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]

20/11/2024

Life is too short not to find joy in the little things—even if it means hopping on a bike that doesn’t go anywhere. Embracing the fun, laughing freely, and choosing happiness right where you are. Here’s to finding moments that make your heart smile, no matter where life takes you.

Image 1: Shaina is sitting on a bright green metal bike sculpture, playfully posing as if riding it. She’s laughing openly with one hand resting on her head, looking carefree and joyful. She wears a gray cardigan over a light top, blue jeans, and beige slip-on shoes. In the background, bare trees and flagpoles reach up to the cloudy sky, giving a relaxed, cool-weather vibe to the scene.
Image 2: Shaina is seated on the same green bike sculpture, facing sideways and laughing brightly. She leans slightly forward with her hands gripping the sculpture's handlebars, as if she's about to pedal off on an imaginary ride. Her gray cardigan and scarf drape over her shoulders, adding a cozy touch. Behind her, a parked car and blurred building give a suburban feel to the backdrop.
Image 3: Shaina sits sideways on the green bike sculpture, her legs extended and crossed at the ankles, looking content and smiling softly. Her gray cardigan flows gently down her sides, and she appears calm and relaxed. The background shows trees and flagpoles, giving a sense of an outdoor, park-like setting on a calm day.

19/11/2024

I have been giving myself this reminder lately and wanted to share with those who need it.

Video Description: Video opens with a behind the scenes shot of a film set, in a clients home, panning to a laptop screen. Shaina shakes a bag of coffee beans before she makes fresh coffee in her apartment. There is a transition to a room being taped off before a painting project begins. Shaina is recorded playing a game of pool and the camera panning to follow the ball. Shaina sits on a rock at the oceanfront, looks out the window of a plane, and pictures shared of Shaina filming behind the camera on set. The video ends with Shaina drinking a cup of coffee and clinking her cup with the camera.

15/11/2024

Our work, our art, it will outlast us.

Video Description: The video opens with Shaina, as a child, talking directly to the camera and also showing home footage when she was a child. The video changes to a black-and-white film countdown on the screen that then transitions to clips from the films Shaina is speaking about in voice-over. The video transitions to more recent projects. One of a pregnant woman embracing her belly while wearing a shirt that read 'Athlete', with another video of a man in a wheelchair leaving a house, a woman speaking to the camera while laughing. Additional clips of the pregnant woman doing pushups, teammates on a wheelchair basketball team embracing each other in celebration, and photos of Shaina standing behind a camera filming on location and speaking at events. The video ends with Shaina speaking directly to the camera.

13/11/2024

Be well. You have the tools. Choose to use them. Leave behind the behaviors that you know help sink you lower and replace them. It doesn’t feel good in the moment, but over your lifetime you will feel better. Will-power.

Accept where you are. You need 8 hours of sleep no matter what has been done—accept this, don’t judge yourself. Your pace is yours, your story is unique, YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY; stop comparing, just be inspired. You reserve the right to change your mind. Need nothing but the fire inside you, love everyone but don't need them. You are strong. You are worthy. You are flawed, and that is okay. You are not a bad person.

Words from my journal.

Image Description:
Image 1: Shaina, a woman, sits at her desk, taking a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. She holds the cup close to her face, savoring the moment. The desk is neatly arranged with her laptop and personal items, and natural light streams in through the window beside her, giving the scene a peaceful, reflective feel.
Image 2: Shaina, a woman smiles warmly while sitting at her desk. Her posture is relaxed, with her hands framing her face, giving off a joyful, authentic vibe. Behind her is a notebook open on the desk, suggesting a moment of reflection or creativity.
Image 3: Shaina, a woman, sits at a wooden desk, deep in concentration, working on her laptop. She rests one hand on her neck, a thoughtful expression on her face. A light blue coffee cup sits on a colorful coaster nearby. The soft lighting adds to the calm, focused atmosphere.

11/11/2024

We are not meant to create art. We are meant to create the best environment around us.

Video Description: Video footage of Shaina at various locations including the beach, a rooftop movie theater, working behind the scenes, and art galleries.

06/11/2024

I've slowly made my space in Miami as sweet as my tiny house in Virginia. All of the details add joy life into my home. My goal for my spaces, even if it isn't a full-renovation and I have to work with what I have...is to always, leave it better than I found it and utilize it efficiently. I design and decorate to add my grounding in my little oasis. Are you highly impacted by well-designed spaces?

Image Descriptions:
Image 1: A small, minimalist ceramic figurine by sits on the edge of a wooden shelf next to a white planter. The figure, with a simple, fluid design, seems to be resting, adding a peaceful and reflective feel to the shelf space. Books in the background hint at a cozy, thoughtful setting.
Image 2: A small tabletop view featuring coasters with vibrant patterns, a white cup resting on top, and a blue portable speaker placed nearby. The arrangement is casual, with everyday items, hinting at a moment of reflection or pause in the midst of activity.
Image 3: A close-up of stacked tarot and oracle card decks sits atop a soft fabric. The titles of the decks include "The Luna Sol Tarot," "Midnight Magic," and "Gateway of Light Activation." Above the stack, a crescent moon-shaped stained glass ornament hangs, adding to the mystical and introspective ambiance.
Image 4: A tote bag hangs on a hook, one featuring the phases of the moon in black and white. The other is more colorful, showcasing intricate paisley designs. The bags create an earthy, bohemian vibe, with the moon phases evoking feelings of transition and cycles of life.
Image 5: A neatly arranged shelf holds a framed illustration of a woman looking up at the moon by , her hair depicted in vibrant rainbow colors. In front of the frame is a gray candle shaped like a sun and moon face, alongside a small collection of crystals, including amethyst. The setup feels peaceful, spiritual, and artistic.

04/11/2024

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.

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.

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Videos

I have been giving myself this reminder lately and wanted to share with those who need it. #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector #Storytelling #MoviesThatMatter #StoryMatters #Journaling #TellYourStory Video Description: Video opens with a behind the scenes shot of a film set, in a clients home, panning to a laptop screen. Shaina shakes a bag of coffee beans before she makes fresh coffee in her apartment. There is a transition to a room being taped off before a painting project begins. Shaina is recorded playing a game of pool and the camera panning to follow the ball. Shaina sits on a rock at the oceanfront, looks out the window of a plane, and pictures shared of Shaina filming behind the camera on set. The video ends with Shaina drinking a cup of coffee and clinking her cup with the camera.

Our work, our art, it will outlast us. #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector Video Description: The video opens with Shaina, as a child, talking directly to the camera and also showing home footage when she was a child. The video changes to a black-and-white film countdown on the screen that then transitions to clips from the films Shaina is speaking about in voice-over. The video transitions to more recent projects. One of a pregnant woman embracing her belly while wearing a shirt that read 'Athlete', with another video of a man in a wheelchair leaving a house, a woman speaking to the camera while laughing. Additional clips of the pregnant woman doing pushups, teammates on a wheelchair basketball team embracing each other in celebration, and photos of Shaina standing behind a camera filming on location and speaking at events. The video ends with Shaina speaking directly to the camera.

We are not meant to create art. We are meant to create the best environment around us. #FindYourJoy #PrioritizeJoy #Joyful #Film #Filmmaker #Documentary #Documentarian #FilmDirector Video Description: Video footage of Shaina at various locations including the beach, a rooftop movie theater, working behind the scenes, and art galleries.

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.

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...

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