About Us
Meet The People Behind The Videos
"Those Captivating Cacti " and "Success With Succulents" were produced by Panorama Studios, located in Cambria, California.

Rick Smith is the producer and director of photography for these videos. Prior to founding Panorama Studios in 1997, Rick was director of Visual Education Productions (VEP) at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. This award-winning multimedia department was recognized internationally as one of the premiere producers of instructional materials for agricultural and horticultural education. Rick has overseen production of hundreds of instructional videos, books, films, CD-ROMs, slide sets and more.

Kim Miller supervised script development on both of these projects and was production manager, editor and DVD author. Kim has worked professionally in media production for over 10 years.

Dan Lassanske was an advisor on both programs and oversaw production of Success With Succulents . He is a professor of horticulture at California Polytechnic State University. He currently teaches courses in Retailing Horticultural Products, Nursery Production and Environmental Horticulture. He is active with the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, and serves on various committees. He has been the recipient of Cal Poly’s Meritorious Teaching Award, the Petoseed Agricultural Faculty Award, and the Advisor of the Year Award. Mr. Lassanske’s professional consulting includes working with garden centers on personnel management and marketing strategies. In addition, he has an interest in the seed industry, perennial and bedding plant production. He continues to be a co-coach for the Associated Landscape Contractors of America student competition team which has wins first place nationally on a regular basis.

Rob Skillin is a dedicated cactus collector and propagator. He has travelled the world collecting and photographing cacti. Rob is a board member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and is an active member in the Central Coast Cactus & Succulent Society.

Rob contributes to publications, gives presentations and generally promotes the joy of collecting and propagating cacti for personal satisfaction. He is a sought after speaker at cacti and succulent club meetings. Rob arranged many of the shooting locations for Those Captivating Cacti, advised on the script and provided access to his extensive collection. His expertise is well recognized within the cacti collecting world.

There are also versions of these two programs designed for schools and clubs. They include Public Performance Rights, a teaching guide and transcripts of the narration. You can learn more about these versions by clicking here.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.For more information regarding our products or services either call us at 1-888-744-9381 or email us:
info@captivatingcacti.com