Jim Heilman

You could almost say Jim Heilman grew up in television

production.He was directing the 10pm news for the local CBS affiliate

as a senior in high school.He spent 4 years there, then 13 years at

the ABC affiliate directing and producing news, entertainment, and sports

programming as well as commercial production.In 1996 Jim moved on and

Jim Heilman, president of BankShot Productions (also know as the 'Big Shot', not just president), says he and his seven employees are benefiting from the technology advantages in the building.

"We chose the building primarily due to the proximity to the Ness agency," says Heilman, formerly with Pro Video in Fargo.

Jim Heilman, president of BankShot Productions (also know as the 'Big Shot', not just president), says he and his seven employees are benefiting from the technology advantages in the building.

"We chose the building primarily due to the proximity to the Ness agency," says Heilman, formerly with Pro Video in Fargo.

Jim Heilman, general manager of Pro Video, spent 16 years doing production work at KXJB and WDAY television stations before joining the business founded by Conrad Rose and Kerry Shelton in 1992.
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Hired by Mid-States Development (an Otter Tail Power Company subsidiary) in 1996 to create or purchase a video production company, Heilman found a natural fit which has flourished despite two ownership changes.

"Now, I get my paycheck from the same man who pays Randy Moss of the Vikings," he quips with a grin."Clear Channel radio out of San Antonio owns Pro Video along with KFGO Radio station and the other stations in our building.Vikings owner Red McComb is also an owner of Clear Channel.That ownership has been great for us and our region, because many Clear Channel affiliate stations from across the country fly into Fargo where we produce TV and radio commercials for their markets.Without exception, they're very impressed with our area and Pro Video's capabilities."

With over a hundred active clients, Heilman and Pro Video have recently added two new non- lineal digital editing suites.The final work usually ends up on CD or DVD with some posted as streaming video on Web sites.

"The technology is changing so fast and our client base is growing so rapidly that the only thing inhibiting our growth is access to experienced communicators who can help us expand," Heilman says."Our guiding influence is a dedication to being leaders in digital technology and we've placed ourselves in a great position to do that, with strategic influence on client decisions and print production that helps tie into video and electronic work."

Heilman observes that the region is blessed with excellent production facilities that share a healthy relationship of competition and cooperation.Big market clients who come to town always remark on their ability to access support with productions of any kind.

"Most clients now have a strong corporate communications person and/or staff," he says, "and they are looking for equally strong partners to help them put their communications in place with quality that's international in caliber.We're glad to be a part of their plans."

While Heilman lists clients such as Otter Tail Power, Innovis Healthcare, MDU Resources, Shooting Star Casinos, RDO Companies, ABC Seamless, and Noridian Insurance as mainstays, he doesn't blink an eye when he says some of these companies (and other clients) turn to another Fargo company, Media Productions, for production assistance, especially stage productions.

Lee Massey, president of Fargo's Media Productions, shares a broadcast background with Heilman, having worked as the director of production at WDAY-TV in the 70s and launching his predecessor company, Audio Media, in 1975 at Fargo's Manchester Building.