Local Duo Go ‘Above and Beyond’ in Video Production

For more than a decade, longtime friends Chris Mohr of Yorkville and Michael Nelson of Plano have been filming concerts, weddings, recitals and celebrations of all kinds and creating video masterpieces.

Last year, the duo decided to give entrepreneurship a try by opening the Yorkville-based Above and Beyond Media.

“We are one of the few video production companies out there right now that does not hire high schoolers to do most of our work,” Mohr said. “When you hire Above and Beyond you’re hiring two video professionals and we run every aspect of it.”

Mohr and Nelson met in junior high and went through high school together in Yorkville.  They ended up at Waubonsee Community College, studying television production.

While both men hold day jobs -- Mohr works at Menards and Nelson, who recently became a dad, is a plumber -- they are enjoying turning their passion for video production into a job.

Mohr lauds the partnership he and Nelson share.

“He and I tend to approach problems in different ways so whenever we need to figure out how to do something one of us will have an idea that will work,” Mohr said. “We fill in each other’s blanks.”

Like many small businesses, Above and Beyond Media has not been immune to the faltering economy.

“Business has kind of taken a hit right now,” Mohr said. “And I think when it comes to weddings most people focus on the photographer. Video is sort of an afterthought.”

However, he is staying positive.

“I’m sure it will pick up once the economy gets a little better,” Mohr said.

His favorite part of the job?

“The creativity and being able to help couples make the memories of their wedding as beautiful as they can be,” he said.

Above and Beyond Media create tailor-made video productions.

“If they want more shots of grandma during the reception, they can get more shots of grandma,” Mohr said. “We’re able to tailor everything to what the customers want.”

For more information, visit their website.