Clear Eyed Media

01/09/2025

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Having lived there for over 18 years, I'm deeply grateful my family and friends are safe.

I'm also incredibly thankful for the firefighters and brave journalists who work tirelessly to provide critical information. In times like these, journalism proves its value. Reporters and photographers deliver facts that save lives, covering evacuation orders, fire locations, and the context people need to protect themselves and their families.

At a time when journalism is under attack, and many people in the field are facing more layoffs and pay cuts, this is heartening, providing a small silver lining to this terrible event.

This isn't the work of random influencers or social media noise. It’s the work of dedicated local journalists who grind through long shifts, writing multiple stories a day, often for little pay or recognition. They turn complex information into accurate, easy-to-understand stories, add meaningful context, and show how these events impact us all.

As someone who has covered wildfires and other emergencies for nearly two decades, I know how hard and vital this work is. I’m proud to carry that storytelling experience into my current role in the legal field.

To the journalists on the front lines: thank you. Your work matters more than ever.

01/07/2025

If you want to craft undeniable reports as a journalist or present airtight cases in the legal world, you’ve got to channel your inner Debbie Downer.

Behind the scenes, it’s your job to be the killjoy, the skeptic, the one popping every balloon of assumption with the sharp needle of doubt.

Assume nothing is true. Test every hypothesis like it’s a dating profile that sounds too good to be true. "Oh, you say you volunteer every weekend and run marathons for fun? Let’s see the finish line photos and the race roster."

Talk to witnesses, go to the scene, interrogate experts, and dig through every document like your reputation depends on it because it does. File public records requests like you’re collecting baseball cards. Read studies, review footage, and scrutinize police reports until your coffee runs out and your sanity is hanging by a thread.

In the legal world, it’s par for the course to take your work and smash it against the wall of someone else’s skepticism. But in journalism? Not so much, unfortunately, for some reporters, namely the ones who get sued.

That’s why, once you think you’ve got the facts, do the bravest thing imaginable: hand it over to the person who will hate your work the most. Let them tear into it like a dog with a new chew toy. Stand there. Take it. Then, this part’s crucial: shut up and listen.

Stick to what’s undeniable. If a widely-held belief turns out to be wrong or disputed, don’t bury it. Report the dispute, own the messiness, and walk your audience through your process. Transparency builds trust, and trust is your greatest currency.

Before you publish or present, ask yourself this one question: Who’s the last person in the world I’d want to see this? Now go find them. Show it to them. Their criticism might hurt your ego, but it’ll strengthen your work.

This is how you create stories and cases that withstand scrutiny. Lawyers know it. Journalists who adopt it will stand out. Behind the scenes, it might feel like a storm of doubt and criticism, but that’s the cost of truth, and it’s worth it.

It's how you win cases and publish material no one forgets.

Behind every undeniable story or case is the kind of truth that can’t be ignored. Let me help you tell it in a way (with video) that insurance adjusters won’t want to watch but can’t look away from.

01/03/2025

Lawyers, Let’s Talk TikTok Era Storytelling!

When your audience is used to binge-worthy Netflix docs and scroll-stopping TikToks, basic courtroom visuals just won’t cut it.

My recent article for Attorney at Work dives into why legal teams need expert video storytelling to not just tell, but prove their case. From digging into public records to crafting emotional narratives, this isn’t just videography—it’s strategy.

Highlights:

Building a case with receipts (hello, public records!)

Turning daily struggles into powerful day-in-the-life videos

Capturing that “WTF” factor to grab attention from the start

Check it out and discover why great storytelling = bigger, faster settlements.

Joe Douglass | Done well, videos become powerful, persuasive tools that sway juries and adjusters alike.

12/23/2024

I told ChatGPT, “Write me a holiday poem that’s festive, funny, and promotes my business.” After arguing with it about reindeer metaphors and legal puns, here’s what we came up with:

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the firm,
The adjusters were lurking, as is their term.
The lawyers were sweating, their hopes running thin,
“We need something better to make them give in!”
When out in the hallway arose such a clatter,
I burst through the door yelling, “What’s the matter?!”
“Your case needs some sparkle, some hard-hitting facts,
Let me dig in—adjusters can’t argue with that!”
“Body cams? Depositions? OSHA reports?
I’ll track down the goods, no matter the courts.
Public records? I’ll get ‘em! Emails and files?
I’ve got more tricks than adjusters have guile.”
With a camera in hand and a knack for the truth,
I turned bland disputes into slam-dunk proof.
Cue heartfelt footage and a voiceover pro,
Adjusters don’t stand a chance—they’ll fold, you know.
And just as the clock ticked close to the year’s end,
An offer rolled in from our adjuster friends.
“Wait, how much?!” the lawyers exclaimed, eyes wide,
While I packed up my gear and quietly sighed:
“Don’t thank me now, just send cookies and cheer.
Call Clear Eyed Media for wins all next year!”
Happy holidays to all, and to all a good fight,
Let’s settle your cases—no sleighs, just insight.

12/10/2024

Thrilled to share this five-star Google review! The nearly two-hour documentary I made for Pam on her parents’ antique fire equipment collection was a joy to create. At Clear Eyed Media, it’s all about storytelling—whether it’s helping attorneys achieve results or preserving family legacies.

12/05/2024

In 2017, my investigation into health insurance denials for autism treatments led to something rare: accountability.

My reporting uncovered violations that resulted in Oregon fining insurance companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most importantly, it helped a Portland family finally achieve justice for their son, ensuring he could access life-changing therapies.

This experience showed me the incredible power of storytelling to make a difference, a value I bring to every project at Clear Eyed Media. Today, I use those same investigative skills to craft legal videos that drive results for attorneys and their clients.

Let me help you turn your case into a compelling narrative. Reach out to learn more!

12/03/2024

Would your legal case make a good news story? It's a question worth asking.

As a reporter, I used to get pitches all the time from lawyers and plaintiffs hoping to gain leverage against defendants or insurance adjusters.

Many of those pitches didn’t hold up.

Often, they lacked the evidence or detail that would make me confident enough to pitch the story to my editor—let alone convince them to greenlight it.

As journalists, especially investigative ones, we don’t just need compelling stories—we need legally solid ones.

If I felt a pitch was weak, not only would it risk my reputation, but it could also expose me (and the newsroom) to legal trouble.

That same critical lens guides my work today as a legal storyteller.

When I look at a case, I dig deep. I collaborate with attorneys and plaintiffs to uncover the kind of undeniable, objective evidence that can’t be ignored.

Whether it’s criminal records from out-of-state courts, OSHA violations, FTC fines, or consumer complaints—these public records have helped build cases that led to substantial settlements.

But evidence alone doesn’t win cases. Pairing that with emotionally resonant, fact-driven video—complete with “before” and “after” visuals and heartfelt testimony—creates a narrative that hits home for adjusters, mediators, or even defendants.

The result? A 60-Minutes-style video that doesn’t just tell a story; it proves a case.

If you’re ready to elevate your legal advocacy with expert storytelling and compelling visuals, let’s talk. Clear Eyed Media specializes in turning good cases into great outcomes.

Reach out today for a free consultation.

11/27/2024

The holidays are here, and that means it’s time for family, friends—and plenty of great photo and video opportunities! As a three-time Emmy-nominated TV producer and reporter, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to help you capture moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Here are some fun, easy tips:

📽 Play Journalist for a Day:
Interview family members! No hard-hitting questions—just ask Grandma and Grandpa to share their favorite family recipes (while they’re being prepared if possible) or childhood memories. Get the kids talking about what they want for the holidays or their funniest school stories. Ask open-ended, fun questions and just listen. These sweet (and often hilarious) clips will be cherished for years to come.

💡 Light It Right:
Great lighting makes all the difference. Avoid shooting with light sources like windows behind your subject—keep the light in front of them for the best results.

🎙 Clear the Noise:
If you’re recording an interview, find a quiet spot so you can hear your loved one’s voice clearly. And don’t forget to keep your phone close to their face if you don’t have a separate microphone, so you don’t miss a thing! You don’t have to shoot up their nostrils but make sure you’re far enough to frame their face with a bit of space above and below their head but not much more.

📸 Candid is King:
Catch those in-between moments—kids playing in the yard, Grandpa or Grandma stirring the gravy, or the epic kitchen chaos before dinner. These unscripted shots are often the most meaningful.

Remember, these aren’t just photos and videos—they’re time capsules. So grab your phone, have some fun, and start making memories that will last for generations.

11/25/2024

Secure stronger legal outcomes with my 3x Emmy-nominated expertise! I craft settlement documentaries and day-in-the-life videos for litigation attorneys, plus mitigation videos for criminal defense lawyers and law firms.

11/23/2024

Using Videos to Strengthen Criminal Defense

Mitigation videos are a powerful way to humanize defendants and help courts see the story beyond the charges. They’ve been successfully used in sentencing, bail hearings, and plea deals, turning written arguments into a persuasive, visual narrative.

But what’s the most important element of a successful mitigation video? Hint: It’s not just about the production quality.

As a 3x Emmy-nominated journalist, I specialize in creating these videos with the storytelling precision they need to make an impact.

In criminal defense, the stakes are high, and every detail matters. While facts and evidence are critical, the ability to tell a compelling story often makes the biggest impact. That’s where mitigation videos come in.These documentary-style videos provide judges and prosecutors with a deeper under...

11/22/2024

Interview Tips Lawyers Can Steal from Journalism

After 16+ years as a 3x Emmy-nominated journalist, I’ve learned that interviewing isn’t just about asking questions. It’s about listening, empathy, and uncovering the unexpected.

Lawyers, this could transform your depositions.👇

Whether you're a print, digital, or broadcast journalist or an attorney conducting an initial consultation, a deposition, or a witness interview, you need to know how to talk with people and get what you need out of the discussion.My 16+ years as an investigative TV news reporter and producer in pla...

11/21/2024

Which would you rather watch: an emotional, fact-driven Netflix documentary that grabs you from the first second... or a lawyer in a conference room walking you through a PowerPoint presentation?

(No offense to my lawyer friends—but I think we all know the answer!)

That’s why I created Clear Eyed Media. As a former screenwriter and three-time Emmy-nominated investigative journalist with nearly 20 years of top-market storytelling experience, I help attorneys turn their cases into visually compelling, emotionally resonant narratives. My settlement documentaries and demand videos combine professional videography with the investigative depth that leads to results, turning facts into stories that connect.

If you're tired of PowerPoint and ready to capture attention (and secure better outcomes), let’s talk. The first consultation is free, and I promise no slides.

11/20/2024

Last week, Clear Eyed Media was proud to co-sponsor the MATA/MDLA New Lawyers Reception in Boston. You can spot our name right at the top of the sponsor board: “Clear Eyed Media: Legal Videos that Win” (yes, that’s us, aiming high!).

The second photo? A crowd of ambitious young attorneys socializing like pros. And then there’s me, somewhere in the mix, definitely looking cool and confident… or maybe just awkwardly hanging by the appetizers.

Truth is, walking into a room full of strangers isn’t always easy, even when you’re passionate about what you do. I’m genuinely excited about helping lawyers win cases with compelling legal videos—but let’s be honest, networking can feel like an Olympic sport sometimes.

Thankfully, I ended up having some great conversations with lawyers and folks from MATA. It reminded me why I love this work: connecting with smart people and turning legal challenges into winning stories.

I enjoyed the event (and the appetizers—great sliders). If you’re a lawyer curious about how powerful storytelling can help your cases, let’s talk.

11/19/2024

Lawyers, does the sight of this TV and VCR give you a sense of relief?

It should, especially if you’re Gen X like me.

When you showed up to class and saw this setup, you knew it was easy street.

The teacher knew it, too.

They were showing a movie!

OK, it’s an educational one, but it’s still better than watching Mr. Carhart drone on for 45 minutes.

And Mr. C got a break, too.

Now, imagine you’re going into mediation.

You want to dazzle the insurance adjuster, judge, or mediator and, hopefully, settle your case for a big payout.

Do you think talking for much of the time or giving a glorified slide show presentation is what anyone wants to go through?

Do you want to do it?

What if, instead, you wheeled in the proverbial TV and VCR cart (let’s get real; you’ll be using more current technology) and pressed play?

Instead of your face and voice having to do all the work, a compelling settlement documentary, aka demand or mitigation video made by a three-time Emmy-nominated investigative reporter, does it for you.

It’s a dynamic, evocative 60 Minutes-style presentation by someone who, for nearly two decades, produced top-rated stories and news shows in competitive markets like Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon—and who actually once sold a screenplay.

Want to roll into your next mediation/plea/sentencing hearing with your own “TV cart” moment?

Let Clear Eyed Media craft a compelling video that does the heavy lifting for you.

PM me for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

And I work with lawyers nationwide.

11/18/2024

I’m happy to share that Attorney at Work has published my article, “Don’t Just Show, Prove: Why Lawyers Need Expert Video Storytelling in the TikTok Era. "

This article explores how visual storytelling can enhance legal cases, helping attorneys achieve faster, bigger settlements by presenting evidence in ways that resonate with decision-makers. From using public records to craft undeniable narratives to incorporating personal footage that humanizes clients, the strategies outlined are designed to turn raw evidence into compelling, persuasive stories.

Joe Douglass | Done well, videos become powerful, persuasive tools that sway juries and adjusters alike.

11/15/2024

Telling Stories That Bring Us Closer to the Truth

As a reporter, I learned the power of using multiple perspectives to uncover the truth. In this story from a Portland protest, three different videos revealed critical details that challenged assumptions and changed the narrative.

At Clear Eyed Media, I use those same skills to craft compelling visual stories for legal teams. While much of my work remains private due to mediation, the goal is always the same: to uncover the truth and present it in a way that resonates, whether for litigation or criminal defense.

Let’s connect to discuss how storytelling can strengthen your case. PM me now to set up a free, no-obligation introductory meeting.

11/15/2024

Claws and effect!

Happy Friday!

11/12/2024

As an investigative reporter, lawyers and plaintiffs regularly tried to get me to do stories on their lawsuits. But only some succeeded.

My decisions were based on the strength of their complaints.

Many of them contained a litany of claims with little to no evidence, and often, they'd been stalled for more than 18 months.

They devolved into he said/she said stories, and I didn't want to be a part of them.

It’s not good journalism and could potentially expose my employer and me to legal action.

The best pitches came from attorneys who did their homework.

Their complaints were full of undeniable evidence, including citations of public records, emails, business documents, surveillance video, audio recordings, and more.

It was stuff I could examine myself and potentially use in the story, and of course, I could ask the defendant about it as well.

I'd often receive a response like, “We don't comment on pending litigation,” but I wouldn't stop there.

I'd read the answer to the lawsuit the defendant filed in court before even pitching the story to my bosses, so I knew the whole story—or at least the closest I could get to it at the time.

As a reporter I made my cases legally bulletproof and undeniable to not just protect myself but to increase ratings, and I was rewarded for it with three Emmy nominations and multiple promotions.

Adding a strategic, substantiated, and compelling video story to your case can make a powerful difference—and that’s where Clear Eyed Media comes in.

With nearly 20 years of investigative journalism experience, I bring a meticulous, evidence-driven approach to legal storytelling, including settlement documentaries and more.

I don’t just craft a narrative with expert, top-market TV news-style videography; I help strengthen your case by identifying key areas where public records, surveillance footage, and other evidence could reinforce your arguments.

With your permission, I’ll handle filing requests and uncover the critical details that often make the difference between a stalled lawsuit and a quick, large settlement.

Let’s discuss how Clear Eyed Media can enhance your legal strategy and tell the story they don't want told.

PM me today for a free consultation.