Don Schechter is the founder of Charles River Media Group[1] and is a filmmaker, producer, composer, and educator. In 2003, he formed Charles River Media Group - a Boston based video production and post production collaborative.
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Schechter graduated from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan before receiving his Bachelor's degree in Media Arts and Technologies and Masters Degree in Music Composition and Theory from Tufts University.[2] He received his Masters Degree in Music Composition and Theory from Tufts University in 2003. As a graduate student he received the Etta and Harry Winokur Award for Outstanding Achievement in Artistic or Scholarly Work.
Schechter taught at the Conservatory Lab Charter School[3] in Brighton, MA and was a freelance video producer before forming Charles River Media Group - a Boston based video production and post-production collaborative in 2003.
Charles River Media Group[4] is a production company based in Brookline, MA, serving corporate, non-profit, governmental and academic institutions. Select clients include Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, ESPN, 38 Studios, New Balance, The N.Y. Times, Harvard and Tufts Universities, Chanel/Viximo, Pearson Education, Houghton Mifflin, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and The United States Congress, Services include television commercials and programming, documentary and narrative filmmaking, corporate videos, and live event recordings.[5]
Schechter has produced, directed, edited, or worked on in some capacity many television commercials, industrials, internet videos and documentary films.[6] These include:
“Making Movies,” Tufts University, Experimental College, (co-taught: 2007-2009, taught: 2010–present) This course immerses students in the practice and logic associated with camera, lighting, audio and editing—all in the service of learning how to tell a story cinematically.[14] Don's immense work in the field of video editing and production gives him a unique ability to instruct young filmmakers in the art of movie-making.
“Producing Films for Social Change,” Tufts University, Tisch School of Citizenship and Public Service (2003–2008) This course addressed the powerful role of video journalism as an advocacy tool to shape perceptions of policy and society. Students learn the principles and techniques of documentary and TV news magazine journalism including directing, camera work, and editing. This course also emphasizes citizenship, active community leadership, and creative approaches to civic engagement. Don Schechter produced the following documentaries through this course: (2003) Silent Screams: Modern Day Slavery in Sudan, Silencing Survivors: Budget Cuts to Rape Crisis Centers, Access Denied: The Polluted Malden River, False Promises: Education Budget Cuts (2004) Political Passions, Walking the Line: Cocaine, Color Coded: Battling the Law, Live! From the New Hampshire Primary, Homelessness: The Shelter vs. House Debate, The Gay Marriage Debate, The Multi-Racial Experience, Finding the Lost Girls (2005) From the Fryer to the Freeway: Alternative Energy Today*, Waitlisted: The Battle Over the In-State Tuition Bill, Flip the Coin: The Somali Bantus' Journey to America, Melanie's Legacy: a Grandfather's Fight against Drunk Driving, Student Soldiers, Bio Safety or Bio Terror?, Hazard Children at Work, Taking it Back: Haitian Empowerment in Boston, (2006) Making Contact, Stuttering, Managing Drinking, Out-Dated, The Price of Education, Hidden Obsession: Body Image and the Gay Male, Silent Killer: Asbestos, Talking Back (2007) Veteran's Day, Changing Uniforms, John School, Undocumented Dreams, Drinking Under the Influence: The Fight Against Bottled Water (2008) Mapendo and the Crisis of African Refugees, Art in Your Face, Honkumentary: No Noise is Illegal, Tourette’s: Ticking Tolerance, * (Winner of a College Emmy Award)[15]
“History of Documentary: From Nanook to The Real World,” Tufts University, Experimental College, (2006–2008) In this course, students develop critical viewing skills, as they learn the language and structures of film and television documentaries. They examine the varied forms of documentary filmmaking, including historical films, advocacy videos, political satire, propaganda, cinema verité and other depictions of “reality.”[16]
Taught computer skills through music for K-5.