Our Background
Owner Bill Watrous first became interested in media-related production during his high school years This led to involvement in the behind-the-scene technical aspects of The Sarasota Players productions.
After graduating from Sarasota High School he majored in Broadcasting at the University of Florida, working for the college’s radio and television stations and the radio and TV production centers at the University. Upon graduation he obtained his FCC First Class Radio telephone license and was employed at a number of Florida radio stations. His experiences included responsibilities as news director, announcer, producer, and advertising account executive.
The Start of Watrous Video Productions
While working in Sarasota radio he started Watrous Video Productions as a home-based business and produced THE BRETHREN HOUR. The program was distributed to over twenty radio stations each week. He expanded into video productions by doing film-to-video transfers and videotaping weddings. The business soon outgrew his house and an office was obtained, staff added, and God has richly blessed our growth ever since.
In recent years Sarasota High School contracted Watrous Video Productions to oversee the installation of equipment in their new studio and develop a curriculum for TV Production classes. Bill taught these classes for three years and an independent study program in broadcast journalism for two more years. In addition he produced the school’s Morning Show, which included daily announcements and school news coverage.
Community Relations
Watrous Video Productions is known throughout the area for its community involvement as it has had extensive experience in assisting and supporting churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations.
Bill Watrous has served as a Scoutmaster for 25 years, has been a member of the District Training Committee, and currently serves on the Southern Region summer camp appraisal team and the local Eagle Scout review board. He has served as President, Zone Chairman, and Secretary for the sight committee for the Lion’s Club. He has served as an elder and deacon in his church and has taught Sunday School for nearly 20 years. He has been a Red Cross instructor in aquatics and first aid, and served as chairman of the building committee while on the Red Cross Board of Directors.
Matt Snelson, Director of Operations, Senior Editor, Senior Videographer
Matt has been with Watrous Video Productions since April of 1996. He has 7 years experience with the Adoble Suite which includes Premier, Photoshop and Encore. Matt also has 2 years with Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Over the last 14 years Matt has directed, filmed and edited many graduations in the Manatee and Sarasota area. His many video shoots include aerial videography, multiple camera shoots, weddings, training videos, infomercials, boating footage and many interviews and industrial shoots. He has worked on film shoots as a camera operator, dolly technician, lighting technician, audio engineer, personal assistant and grip.
Professional Associations
Watrous Video Productions is a member of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Longboat, Lido, St. Armand Key Chamber of Commerce, the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International, and the Florida Association of Legal Videographers.