In 1995, Banyan was started by two good people with a desire to create good media, for good people, at good prices. Now, almost 15 years later, our team of writers, editors, filmmakers, social media strategists, designers, animators, thinkers, and brown labs still go into work every morning with these same goals.

We’re proud of our EMMYS, Freddies, Telly’s, and other –ies/-ys, but the thing that keeps us going is the hope that our work actually makes a difference to someone, somewhere.  Sounds corny, but it’s true. Our only clients are government agencies and non-profits, and we find our work for them eminently fulfilling.

This blog is our online version of the thoughts we share across desks and in conference rooms, at lunch or in emails. We’ll try to stay on-topic, focus mainly on social media, social marketing, and filmmaking, but we may stray into other areas when it strikes our fancy. We wouldn’t be Banyan if we didn’t.

Fun Facts About the Bloggers:

We hope that this lends some incite into who we are and what we’re all about without expecting you to read a boring paragraph about our likes and dislikes.

Al Admire

What color are you? I’m a toasty burnt Sienna with just a hint of Sunrise Crimson to highlight my cheekbones.
In the CD player? Two things:  Phillip Glass, “Facades” and Johnny A., “Wichita Lineman.”
You’ve lived where? Born St. Louis and have lived here my entire life.
Fav TV show? “Fawlty Towers.”  The funniest program ever written and produced…
Fav 60s film? “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” …especially the “ask him to stay” scene. Hilarious.
When I grow up I wanna be… A Cosmologist (a person who studies the cosmos) – as opposed to a Cosmetologist (who does hair).
Latest read? The Girl who Played with Fire, Stieg Larsson
Me in a film? John Goodman (but only because of contractual obligations)
I’d like to hang with… Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.  It was such a pivotal day in British History I’d love to see how it played out in real time.
Pets? Macbeth – Labrador.  Othello – Dead.

Dawn Balk

What color are you? I am violet because that’s the color of the rainbow that comes last on the spectrum – ROYGBIV. I like being last because, just like waiting until the person in front of you on the icy lake falls through the thinnest part into the freezing water below, I get to decide, ‘Do I now change my plans?’ or, ‘Should I go get help?’
In the CD player? The last thing to play on my iPod was the entire Company of Thieves collection from their album, Ordinary Riches.
You’ve lived where? Chicago and surrounding suburbs – 25+ years, Miami – 1 year, Columbus, GA – 1 year, Los Angeles – 6 months, St. Louis – 1 year, O’Fallon, IL – 10 years, Saint Charles, MO. – 4 years. Wow, now everyone knows my age – ha, ha! Very funny (Not!) :0(
Fav TV show? Hands down, The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Fav 60s film? The Sound of Music – I just think everyone should have a song in their heart. Plus, it’s based on actual events – how cool is that?
When I grow up I wanna be… Doctor; Actress; Writer; Photographer; Fuller Brush Salesperson; Painter; Recovering Alcoholic; Aerobics Instructor; Soda Jerk. I actually was several of those…not telling :0)
Latest read? Up in Honey’s Room by Elmore Leonard. Disappointing, actually.
Me in a film? Meryl Streep, who else? But, she’ll have to look like she did in Mamma Mia!, not in Julie and Julia.
I’d like to hang with… I’d love to spend the day with God. First, just to see if He/She really exists – that, actually would be enough reason. Second, because I want to see if I could figure out the magic.
Pets? Not at the moment. I do have children, though, does that count?
– I would have to mention my fantasy pet. The name would be Lulu, unless she looks nothing like a Lulu – in which case, I don’t know. In any event, she would have to be some breed of hypoallergenic dog.

Sally Deval

What color are you? Blue.  Feels limitless and open.
In the CD player? Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo (theme from Raging Bull)
You’ve lived where? I was born in Devon, England and lived there until my Dad moved us all to New York City. (He said it was for the great work opportunities but I suspect it was the size of the sandwiches here). I moved to Hong Kong after college for a stint in public relations and eventually moved back to New York City to work in public outreach. Eventually moved to St. Louis to start Banyan!
Fav TV show? The Avengers….you can’t beat Diana Rigg.
Fav 60s film? “Charade” with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn or “Rear Window” with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly
When I grow up I wanna be… Wasn’t sure exactly what it would be but from the age of 10 I knew I wanted to be in communications — saying, writing, or doing something that affected others in a positive way.
Latest read? The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Me in a film? Depends if it’s a comedy or not…Tuesday Weld, maybe?
I’d like to hang with… I’d have a camera with me and document President John F. Kennedy on the last day of the Cuban Missile Crisis or Abraham Lincoln on the day he recited the Gettysburg Address.
Pets? Macbeth: a chocolate lab.

Joe Pirrello

What color are you? Green – Spring time baby, the color of new beginnings.
In the CD player? Stephen Stills – “Love the One You’re With”
You’ve lived where? Los Angeles – 11 years.  St. Louis, MO – 13 years.  Denver, CO – 2 years.  Columbia, MO – 2 years.
Fav TV show? That 70’s Show…I know it’s not the greatest show ever, I’d never make that argument, but man, it sure is funny.  Mostly I’d like to have been in high school around then, I think it would have suited me a little better.
Fav 60s film? Rear Window – not only one of the best in the 60’s but flat out one of my top 5 favorite flicks ever.
When I grow up I wanna be… I still want to be a pro baseball player.  Right now I’ll settle for coaching the 6th graders – it doesn’t pay quite as well, or at all, but it’s a good time.
Latest read? I finished On the Road by Jack Kerouac a while back, but since I haven’t finished anything since, that’s the one.  I still want to go hitch hiking around the US.  But I’m told that’s not such a good idea anymore.  Bummer.
Me in a film? I’d like to see Zach Galifianakis play me on the silver screen.
I’d like to hang with… Where do I even start…?  Jim Morrison…that’d be cool.  I can see myself having a good time with him.
Pets? Molly – hound mutt, Charlie – half lab/half great pyrenees, Grace – FAT long haired gray cat, Maurice – tiny orange striped cat.

Kathleen Souder

What color are you? I’m a bright cherry red. I don’t know if that’s me, but it’s my favorite color so that’s that.
In the CD player? Star Mile, by Joshua Radin. And before that it was “Tootsie Roll” by the 69 Boyz.
You’ve lived where? I grew up in Maryville, Tennessee and ran wild with my 5 siblings in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Then I lived in Notre Dame, Indiana for college and continued moving west when I moved to STL.
Fav TV show? Freaks & Geeks would probably top the list. I didn’t discover it until this year and I lost a lot of faith in humanity knowing that it was cancelled after the first year. Mad Men will be a future favorite all-time TV show, I’m really digging it these days. And, when I was little my favorite show was Reading Rainbow.
Fav 60s film? Oh crap. I don’t know. I am the worst film major ever.
When I grow up I wanna be… - A professional ballerina. Or a politician.
Latest read? “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy.
Me in a film? I’d pick Zooey Deschanel. I like her bangs.
I’d like to hang with… George Balanchine. Because I’d want to watch him work.
Pets? 2 younger brothers, and 3 younger sisters: John, Mary, Anne, Dominic and Clare.