got things done with a high degree of excellence, and when the crunch times came, we didn’t feel the pain as much when working on things together.”
– Steve Dodds, Independent Designer
“ Beyond his skills as a designer/animator, Jeff Foster is an excellent communicator, easy going, and a down to earth guy. In this day and age of super inflated egos and boundless self-centeredness Jeff is a breath of fresh air. It was a pleasure to work with Jeff, and I highly recommend him.”
– Jorge Luis Gonzalez, Motion Graphics Artist, Full Bloom
” In our business, we depend on fast, exact work on extreme schedules, and often times a lot of last minute changes. Jeff has been very accommodating and has worked in a professional manner, showing his superior skills. I will hire him again on our next project – no question.”
– Angela Sommers, Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions
“ I have known Jeff for over 25 years and can only say that he is one of the most creative individuals I have met. His passion for his work and commitment to delivering a product offering the highest quality is what stands out when I think of Jeff in a professional capacity. I fully endorse Jeff and his ability to deliver exceptional results.”
– Matt Stermer, Regional Franchise Developer, Oil & Vinegar
” Jeff has served in the three-headed capacity of DP/Compositor/Colorist, all of which have greatly advanced the quality of my film and commercial projects. Without question, a stellar addition to my database of production talent!”
James Parris, Producer/Filmmaker
“ I’ve worked with Jeff on a number of projects and he has been an absolute pleasure to work with since day one. If you have the chance to work with him on a project, jump at it. You won’t regret it.”
– David Fugate, Founder, LaunchBooks Literary Agency
“ Jeff is an incredible author and artist and is super knowledgeable in the suite of Adobe products. He’s a great asset to any creative project.”
– Dane Howard, Principal, Founder, VUVOX
“ If you’re considering Public Relation services, meaning if you are an artist or have artist as clients and want to really get the news about your product, I highly recommend contacting Sound Visions Media. They got the word out to indie and major publications alike. Although there are no guarantees in this business, they worked pretty damn smart to get the results that I desired. What I appreciated the most was their patience, dedication and passion toward the goal. They held my hand every step of the way and devised a personal plan of action for me, including teaching me how to prepare my package for success and cutting edge marketing ideas. I highly recommend this company!!!”
– Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Sullivan), Hot Tone recording artist