Bringing joy to every moment on set is THE secret ingredient. From the stunning valleys that backdrop our shoots to the laughter-filled days with my team and clients, every film we create is infused with joy. It's not just about the meticulous hours of preparation or the long days on set; it's about crafting memorable experiences that linger long after the cameras stop rolling. Here’s to making every day a great day with joy at the heart of it all!
#JoyOnSet #FilmMakingLife #BehindTheScenes #CreateWithJoy #MemorableMoments
Video Description: The video opens a team member, looking at the camera. Shaina sits next to her as they laugh. The video transitions into clips from client projects and behind-the-scenes clips from a recent shoot. The video also highlights the locations where filming took place, including a lush green valley in Switzerland.
Sometimes, you just know what you’re meant to do. For me, it's always been about telling stories that might otherwise go untold—capturing the essence of a moment, the depth of a feeling, through the lens of my camera. Documentary filmmaking and storytelling isn’t just a career; it’s a calling I have taken with me through every phase of my life.
#DocumentaryLife #Filmmaker #DestinedToCreate #StoryBehindTheLens #PassionProject
Video Description: Shaina opens this video smiling by speaking directly to the camera, wearing a black sleeveless shirt with her brown hair pulled slightly back. There are clips of past projects, nature, and behind-the-scenes of recent projects. There are candid clips of subjects from a recent project and a scene of Shaina standing on stage speaking at a premier. The clips are quick-changing and often switch back to Shaina being interviewed and speaking to the camera.
Reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each moment that has brought us to today. To my clients, who entrust me with their stories and visions, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your world and for challenging me to push creative boundaries. To my team, whose dedication and talent turn dreams into tangible realities, your passion fuels our collective success. Your hard work doesn’t just support our projects; it elevates them.
And to my friends and my circle—thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me. Your encouragement and the safe space you provide are priceless, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. This expression of gratitude barely scratches the surface, but please know that each of you plays a crucial role in every success we celebrate. Here’s to continuing our journey together, filled with joy, creativity, and mutual respect. Your presence in my life and work is a gift I treasure deeply.
#ThankfulTogether #GratitudeJournal #CreativeCollaboration #ClientAppreciation #TeamGratitude
Video Description: The video opens with a sunrise view of a mountain and transitions to a group walking up a pathway with the mountain views behind them. There are clips of birds flying in the sky, clips from recent and past projects, in addition to clips of Shaina working behind-the-scenes and on-camera/zoom calls. The video has text across the video in white with a thin black border, a message of gratitude and thanks. The video ends with a still picture of Shaina and her crew jumping in front of a marquee sign.
Adopting a positive outlook, even if it's 'annoyingly so' isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff; it’s about facing it head-on with the courage to say, 'This will shape me, not break me.' It’s about finding that tiny spark in the dark, holding onto it during the storm, and coming out stronger.
In 2025, I am encouraging all of you reading this to 'Grow with the flow'!
#GrowWithTheFlow #StoryMapping #FilmDirector #Documentarian #TravelingFilmmaker #Filmmaker
Video Description: The video starts with a candid clip of Shaina setting up equipment and transitioning to an interview scene with her wearing a black sleeveless shirt. The video changes quickly with clips of Shaina speaking to the camera, behind-the-scenes clips, clips of recent projects, and scenes of nature. The video ends with a clip of Shaina laughing on camera.
While in Mexico, I took on the challenge of an ice bath, guided by the power of focused breathwork with Wim Hof. It's not just about enduring the cold but about transforming the mind to overcome mental barriers. Each breath teaches us that beyond discomfort lies the true strength we all possess. Sharing your story is akin to facing an ice bath challenge—it requires you to embrace vulnerability and step out of your comfort zone. The process may feel daunting, but like the ice bath, the result is invariably growth-driven, uncovering strengths you might never have realized you had. Let’s dive into these stories together and celebrate the growth from pushing our limits.
#StoryMapping #FilmDirector #Documentarian #TravelingFilmmaker #Filmmaker
Video Description: Video opens with Shaina, with brown hair and wearing a green swimsuit, standing in front of a pool filled with water and ice. The video transitions to clips of walking through a tropical event space including a selfie video of Shaina walking, the clip then shows Wim Hof, an older man wearing burgundy shorts with no shirt doing quick movements back and forth. There are clips of the setting with palm trees, which show Shaina and others sitting on yoga mats while Wim speaks. The entire group walks together, while Shaina films herself walking and wearing a baseball style hat. Wim stand in front of the ice bath speaking into a microphone. Shaina gets into the pool of ice and water and is seen practicing the methods that Wim was just speaking about, there is a group standing outside of the pool recording it on cellphones. There are clips of Shaina doing a movement practice to warm up. The video ends with Shaina stepping back into the ice bath to complete the session again, once finished she is seen hugging Wim. There are captions across the lower center of the screen in a large white with narrow black outlined font.
Reflecting on a recent story mapping project
Diving deep into the story-mapping process has been a journey of both dedication and discovery. Every moment spent, from the spark of an idea to the final cut, is a reminder of why I love this art form. It's not just about creating; it's about connecting, understanding, and bringing stories to life that resonate. If you're moved by the magic of storytelling, you're in the right place and I am happy to have you in this space.
#StoryMapping #FilmDirector #Documentarian #TravelingFilmmaker #Filmmaker
Video Description: The video opens with Shaina, wearing a black sleeveless shirt, speaking directly to the camera during an interview and cuts to a zoom meeting of Shaina and her client discussing the project. There is a series of video clips from the couples on the retreat that the video discusses, including behind-the-scenes clips of the retreat in Italy and Switzerland. The video continuously shifts from clips of Shaina speaking directly to the camera and voiceovers of her speaking while clips from the documentary are shown.
We are a collection of our lived experiences, the stories that shape us. Grateful mine involved goofing off in front of the camera from a very young age. 🤓
Video description: Video footage of Shaina from childhood, high school, and with a camera on various film sets with the text on screen "POV: you grew up being obsessed with cameras, and now you're a film director working with your dream clients"
This energy is available to us at all times, but now is a good time to focus on STARTING AGAIN. Small habits compound, let's get back to it friends.
Does anyone else pep talk themselves in their journals? Would love to read some of the themes of your pep talks in the comments.
Video description: Video footage of Shaina on beach, filming, the camera taking a timelapse, Shaina rollerblading with the voiceover text on the screen.
I set this intention last year 12 months ago to focus on making my life and my business ART. Not just to create films that are art, but to create a life that I love and is artFULL in it's own right. This continues to be a practice I will bring with me into the new year.
Did you set intentions for yourself in 2024. How do you see them showing up in your life now?
Thanks for listening to my inner dialogue friends 🙏
OH & HAPPY almost NEW YEARS EVE! Cheers to you.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed this holiday season ❤️ find your breath.
Video description: White text centered in the center reads "reminder: your breath is always here. come back. be here now." The video shows pink and orange skies. The video pans to follow a leaf falling from a tree. The last frame shows the moon in a light blue sky.
Hard to believe it'll be 13 years since I began filming for my debut feature documentary The Rebound.
I sat down for my first interview having blocked thirty minutes for a deep conversation with Ricardo Lucien. He just had received a college scholarship to play wheelchair basketball based on how hard he had pushed to improve over the last year. His story fascinated me. Ricardo had an endless amount of positivity; this meant even more given that he had survived a gunshot wound that caused him to be paralyzed. I wanted to know everything - about his story, the sport...anyone who knows me now would laugh in my face if I told them I was aiming for a thirty minute interview 🤣Two hours later, my let my generous interviewee off the hook. My curiosity was flourishing and flowing.
Have you seen The Rebound? DM me and I will send you a free rental code to watch it :)
#documentaryfilmmaker #reboundthefilm #filmdirector #curiosity
Video Description: White text on the screen reads "pov: fresh out of collect you make your first documentary". Behind the text, various shots of Shaina holding a camera and filming a wheelchair basketball team play.
Started the year focused on JOY, ending the year focused on JOY. What a blessing it is to be alive. Thank you to everyone I have joyfully connected with this year here and in the real world. I am grateful for your energy and presence in my life.
#findyourjoy #grateful
Video description: A car passes, Shaina crosses the street in Asheville, North Carolina. The shot is focused on an archway on a building, then Shaina walks in, she turns around and smiles.
