ABOUT US
Strategic storytelling, built for trust and long-term impact.
Old Saw Media is a storytelling studio rooted in Duluth, Minnesota, partnering with organizations whose work matters — to their communities, their people, and the future they’re building.
We believe the most powerful stories aren’t manufactured. They’re uncovered. Our work begins by listening closely, understanding what’s at stake, and identifying the human truth beneath the surface. From there, we build films and campaigns designed to earn trust, move people, and stand the test of time.
We work alongside healthcare systems, educational institutions, outdoor and conservation-focused organizations, and mission-driven brands — teams who value substance over noise and clarity over hype.
What We Help Bring to Life
BRAND STORIES
The foundational narratives behind organizations people believe in. These films articulate who you are, why you exist, and what guides your work — serving as long-term assets that anchor campaigns, culture, and growth.
CAMPAIGNS
Narrative systems designed to build momentum over time. We develop multi-phase campaigns that connect story, distribution, and audience — helping organizations move from awareness to trust to action.
DOCUMENTARY-STYLE
Real stories, told with care. Through interviews and observational filmmaking, we uncover the human moments that give your work meaning — and shape them into films that feel honest, grounded, and lasting.
SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS
Purpose-built content for the moments people actually engage. Short, thoughtful videos crafted to stop the scroll, spark curiosity, and invite a deeper connection with your brand.
TV COMMERCIALS
Strategic, story-driven spots designed to earn attention and build trust. We focus on clarity and emotional resonance — not noise — creating commercials that people remember long after the screen goes dark.
TESTIMONIALS
Trust, told through real voices. Thoughtfully produced testimonials that move beyond surface praise — capturing lived experiences that help future customers see themselves in the story.
OUR TEAM
TOM
Founder & Creative Director
Tom Deschenes is the founder and creative director of Old Saw Media. He leads projects from first conversation through final delivery, helping organizations uncover the story beneath the surface and shape it into work that builds trust and moves people.
With a background rooted in documentary storytelling and over a decade of experience partnering with mission-driven organizations, Tom brings a strategic lens to every project — aligning narrative, visuals, and purpose to support meaningful outcomes. His work has helped organizations raise significant funds, activate communities, and earn regional and national recognition.
Based in Northern Minnesota, Tom’s approach is grounded, human, and deeply connected to place — often shaped by the landscapes, people, and values of the communities he serves.
Tanner
Operations & logistics manager
Tanner Nickerson oversees operations and production logistics at Old Saw Media, ensuring every project runs smoothly from planning through delivery. He manages the details that allow creative work to stay focused — from scheduling and crew coordination to on-set execution and post-production workflows.
With a steady presence and a systems-driven mindset, Tanner plays a critical role in translating creative vision into real-world production. His ability to anticipate challenges, communicate clearly, and keep teams aligned helps Old Saw deliver consistently high-quality work, even on complex, multi-day shoots.
Chris
post-production coodinator
Chris is Old Saw Media’s post-production coordinator, overseeing the editorial process and helping shape projects from raw footage into cohesive, story-driven films. He brings a strong editorial eye and a deep understanding of how footage, sound, and pacing work together to support narrative and strategy.
With experience both in the field and in the edit, Chris bridges production and post — ensuring continuity, clarity, and creative intent carry through every phase of a project. His steady approach and attention to detail play a key role in delivering work that feels intentional, polished, and true to the story being told.
Working With Old SaW
Our Team & Crew
How big is your team?
Our core team leads every project from start to finish, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accountability. Depending on the scope, we scale crews intentionally—bringing in trusted collaborators when needed—to match the complexity of the work without unnecessary overhead.
This approach allows us to stay nimble while maintaining the level of craft, professionalism, and care our partners expect.
Investment
What does a project typically cost?
Every engagement is custom-built around your goals, audience, and desired impact. Rather than one-size-fits-all pricing, we develop a clear scope and investment range after an initial conversation.
Most projects fall into defined tiers based on complexity and scale, and we’re transparent about where your investment goes—strategy, production, and long-term value, not just deliverables.
Process & Timing
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary by project, but most engagements span 6–10 weeks from discovery through final delivery. Larger campaigns or multi-phase projects may extend beyond that to allow for deeper story development and rollout.
We prioritize clear communication, realistic timelines, and thoughtful pacing—so the work is done right, not rushed.
