Shaina Koren

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Shaina Koren

Award-winning documentarian Our team takes pride in the exceptional experience we provide, stunning visuals and creative storytelling.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Shaina Koren is an Award-winning Director, Cinematographer, and Editor specializing in documentary style filmmaking, brand storytelling, video production and wedding cinematography. Our work demonstrates our attention to detail, premium quality, and commitment to raising the bar for video production and cinematography services. Please visit our blog or email us: http://www.shainakoren.com/blog

Email me: [email protected]

31/10/2024

Take me back to sun-drenched afternoons, ancient architecture, and moments of pure joy. Missing the days of endless exploration, carefree smiles, and getting lost in beautiful places abroad.

Image Descriptions
Image 1: Shaina, a woman sits joyfully on a stone platform, wearing a patterned wrap skirt and a black sleeveless top. She has a big, radiant smile, squinting slightly from the sunlight. Behind her, vibrant blue doors and traditional tiled walls add charm to the background, evoking the beauty of European architecture. Her posture and expression reflect pure happiness and a carefree moment abroad.
Image 2: Shaina stands confidently in front of a large stone archway with circular cutouts, the golden-yellow walls framing a breathtaking view of the landscape beyond. She wears beige pants, a black tank top, and a long black cardigan, with her curly hair gently blown by the wind. Her relaxed smile and casual pose capture the essence of adventure and exploration in an iconic setting.
Image 3: Shaina stands on a balcony overlooking intricate Sintra, Portugal architecture, featuring detailed tilework and domed towers. She is smiling brightly, one hand playfully in her hair, with the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the scene. Her outfit of beige pants, a black top, and a flowing black cardigan complements the vibrant, historical backdrop, embodying the spirit of discovery.

29/10/2024

My crew is small, but oh are we mighty. Working on a documentary with us is truly a one of a kind, intimate experience.

Video Description: The video starts with clips from a recent film project, including a closet of an older woman placing her hand on a man's check, the woman and man sitting in a church pew, the woman dancing, and walking with a younger woman. The video transitions to a photo montage including the crew jumping in front of a marquee, and pictures of Shaina behind the camera in behind-the-scenes photos. The video then transitions into the introduction of the crew being spoken about with a slide show of photos.

26/10/2024

We are grateful and honored to present the trailer for a project over a year in the making, Legacy of Love. This trailer is a sneak peak of the two hour Heirloom film that will be shared and passed down to the next generation.

This project started when reached out about filming a 90th birthday party, but evolved into something deeper. Our team captured so many powerful moments - several dance performances with , the Idaho Sugar Project farm Geniel was raised on in Idaho, a family celebration at the property where she raised her eight hard-working, kind children, Geniel's radiation treatment at for pancreatic cancer, and finally with the family at the end of her life. It has been a beautifully heartbreaking journey to share life and moments with the family over the last couple years.

The story | Geniel Fife, a devoted mother and grandmother, finds new purpose in dance until an unexpected diagnosis puts everything at risk. Her children rally around her, uncovering her remarkable life story and drawing inspiration from her resilience.

The incredible team that made this happen:
Executive Producer - John Fife
Director | Producer | Writer
DP | Cinematographer | Lighting
Assistant Director | Camera Operator
Sound | Drone
Editor | Post Supervisor
Colorist |
Sound Editing
1st Assistant Editor
Lead Planner & Detailer -
Planning Team - , , .turley,
Family History Author - Mary Johnston

24/10/2024

Searching for something outside of me
but it's here in my depths
that holds the key
Be still.
Be silent
Breathe...

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Shaina, a woman is standing in an open field, wearing a black dress. She smiles gently, looking at the camera, with a stunning mountain range and a sky bathed in soft evening light behind her. The expansive landscape creates a sense of calm and connection to nature.
Image 2: Shaina, a woman dressed in a black sweater, standing on a trail surrounded by greenery. She has a casual crossbody bag on her side and is gently touching her hair with a smile on her face, looking content and comfortable in the outdoor setting.
Image 3: Shaina, a woman stands in nature, smiling up at the sky. She is wearing a black tank top, her curly hair cascading over her shoulders. Behind her, lush greenery surrounds a rocky cliff, giving the scene a peaceful, earthy vibe. Her expression is one of joy and serenity, soaking in the moment.

17/10/2024

Anywhere you are. Be there fully.

This season of life has been beautiful and heartbreaking in all the ways. I've stepped back a bit from posting on here lately to reflect and show up more fully and authentically. If you have been following along on this journey with me here as I grow my brand - I'd love to hear from you. What would you like to see? What part of the storytelling/documentary process are you curious about?

These snaps are from Beden, Bulgaria hosted by my collaborator and friend Anna. It was such a grounding experience to be in Beden with it's nature, stillness, natural springs and beautiful humans.

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Shaina, a woman, smiles brightly while relaxing in a swimming pool, floating on a red inflatable ring. She has her arms resting on the edge of the pool, and her feet are extended, crossed on the ring. The sun shines, reflecting off the water, and people swim in the background under large green umbrellas.
Image 2: Shaina, a woman, is capturing a photo of herself through a small mirror, surrounded by rustic wall décor. The mirror is framed with seashells, and hanging near it are a sickle, a knife, and signs reading, “Relax, you’re at the lake,” and “Wake up smiling.” The overall atmosphere is cozy and reflective.
Image 3: A shadow of a woman making a peace sign is cast on a blue surface. The shadow is elongated by the sunlight, and a decorative railing casts its own intricate shadow next to hers. The photo evokes a sense of calm and introspection.

25/09/2024

This is my happy place. Where's yours?

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Image sits on a cream colored background. Shaina stands wearing a black sleeveless shirt and dark green pants with large black headphones on. The photo is framed with leaves both in the foreground and the background.
Image 2: Image sits on a cream colored background. Shaina holds the camera on a tripod as she starts to move locations.
Image 3: Shaina (right) and Chad (left) sit in the trunk area of a suv while the review the images on a camera that Shaina is holding.

18/09/2024

"She already talked to me for an hour, what more is there to say?" Geniel humbly asked to her daughter as my team was nearly ready for her second interview.

"There is so much more I need to know."

This sentiment is one of the reasons I LOVE WHAT I DO.

As Geniel moves through her daily life - living, being, eating health, loving, doing what she did - it is hard to be aware of the power of her own stories and the wisdom in sharing them. Like Geniel, most people think their lives are 'just normal', but when we pull out the lights and the cameras - a shift happens.

First, Geniel shared her story with me, someone who is curious, present, asks follow up questions...and then I take the interviews and material and create something that audience can learn from. It completely shifts the way someone sees their life and their value.

It is such a gift to be present with people as they humbly share their stories. I am so passionate about telling stories of the supporters and helpers that tend to stay in the background, the moms who never had a spotlight of their own, but have sacrificed and given so much to others. These stories MATTER.

I am on a mission to tell more stories like this, of beautiful humans who question "why on earth would you want to talk to me for 2 hours?!"

The total interview time with Geniel over the course of our three conversations is around five hours, but it is still not enough. After she passed away, I cried in the shower as I realized I would never get to ask her another question. I wouldn't get clarity on this story or what she really felt in that moment. She thought one hour interview was enough, but for the stories she carried, the love she embodied, the wisdom she had to pass down - I could have spoken to her for days.

Who in your life downplays the wisdom of their own life and stories?

Image descriptions in comments.

12/09/2024

Traveling isn’t just about the places you visit, but the incredible people you meet along the way! This European summer has been filled with bright, joyful souls who’ve turned every moment into a celebration... and it's not over yet! Cheers to making new friends, sharing laughter, and soaking up the warmth of amazing human connections.

Video Description: The video opens with a dimly lit restaurant at a table full of new friends. The video transitions to clips of Shaina and her friend Jen laughing while enjoying a drink, a live performance of a woman singing while two men play instruments on either side of her, and a view of the city. The video shows the group sitting around, laughing and enjoying the company while a pitcher of a red-colored, fruit-filled drink (Sangria) is poured into wine glasses around the table,

09/09/2024

I am sitting on a zoom call with the family discussing the two hour documentary I am pitching. "We could premiere the short film, rent a theater, invite the family...and continue to film for the longer documentary."

"YES. Let's do it."

I insisted that the experience wouldn't be the same if not in a theater, superhero planner of agreed and planned her scouting trip to Burlington to find a theater location fit for the premiere of the 45 minute short documentary "90 years of Geniel Fife"

This vision was just that, a vision, a dream. I didn't know when it first came out of my head that it could be as sweet and incredibly impactful as it was.

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Shaina stands on stage in front of a microphone wearing a black jumpsuit with red flowers on the back of the stage. There is a cream colored border around the top, bottom and left of the photo.
Image 2: Image from the first slide overlaps the left side, with the image on the right of Shaina, wearing a black short sleeve top, sitting behind a camera during an interview. A cream boarder separates the two photos, as well as the top, bottom and right of the image.
Image 3: Shaina (right, wearing a black jumpsuit) sits to the right of Geniel (left, wearing a light pink ballroom gown with a light blue blanket draped over her shoulders) on stage with microphones in their hands.
Image 4: Image 3 overlaps on the left, showing a man wearing a cream colored shirt with a microphone in his hand. There are two images that slightly overlap on the right with the top being a view of the theater during a screening and the bottom being the crew jumping in front of a marquee that reads '90 years of Geniel Fife'. There is a cream colored background surrounding the photos on the right.

05/09/2024

When was the last time you took time to watch the sunset?

Video Description: The video opens with a view of a beach at the end of a road where cars are parked on the left side. The video transitions to quick changes of views of the ocean with the text "Just a reminder". The video continues with a quick change of coastal shots with the text "in most parts of the world the sun sets every day.". The video continues a quick change of coastal views and a pov of looking down while walking with the text "Go see it". All text on the screen is white text.

02/09/2024

Want go behind the scenes on one of our projects?

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Photos sit on a cream colored background. The photo on the left shows Shaina up close looking directly at the camera while she holds the camera in front of her during a production shoot. The photo on the left is part of image 2, showing wooden pews with blue cushions.
Image 2: Photo sits on a cream colored background. The photo shows wooden pews with blue cushions, with Chad (left) and Shaina (right) kneeling on the floor filming the family sitting in the pews. Chat and Shaina are both holding a camera on a tripod.
Image 3: A group of 5 gather outside, laughing and talking, in a circle after a shoot. Clockwise, man on the left wears a black sweater and black pants, man wearing a pink shirt with black pants and pink shoes, woman wears a black sleeveless shirt and dark green pants, woman wears a black sweater and a pink floral skirt, woman stands with her back to the camera wearing a denim shirt and a yellow floral skirt.
Image 4: Photo sits on a cream colored background. Shaina stands with her arms crossed and smiling, wearing a cream colored shirt and standing behind a camera with black headphones around her neck.

29/08/2024

You matter. Your stories matter. My team is here to capture these moments that transport audiences into your story. Ready to begin?

Image description:
Image 1- Shaina, wearing a black sleeveless shirt, stands facing left with her camera in front of her while wearing a large black backpack. She is standing in what looks like a medical office.
Image 2 - Basil, wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, stands facing right with sound and video gear while on set. The family being interviewed sits on the right edge of the photo. There is a colorful painting of flowers behind Basil to the left.
Image 3 - A white-haired man sits outside in a weathered blue Adirondack-style chair, he is wearing a blue plaid shirt with blue jeans. You can see the black camera light in the top of the frame.
Image 4 - A collage of 3 photos. The image on the left is a continuation of image 3 with Shaina, wearing a grey sweatshirt, sitting behind the camera during an interview on set. The top right photo is of Chad, wearing a short-sleeved black shirt, and is speaking with Shaina during a production shoot. The bottom right photo is of Jerome, wearing all black, carrying gear on set in bags while also wearing a large black backpack.

26/08/2024

I am immersed in my storytelling process this summer in Italy...

I flew to Milan a week before the shoot so I could dive deeper into the story and prep for 10 days on production.

Video Description: Shaina starts the video by speaking to the camera before it switches to a behind-the-scenes look on the set of a new project, where you can see Shaina sitting behind the camera in an interview setup. Shaina writes in her notebook and also shows a clip of working on a computer. The video changes back to Shaina behind the camera while interviewing and filming a couple sitting on a couch. The video switches back and forth to show Shaina sitting at a desk working on the outline, with a mix of behind-the-scenes footage. The video ends with a clip of Shaina and her team sitting on a couch reviewing clips before highlighting some of the architecture of Milan, Spain and then transitioning to Shaina speaking directly to the camera again.

25/08/2024

New Location Alert! Exploring Milan and on the hunt for a camera store! Here’s to embracing every twist and turn of the adventure... and of course stopping for a cannoli!

Video Description: Shaina speaks directly to the camera as she walks down the street. The video transitions to clips of the city street as car drive by. Shaina makes an impromptu stop to enjoy a cannoli before continuing onto the camera store. Once at the camera store, Shaina shows what she has purchased and her new bag.

23/08/2024

Three days after arriving in Madrid, Spain, my client confirmed a new episodic series production shoot that I had dreamed of filming with her months and months before. Since my travel plans were open (hehe, ONE WAY ticket), it was easy to arrange the trip with my new destinations in mind - I would meet her in Milan, Italy and travel through several cities in Switzerland.

Now for my team, and I have collaborated on post-production virtually for almost two years. She works remotely with me from Bulgaria and has become a trusted team member. Since I am in Europe we had discussed the possibility of her assisting on the shoot and then we made it happen!

Everything was magical over our ten days of capturing this story and I cannot wait for you to see it!

Video Description: The video opens with Shaina filming out the window of a city bus and transitions to behind-the-scenes clips of filming a new project. There a quick change of clips that include landscape shots of mountains, water, clinking cups with friends, group selfie shots, city architecture, public parks full of people, exploring outdoor markets, and trying new foods.

19/08/2024

"This is the last "passion project" shoot I will do," I proclaimed.

I am physically depleted and exhausted as I joined the call. I am sitting in my film studio office at .co in Charlottesville, Virginia and pull up the zoom invite for my VERY first call with my mentor/guide .

It's August 2022, I am in the midst of filming a passion project that doesn't yet have a distribution plan. I just FELT in my heart and soul that it is important to film, to document this part of the story. It is a full production day on the downtown mall in as my friend and talented photographer hangs his giant portraits for his photography show . I believe in his story and the impact this short film will have, just as I believe in all the incredible projects I began before, but my choices have led me down an unsustainable path of creative, financial and emotion depletion.

"I know I can build something meaningful, a documentary film company and eventually a creative elevation agency, but I don't know how." I am sitting on this call with Jude and all these big dreams, overwhelmed by which direction to go, and where to start.

What I would come to discover through my conversations with Jude is that I would need to STOP DREAMING. Put all my big ideas of passion projects, moving to a city, a European summer, renovating an airstream rv, and building my dream film studio aside, but just for a little while - just until I could build a more solid foundation beneath me. I cannot pour joy and goodness from an empty cup.

Since the season of building a foundation and the "stop dreaming", I have made several of my dreams come true. This European Summer has been on the list for over 10 years. I am so grateful for the patience and the joyous work that led me here.

The goal is not to give up on the dreams, but I TRUST that the dream will come, but I have to be here now. I have to be present and patient.

Continued in the comments...

07/08/2024

Curiosity is my compass.

Video Description: This is a quick change video that starts with a view of a city street showing the colorful and vibrant building with a clear blue cloudless sky, clips change to a performer, Shaina swinging under a canopy of green tree, walking across a low wall, local architecture, the ocean, and the city from afar.

05/08/2024

POV: You buy a one-way plane ticket and suddenly, the world is full of endless possibilities.

Every destination is a new chapter, and every person I meet has a story to tell. This summer, I’m diving into the unknown, chasing moments and memories, and letting the journey unfold. Ready to see where this adventure takes me and to capture every unexpected twists along the way.

Video Description: The video opens with a shot of Shaina packing with the text 'pov: you buy a one way ticket' written across the middle of the screen in white font. The video transitions to a quick changes of clips that include the airport, walking through the city with a suitcase, a friend looking out the window of the Airbnb, and selfies perspectives of Shaina walking through a European city while also capturing and sharing the architecture of the city she is exploring.

04/08/2024

Early on in mapping a story or planning production, you need to understand where the story lives. In the present and in the past, what places can represent the story?

Join me as I walk through where the story lives in for a recent project, Legacy of Love.

Video Description: The video opens with Shaina and a man in a red shirt sitting in the production room overlooking a theater stage with a screen playing the film Legacy of Love and people walking on the stage. The video transitions to a selfie view of Shaina in an airport, a behind-the-scenes view of Shaina and her crew filming on set with one of the shots including a ballroom dance scene with a woman in a coral-colored dress dancing with a man wearing a tuxedo, Shaina and her crew on a scouting shoot, and a back porch interview with the family from the Legacy of Love film. The video includes a variety of shots of ballroom dancing and the family being interviewed. The video ends with a shot of the crew walking down a city street with construction going on behind them, with the final clip of the behind-the-scenes view of an interview.

02/08/2024

"The rest of the world was black and white
But we were in screaming color"
-Taylor Swift

Image Description:
Image 1- Shaina stands in front of a black and white stripe-painted wall wearing a peach-colored dress. Her hands are placed on the railing and has a joyous expression.
Image 2 - Shaina stands smiling wearing sunglasses and a peach-colored dress. The wall behind her is a black-and-white stripe-painted wall.
Image 3- Shaina leans on a railing with her hands extended out in front of her. She is wearing sunglasses as a headband and a peach-colored dress. She is looking directly to the camera.

31/07/2024

Spain with was an amazing first stop to my European Summer! We started in Madrid, rented a car to drive through the mountains and stop in the cutest towns - Cuenca & Albarracin, before we ended the night in Pen*scola. Doing three stops in one day left us zombie-like for our time there, so we were VERY excited to arrive in Valencia for a few days. Our last week, we slowed down thanks to a beautiful friend and her family allowing us to stay in their dream home on the southern coast of Spain.

Video Description: The video is a montage of a quick change of photos of Shaina from her recent visit to Spain. Photos include selfies, candids with friends, and architecture of the city.

29/07/2024

This year looks so different! If you have been keeping up, you know I have been switching between work and travel as I spend the summer in Europe.

Where should I go next?

Image description: Shaina stands with her left shoulder to the camera, wearing a light pink colored dress. She is wearing dusty rose-colored sunglasses that reflect the sidewalk in front of her. She stands against a out of focus graffiti art wall with the corner of a royal blue umbrella at eye level on the opposite side of the image.
Video Description: A quick transition video that has the text "pos: you planned not one, but TWO personal non-work related trips last year" written in white across the video. Clips included in the video are from a New Orleans, Louisiana trip and an Asheville, North Carolina trip.

28/07/2024

I want to stop apologizing for my dreams.
I want to stop apologizing for having a big vision for myself.

Video Description: The video starts with Shaina speaking directly to the camera, wearing a black tank top with her brunette hair down. The video transitions to a selfie recording of Shaina walking down the street in Europe, jumping off a boat into the water, spinning around while holding the camera facing her at a rural farm, and behind-the-scenes clips of filming and with her crew. The video included footage of Shaina and her friend Jen exploring Spain in a quick-change video format. Video ends with Shaina speaking to the camera, the same in which the video started with additional clips from the Spain chapter of her adventure.

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Videos

My crew is small, but oh are we mighty. Working on a documentary with us is truly a one of a kind, intimate experience. #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #Heirloom #legacy #ancestors #heirloomfilm #legacyfilm #grandparents #elderwisdom Video Description: The video starts with clips from a recent film project, including a closet of an older woman placing her hand on a man's check, the woman and man sitting in a church pew, the woman dancing, and walking with a younger woman. The video transitions to a photo montage including the crew jumping in front of a marquee, and pictures of Shaina behind the camera in behind-the-scenes photos. The video then transitions into the introduction of the crew being spoken about with a slide show of photos.

We are grateful and honored to present the trailer for a project over a year in the making, Legacy of Love. This trailer is a sneak peak of the two hour Heirloom film that will be shared and passed down to the next generation. This project started when @tionnavangundy reached out about filming a 90th birthday party, but evolved into something deeper. Our team captured so many powerful moments - several dance performances with @fadswellington, the Idaho Sugar Project farm Geniel was raised on in Idaho, a family celebration at the property where she raised her eight hard-working, kind children, Geniel's radiation treatment at @baptisthealthsf for pancreatic cancer, and finally with the family at the end of her life. It has been a beautifully heartbreaking journey to share life and moments with the family over the last couple years. The story | Geniel Fife, a devoted mother and grandmother, finds new purpose in dance until an unexpected diagnosis puts everything at risk. Her children rally around her, uncovering her remarkable life story and drawing inspiration from her resilience. The incredible team that made this happen: Executive Producer - John Fife Director | Producer | Writer @shaina_koren DP | Cinematographer | Lighting @chadandreophoto @andreostudio Assistant Director | Camera Operator @tehronroyes Sound | Drone @basileye Editor | Post Supervisor @annakaperska Colorist | @colorfictionorg Sound Editing @martin_taskov_ 1st Assistant Editor @breathe_in_pictures Lead Planner & Detailer - @thetionnamarie @fueledevents Planning Team - @giovanna_danno, @kflens, @camille.turley, @alexisaguirre Family History Author - Mary Johnston #Heirloom #Legacy #Ancestors #HeirloomFilm #LegacyFilm #Grandparents #ElderWisdom #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters

Traveling isn’t just about the places you visit, but the incredible people you meet along the way! This European summer has been filled with bright, joyful souls who’ve turned every moment into a celebration... and it's not over yet! Cheers to making new friends, sharing laughter, and soaking up the warmth of amazing human connections. #NewFriends #JoyfulJourney #BrightSoul #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #Wanderlust #TravelBlogger #ExploreTheWorld Video Description: The video opens with a dimly lit restaurant at a table full of new friends. The video transitions to clips of Shaina and her friend Jen laughing while enjoying a drink, a live performance of a woman singing while two men play instruments on either side of her, and a view of the city. The video shows the group sitting around, laughing and enjoying the company while a pitcher of a red-colored, fruit-filled drink (Sangria) is poured into wine glasses around the table,

When was the last time you took time to watch the sunset? #FindYourJoy #PrioritizeJoy #Joyful #Sunset #GoSeeIt #GetOutside #Travel #Portugal #EuropeanSummer Video Description: The video opens with a view of a beach at the end of a road where cars are parked on the left side. The video transitions to quick changes of views of the ocean with the text "Just a reminder". The video continues with a quick change of coastal shots with the text "in most parts of the world the sun sets every day.". The video continues a quick change of coastal views and a pov of looking down while walking with the text "Go see it". All text on the screen is white text.

I am immersed in my storytelling process this summer in Italy... I flew to Milan a week before the shoot so I could dive deeper into the story and prep for 10 days on production. #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #BehindTheScenes #Milan #Italy Video Description: Shaina starts the video by speaking to the camera before it switches to a behind-the-scenes look on the set of a new project, where you can see Shaina sitting behind the camera in an interview setup. Shaina writes in her notebook and also shows a clip of working on a computer. The video changes back to Shaina behind the camera while interviewing and filming a couple sitting on a couch. The video switches back and forth to show Shaina sitting at a desk working on the outline, with a mix of behind-the-scenes footage. The video ends with a clip of Shaina and her team sitting on a couch reviewing clips before highlighting some of the architecture of Milan, Spain and then transitioning to Shaina speaking directly to the camera again.

New Location Alert! Exploring Milan and on the hunt for a camera store! Here’s to embracing every twist and turn of the adventure... and of course stopping for a cannoli! #MilanAdventures #UrbanExploration #CityWanderer #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Video Description: Shaina speaks directly to the camera as she walks down the street. The video transitions to clips of the city street as car drive by. Shaina makes an impromptu stop to enjoy a cannoli before continuing onto the camera store. Once at the camera store, Shaina shows what she has purchased and her new bag.

Three days after arriving in Madrid, Spain, my client confirmed a new episodic series production shoot that I had dreamed of filming with her months and months before. Since my travel plans were open (hehe, ONE WAY ticket), it was easy to arrange the trip with my new destinations in mind - I would meet her in Milan, Italy and travel through several cities in Switzerland. Now for my team, @AnnaKaperska and I have collaborated on post-production virtually for almost two years. She works remotely with me from Bulgaria and has become a trusted team member. Since I am in Europe we had discussed the possibility of her assisting on the shoot and then we made it happen! Everything was magical over our ten days of capturing this story and I cannot wait for you to see it! #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #StoryMatters #MilanItaly #Switzerlandfilm #StoryMapping #documentaryediting Video Description: The video opens with Shaina filming out the window of a city bus and transitions to behind-the-scenes clips of filming a new project. There a quick change of clips that include landscape shots of mountains, water, clinking cups with friends, group selfie shots, city architecture, public parks full of people, exploring outdoor markets, and trying new foods.

"This is the last "passion project" shoot I will do," I proclaimed. I am physically depleted and exhausted as I joined the call. I am sitting in my film studio office at @studioix.co in Charlottesville, Virginia and pull up the zoom invite for my VERY first call with my mentor/guide @judecharles. It's August 2022, I am in the midst of filming a passion project that doesn't yet have a distribution plan. I just FELT in my heart and soul that it is important to film, to document this part of the story. It is a full production day on the downtown mall in as my friend and talented photographer @ezeamosphotography hangs his giant portraits for his photography show #TheStoryofUS. I believe in his story and the impact this short film will have, just as I believe in all the incredible projects I began before, but my choices have led me down an unsustainable path of creative, financial and emotion depletion. "I know I can build something meaningful, a documentary film company and eventually a creative elevation agency, but I don't know how." I am sitting on this call with Jude and all these big dreams, overwhelmed by which direction to go, and where to start. What I would come to discover through my conversations with Jude is that I would need to STOP DREAMING. Put all my big ideas of passion projects, moving to a city, a European summer, renovating an airstream rv, and building my dream film studio aside, but just for a little while - just until I could build a more solid foundation beneath me. I cannot pour joy and goodness from an empty cup. Since the season of building a foundation and the "stop dreaming", I have made several of my dreams come true. This European Summer has been on the list for over 10 years. I am so grateful for the patience and the joyous work that led me here. The goal is not to give up on the dreams, but I TRUST that the dream will come, but I have to be here now. I have to be present and patient. Continued in the comments...

Curiosity is my compass. #CuriousTraveler #DiscoverSpain #WanderWithWonder #Wanderlust #TravelBlogger #ExploreTheWorld #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Video Description: This is a quick change video that starts with a view of a city street showing the colorful and vibrant building with a clear blue cloudless sky, clips change to a performer, Shaina swinging under a canopy of green tree, walking across a low wall, local architecture, the ocean, and the city from afar.

POV: You buy a one-way plane ticket and suddenly, the world is full of endless possibilities. Every destination is a new chapter, and every person I meet has a story to tell. This summer, I’m diving into the unknown, chasing moments and memories, and letting the journey unfold. Ready to see where this adventure takes me and to capture every unexpected twists along the way. #OneWayTicket #JourneyOfStories #SummerAdventures #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #Wanderlust #TravelBlogger #ExploreTheWorld Video Description: The video opens with a shot of Shaina packing with the text 'pov: you buy a one way ticket' written across the middle of the screen in white font. The video transitions to a quick changes of clips that include the airport, walking through the city with a suitcase, a friend looking out the window of the Airbnb, and selfies perspectives of Shaina walking through a European city while also capturing and sharing the architecture of the city she is exploring.

Early on in mapping a story or planning production, you need to understand where the story lives. In the present and in the past, what places can represent the story? Join me as I walk through where the story lives in for a recent project, Legacy of Love. #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #Heirloom #legacy #ancestors #heirloomfilm #legacyfilm #grandparents #elderwisdom Video Description: The video opens with Shaina and a man in a red shirt sitting in the production room overlooking a theater stage with a screen playing the film Legacy of Love and people walking on the stage. The video transitions to a selfie view of Shaina in an airport, a behind-the-scenes view of Shaina and her crew filming on set with one of the shots including a ballroom dance scene with a woman in a coral-colored dress dancing with a man wearing a tuxedo, Shaina and her crew on a scouting shoot, and a back porch interview with the family from the Legacy of Love film. The video includes a variety of shots of ballroom dancing and the family being interviewed. The video ends with a shot of the crew walking down a city street with construction going on behind them, with the final clip of the behind-the-scenes view of an interview.

Spain with @wheresjenny was an amazing first stop to my European Summer! We started in Madrid, rented a car to drive through the mountains and stop in the cutest towns - Cuenca & Albarracin, before we ended the night in Pen*scola. Doing three stops in one day left us zombie-like for our time there, so we were VERY excited to arrive in Valencia for a few days. Our last week, we slowed down thanks to a beautiful friend and her family allowing us to stay in their dream home on the southern coast of Spain. #Travel #EuropeanSummer #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Video Description: The video is a montage of a quick change of photos of Shaina from her recent visit to Spain. Photos include selfies, candids with friends, and architecture of the city.

This year looks so different! If you have been keeping up, you know I have been switching between work and travel as I spend the summer in Europe. Where should I go next? #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Image description: Shaina stands with her left shoulder to the camera, wearing a light pink colored dress. She is wearing dusty rose-colored sunglasses that reflect the sidewalk in front of her. She stands against a out of focus graffiti art wall with the corner of a royal blue umbrella at eye level on the opposite side of the image. Video Description: A quick transition video that has the text "pos: you planned not one, but TWO personal non-work related trips last year" written in white across the video. Clips included in the video are from a New Orleans, Louisiana trip and an Asheville, North Carolina trip.

I want to stop apologizing for my dreams. I want to stop apologizing for having a big vision for myself. #Travel #EuropeanSummer #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters Video Description: The video starts with Shaina speaking directly to the camera, wearing a black tank top with her brunette hair down. The video transitions to a selfie recording of Shaina walking down the street in Europe, jumping off a boat into the water, spinning around while holding the camera facing her at a rural farm, and behind-the-scenes clips of filming and with her crew. The video included footage of Shaina and her friend Jen exploring Spain in a quick-change video format. Video ends with Shaina speaking to the camera, the same in which the video started with additional clips from the Spain chapter of her adventure.

Nothing is better than reminding your friends that they bring joy to your life. Share this with a friend, family member, or even someone whose content brings you joy. You never know who you might bring joy to with this simple share. #FindYourJoy #PrioritizeJoy #Joyful Video Description: The video starts with a sunset with barren trees in the foreground, then transitions to bright yellow tulips and green grass, video finishes with a point of view of looking up through tree leaves to a sunny sky. The text 'send this to a friend whose joy is contagious' is written across the screen for the entirety of the video.

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