Canton, North Carolina – Post-Hurricane Helene Flood Relief Documentary

Produced & Shot for New Ground International

This short-form documentary was created in partnership with New Ground International to tell the story of Canton, North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. When the floodwaters devastated the town—taking out homes, businesses, and nearly every cornerstone of daily life—we were brought in to document both the destruction and the extraordinary resilience that followed.

Our production team traveled back and forth to Canton three separate times to follow the relief and rebuilding efforts as they unfolded. Throughout the process, we worked closely with local news stations, small business owners, and community leaders to keep our lens grounded in the perspectives of those directly affected. The story also explored the economic strain caused by the closure of the town’s century-old mill, a loss that impacted nearly half the local workforce and compounded the urgency of recovery.

At the heart of the film was the creation of a new community credit union—an effort to restore financial stability and hope in a place that had been virtually wiped out. Capturing this initiative gave us a unique window into how institutions and individuals came together to rebuild the town’s foundation, both literally and economically.

We returned to Canton one final time to film a community festival celebrating the progress made and the strength of the people who carried each other through hardship. The project became a testament to hope, unity, and the power of storytelling in documenting a community’s path toward healing.

As lead producer, director, cinematographer, and editor for BETSY MOSS’s Spring/Summer 2023 beachwear campaign, I collaborated closely with Betsy Moss (the client) and her creative team to bring their brand vision to life against the stunning backdrop of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach (El Matador Beach) in Malibu.  

Location Planning & Production

    •    Coordinated pre-production logistics, including scouting and securing a film permit for the state park location.  

    •    Managed the creative constraints of El Matador’s rugged terrain — from bluffs and stair access to tide timing — to strategically plan morning and golden-hour shoots for the most cinematic light.  

    •    Worked with regional authorities and coordinated with the California Film Commission to ensure proper permitting and compliance for filming in a state beach.  

Collaborative Direction & Cinematography

    •    Partnered closely with Betsy Moss and designer Jorge Pérez, aligning every shot with the brand’s ethos: global elegance, resort-style fluidity, and an empowering, confident femininity.  

    •    Crafted a visual style that reflects their signature “effortless chic” and vibrant yet refined identity, balancing high-fashion beachwear with the raw, natural drama of Matador’s cliffs and rock formations.

    •    Drove all creative decisions across camera setup, framing, movement, and light, to highlight the textures and movement of the garments on the wind-swept beach.

Post-Production & Aesthetic Alignment

    •    Directed the edit in close collaboration with Preet, our post-production lead, to ensure the final cut maintained consistency with the brand’s tone and aesthetic.

    •    Color-graded footage to evoke a warm, sun-kissed feel — soft highlights, golden glows, subtle contrast — reinforcing the resort-luxury mood of the collection.

    •    Integrated client feedback throughout the process, iterating on pacing, transitions, and story-arc to deliver a final video that not only sells the collection but also tells a cohesive visual story that resonates with the BETSY MOSS brand identity.

Outcome

The campaign video and stills convey a seamless fusion of high-fashion sensibility and natural beach serenity — an ideal representation of BETSY MOSS’s SS23 collection. The creative synergy between director, client, and post-production resulted in imagery that feels aspirational yet grounded, stylish yet accessible.

A recent project I produced with New Ground International for the grand opening of their new headquarters in Clayton, Minnesota. New Ground is a global architectural firm specializing in the design and development of financial branches, and I partner with them as a private contractor to document their builds from start to finish. From capturing new architectural milestones to producing philanthropy-focused documentaries for the brand, it’s always an honor to help tell their story.

This showreel was created for Princess Sarah Culbertson’s nomination at the Trumpet Awards and was showcased on the Jumbotron during the award ceremony. It captures the essence of her work, her mission, and the joy she brings to the world through her charitable initiatives and personal brand.

Princess Sarah’s story is as remarkable as her accomplishments. She discovered later in life that she is royalty, after her adoption records were unsealed. Since then, she has become a dedicated philanthropist, running multiple charity networks across Sierra Leone and spreading kindness, dance, and love wherever she goes. This collection highlights her inspiring journey, celebrating both her heritage and her ongoing impact in communities around the world.