Dallas Media Center celebrates 20 years in Lake Highlands

Cindy and Scott Causey at a Wildcat football game

When the band dads at Lake Highlands High School wanted an extra-special, end-of-year slide show in 1999, they went to Scott Causey for help. Besides being father to Erin, a member of the band’s Color Guard, Scott was a computer instructor and videographer, capable of using a computerized non-linear editing system to put group members’ photos, video clips and music together. The show was a hit, and Scott was hooked.

Over the next ten years, Scott worked from home with his wife, Cindy Ubben Causey, an LHHS graduate from the Class of 1970. As a former JCPenney copy chief, photographer and graphic designer, Cindy helped Scott build Dallas Digital Studios, which videotaped everything from school shows to weddings. Neighbors assisted with editing duties day and night in their garage office.

“Strangers began showing up at the front door to drop work off for us,” Cindy remembers. “That was a little unsettling.”

In September of 2010, the couple launched a storefront operation at Royal Highlands Plaza, where Audelia and Skillman meet LBJ. They called it LH Media Centers, then renamed it Dallas Media Center to reflect neighbors from around Dallas bringing their treasured memories for preservation.

“But the location was terrible,” Cindy says of the shopping center, which formerly housed Sweet Temptations, El Fenix, Plaza Bank and other businesses. “The minute we moved in, everyone began moving out.”

Dallas Media Center moved to the tiny space next to LH Donuts at Audelia and Walnut Hill Lane.

“The commerce wasn’t much better there,” says Cindy, “but we knew the area had potential. Plus, I felt like we were in the heart of the neighborhood.”

Before long, Shady’s and Cedar & Vine arrived to bookend their space, and Resident Taqueria set up shop around the corner. Lakeridge Village was renovated across Audelia, and Dallas Media Center was flourishing.

Sadly, Scott died suddenly in February of 2019, leaving a void for Cindy personally and professionally.

“It’s been hard, of course,” Cindy says, “but I’ve had so much help and encouragement.” She hired LHHS classmate Steve White, who ran his own production company for years.

“Steve’s arrival kept us going without missing a beat,” says Cindy. “I owe him so much gratitude. And his wife, Adrienne, who was the one who encouraged him to offer his help.” Adrienne Jamieson White was a classmate and friend of Cindy’s at LHHS.

Also pitching in with the family business are LHHS junior Cash Ubben, Cindy’s nephew, and Tamala Terry. Tamala and Cindy share grandmothering duties, since Tamala’s son and Cindy’s daughter married and are raising two kids at Northlake Elementary.

As Dallas Media Center celebrates 20 years in Lake Highlands and 10 years as a neighborhood storefront, their slogan, “We Save Your Life,” is as true as ever. They remain dedicated to converting people’s memories, on video, audio, photos, slides or film, to current formats families can keep and enjoy.

“Who would have thought we’d end up here 20 years later,” Cindy laughs. “Two grandmothers running a tech company with an old friend and a teenaged nephew. We’re surprised every day.”

Dallas Media Center is at 9661 Audelia #108.