Rick Zessar and Matt Collings Round Out New Team

We’re thrilled to announce that Matt Collings and Rick Zessar have joined the team, marking a period of major change as we expand into a new downtown studio in the Wyman Building.

Matt Collings is now ditch.’s resident Flame Premium and Smoke artist. Collings moved to the Twin Cities in 2005 and joined Fischer Edit. A gifted visual effects and finishing artist, Collings has worked extensively with agencies including Peterson Milla Hooks, OLSON, Periscope, Gabriel deGrood Bendt, Campbell Mithun, donatwald + haque, and Target. His recent clients have included Burger King, Target, Key Bank, Famous Footwear, United HealthCare Group, Cox Communications, Red Robin, and Mini.

“Matt marks a major turning point for ditch.,” commented Brody Howard, editor and founder of the company. “His reputation and artistry precede him and we are thrilled to have him in our premiere finishing suite.”

Said Collings, “Ditch. has gained a reputation for excellence over the past five years. I’m thrilled to be joining their great staff.”

Rick Zessar has also joined ditch. as our first Executive Producer. Zessar spent the majority of his career in Dallas, getting 6 years under his belt as an agency producer for Publicis and The Richards Group before shifting to post production, first as a producer for Reel FX Creative Studios and then as a Senior Producer at Fast Cuts. After 19 years in Dallas, Zessar says he’s looking forward to a change of scenery.

“Having worked with Brody some years ago in Dallas, we’ve talked from time to time about joining forces in Minneapolis and I’m ecstatic that the opportunity is now here. He’s put together a great company with great people, and I’m excited to be part of the team and eager to help ditch. grow.”

Said Howard, “Rick is the ditch. vibe personified. His unflappable style translates into a terrific experience for everyone. He reminds me how fun our job is supposed to be.”

Welcome to the team, guys!