Discover Top Non-Fiction Film Directors in Costa Mesa, California, USA

is a director and cinematographer who hails from Brooklyn, NY and currently splits his time between Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch film program and is haunted by a long overdue college library fee he continually forgets to pay. His excuse for this is his ongoing engagement making commercial, narrative, and documentary films which has brought him across the globe to far-flung places such as Iraq and the Congo. Much of his work is steeped in mood and emotional resonance but he is known in some circles to have a deft hand at writing comedy. He is also 1st generation Chinese-American and rather opinionated in matters of art and food. Outside of commercial and documentary work he is developing several narrative feature scripts. His short, Black Ghost Son, was nominated for Best Narrative Short at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2020. It is currently making its rounds on the festival circuit and being developed into a feature. Clients include: American Express, National Geographic, Tastemade, Columbia Sportswear, Chevrolet, NY Times, Bacardi, Budweiser, Playboy, Grey Goose Vodka, Snapchat, Timberland, Pepsi Co, Kraft, General Electric, and The US State Dept amongst others.

• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Non-Fiction Film Director

I'm an international filmmaker and gerontologist based in Southern California (OC/LA) with a passion for creating inspiring, beautiful, adventurous, and meaningful projects which can bring benefit to society. I have had the honor of producing, directing, shooting, and writing a nationally-televised sportsmanship campaign on Fox Sports Network, corporate training films for Merrill Lynch-Bank of America, and a promo film for an international USC research study, the Intergenerational Mobile Technology Opportunities Program. I have since engaged in various production and consulting projects, enabling me to collaborate with a variety of multidisciplinary professionals on an international scale. I have most recently been involved in the South African industry while also producing a short documentary series with U.S. NGOs in Uganda. I graduated from the University of Southern California in 2014 with a B.A. in Film & TV Production and an M.S. in Gerontology (Health, Sciences, Aging).

• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Company
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Drone Operator
• Field Producer

NORBERT SHIEH is a Taiwanese-American filmmaker and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. He has directed commissioned projects for KCET, The Autry Museum, European Capital of Culture, and Pacific Arts Movement. As a DP he has lensed projects for clients such as FOX Studios, Hulu, Wired Magazine, Siemens, CCTV, and JetBlue. His DP work includes filming Season Two of the KCET's documentary series “Lost LA.” The six episode season received three Emmy nominations, and won two awards. One for Adebukola Bodunrin’s episode featuring the Green Book, and another award "Outstanding Director" for Logan Kibens’s work throughout the season. Norbert has been a recipient of a Creative Capital Film/Video Award, and was recently part of True/False Film Fest’s inaugural year of PRISM, a program spotlighting BIPOC filmmakers. In 2019, Filmmaker Magazine named him as one of “25 New Faces of Independent Film.”

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Non-Fiction Film Director

Samantha André is an independent director, cinematographer, and editor with a special focus on women’s rights and social issues around the world. She has directed, produced, or edited projects for VICE, TWITTER, APPLE TV, PBS, RAPHA and THE FRONT. Her work has led her to cover character driven stories such as the LGBT refugees in Europe, police brutalities for the ACLU, climate change in an indigenous Alaskan village, child marriage in Kenya, disability activism in the US, and women's health in professional sports. She is currently working on finishing her first feature documentary, Mary’s Way. Filmed over the course of five years, it is the portrait of one girl’s journey to help bring an end to female genital mutilation and child marriage in her Kenyan community. A short version of her film was screened in New York to raise awareness for FGM in partnership with the United Nations. When Samantha is not working on a documentary, she can be found hiking mountains, biking, or playing soccer. She prides herself in capturing human emotion and intimate moments in her films by creating a real connection with the amazing people in front of her lens.

• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Portrait Photographer
• Fixer
• Translator
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - News
• Field Producer
• Reporter / Journalist

10 + years of experience in TV and Film. I am an enthusiastic and easy to work with addition to any team and specialize in directing, producing, and writing. Available for both freelance and long term positions. Below are highlights from my film and tv career. A complete resume is available upon request! - 10 + years of experience in TV working on shows such as "Food Paradise" (Senior Producer), "Fameless" (Supervising Producer) "Trick Or Eat With Carla Hall" (field producer) and "Cupcake Wars-Celebrity" (Producer). - Wrote and directed a feature film starring Adrienne Barbeau that was picked up for distribution titled " For The Love Of Jessee" - Wrote and directed "Night Terrors"- a short film that won "Best Short Screenplay", Award of Merritt, and Best Short from various Film Festivals. I also have knowledge in skill in Photoshop, LightRoom, Final Draft, Premiere Pro, Final Cut and all Microsoft related software.

• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Field Producer
• Creative Director
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Non-Fiction Film Director

I am an award-winning video production freelancer with over 18 years of experience working with dozens of brands/campaigns for Enterprise companies such as Sony, NFL, and Toyota. Over the years, I have worked on hundreds of business videos, personal videos, television shows, and entertainment videos for non-Enterprise clients as well. I am the sole proprietor of Bellamy Made - a full-service media production company located in Los Angeles, California. I have extensive experience in all types of video production, from live-action scripted narratives to documentaries. Having worked as an independent video producer as well as a producer and director of primetime television programs for Hallmark Channel, FOX, FX, and Nickelodeon, you can take comfort in knowing you are in knowledgeable hands dedicated to creating the best product possible. If you have any questions, I would be happy to hear from you!!

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

I'm SONIA SEBASTIAN, an award-winning Spanish filmmaker based in Los Angeles. I’m a very passionate and energetic professional who loves creating, producing, shooting, and editing video content. With over 10 years of experience in both film and commercials/branded content, I have worked with over 30 brands, including Netflix, Google Pixel, Nature Made, Google Home, Disney, Tinder, Romba, Walmart, and Byte. These previous works gave me the opportunity to understand branded work from start to finish. I’m able to put together a crew of excellent people in no time and as producer-director, I know how to manage their workflow efficiently. Recently, I have been working on directing, editing and producing vertical content for Warner Media, Paypal, Walmart, and Camp, and I have gained a lot of experience in the vertical world. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish, with experience working in both markets.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Copywriter
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Field Producer
• Social Media Producer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary

Denise Khumalo is a multi-hyphenated artist with over 12 years of experience in the entertainment industry as a director/producer/actor. She was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. Watching her mother become a successful tv personality and radio host ignited her passion for the arts. Moving to America in 2008 in order to pursue her film career, where she received her Bachelors in Science at SUNY Fredonia in Communications: Television and Digital Film. Denise went on to acquire her Masters in Filmmaking in Los Angeles, California at the New York Film Academy in 2014. Denise has spent years honing her directorial skills and as a result has achieved great success with her narratives and documentaries. "Khayalami" (My Home) received numerous awards and recognition for its unique insight on Zimbabwe. She is also the host of Cultural Exchange, a debate talk show where guests of different races and backgrounds come together to discuss their dating experiences. Her latest documentary, Unconventional, showcases people of color as they follow their dreams in Los Angeles. She is the CEO of Mnandi Productions, a film production company that creates digital content and independent films.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Production Company
• Production Coordinator / Crewing

I am an Award-wining Director/Producer who works with Brands and Businesses to craft a compelling story to represent their products and services to drive sales and grow their business. In the past, I've worked with Small Businesses as well as Fortune 500s such as Nissan, Verizon, and Wells Fargo, just to name a few, on their TV Commercials, Digital Content, and Brand Stories. Some of the awards I've won include Clio, Addy, Telly, Best of Business in Video Productions, and many more from film festivals across the country. I've been in business since 2000 and I started as a TV News Anchor/Reporter/Producer at the International Channel in 1994 in Los Angeles. Besides anchoring the news, I was responsible for a daily 5-min human interest segment where I covered everything from health, beauty, technology, science, red carpet events, movie premieres, Star Trek Conventions, etc. During my four years on the job, I interviewed thousands of people from all walks of life, and covered over 1,200 stories.

• Production Company
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Creative Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Field Producer
• Translator
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

Myron Parran is a freelance Director/Director of Photography. Myron began capturing images on film in 1997. He is known for his creative muse and attention to detail. Myron's works have spanned a range of genres, and they include "Sweet Home Alabama," "The "Wire," "Wolverine," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "The Expendables." To date he has worked on over 45 feature films covering 3D, Animation, Underwater and Aerial Photography. Myron has combined his background in Prosthetics and film by creating innovative camera platforms for stereoscopic films. Those innovations include remote controled stereoscopic, and aquatic devices used on the films Africa 3D, and Enchanted Kingdom 3D. Myron made his Directorial/DP debut on the series "Infamous," where he was credited with bringing a unique combination of strong visuals and seamless direction to the film. He is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild.

• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Audio Storyteller
• Sound Designer
• Fixer
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Portrait Photographer
• HD Live Operator

Yvonne Ng is an international multi-award winning director and filmmaker. Her debut short film ‘Cloud Kumo’ won 12 international awards including the 43rd Student Academy Awards®, CINE Golden Eagle Award, City Vision’s Technical Achievement Award, 2016 New York Women in Film & Television grant, and 3 Best Director Awards in Europe and Asia. She has directed several national TV commercials in the United States and has created moving commercial stories. She also works as a commercial photographer, and has photographed for editorials in Vogue, Glamour, People and Conde Nast Travel among many others. Her photography has won the prestigious International Photography Award, medalled multiple times in the Prix de la Photographie competition in Paris and has been featured on the front page of the New York Times and BBC News. Yvonne received her MFA in Film & Productions from City College in New York and is a graduate of the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Portrait Photographer
• Documentary DP
• Production Company
• Product Photographer
• Fixer

Mikey Gilmore is an experienced Cinematographer, Director, Producer and Camera Operator known for capturing top notch visuals while crafting a cohesive story. Mikey honed his interviewing skills of thousands of interviews lighting and shooting for brands such as Vanity Fair, WIRED, Glamour and more. Collaborative and meticulous, I optimize ideas and ensure each phase of production exceeds expectations. Proficient in multi-camera operation and lighting setups, with expertise in shooting visually captivating digital media. Orchestrated 1,000+ productions for renowned brands, always delivering blockbuster-quality content within budget and timeline. Skilled in curating branding and directing photoshoots. Experienced Camera Operator for prominent platforms such as Twitch, Amazon, BuzzFeed, and Walmart. Contributed to 500M+ views through high-end interview content. Strong leadership in coordinating large crews and securing equipment efficiently. I am looking for new opportunities and collaborations to create captivating stories.

• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Production Company
• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Corporate Videographer
• Fixer
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Fashion Photographer
• Digital Content Creator
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Sound Mixer
• Audio Storyteller
• Event Photographer
• Copy Editor
• Sound Designer

Amanda Donenfeld is an award-winning director, producer, writer, activist, and advocate with a passion for social justice and social impact through storytelling. Her credits include "Funded In America" with La La Anthony (Co-director and Producer, SoulPancake, T-Mobile, and Indiegogo), "Project Upgrade" (Director, Wayfarer Studios and Google), "The 'S' Word with Vanessa Lengies" (Developed, Story Producer, Executive Producer, SoulPancake and, originally ABC Studios, premiered on Amazon Prime), "" (Directed, SoulPancake and, originally ABC Studios, premiered on Amazon Prime), "Goo-RU Style" with GooGoo Atkins (Director and Producer, WEtv), "Take Me To Your Mother" (Producer, Segment Director, and Casting Director, Hot Air Productions, Nickelodeon/NickMom, Viacom), and more. She has also directed and produced with Hearst Digital Media, Lionsgate, Pig Apple Productions, Edelman, Popsugar, Toyota, True Beauty Studios, Honest Co., Tower28, Smashbox, Guide Beauty, Beautyblender, and more.

• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Executive Producer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Field Producer

Emiliana Ammirata is a Venezuelan independent director, producer and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. After migrating to the United States as a teenager, she has made it her mission to create impact based storytelling. Collectively, she has been supported by the Sundance Institute, ADOBE, La Biennale Di Venezia and the Impact Guild. Her current project, FRONTERA, explores the Venezuelan diaspora through the lens of a migrant. It has been supported by the Biennale, RYOT + Kaleidoscope’s DevLab, IFFR VR Days, VIFF, and produced by INVR.  Emiliana is also working on two Venezuelan features - La Causa (World Premiere, IDFA 2019) and ‘Patria y Muerte’, supported by Berlinale. In 2019, she produced numerous short films with Film Independent’s Project Involve Program as well as branded content with Gucci, VICE, and Garage Magazine. She is heavily influenced by her roots and hopes to make ground-breaking independent cinema that does not follow dogmatic storytelling.

• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP

Augusto graduated with a master's degree in cinematography from the American Film Institute (AFI) from which he received a scholarship from Audi USA on behalf of the AFI Awards television series The Mandalorian. During the time in Los Angeles, Augusto has filmed as a Director of Photography, different short films in digital and film format in 35mm. Augusto is an associate member of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC). Augusto has been involved as a cinematographer in different projects, from music videos and publicity to fiction/narrative and documentary short films, leading him to win different awards among which stand out: Best Cinematography in a Mexican Short Film at the Cristal Screen festival in 2017 with the short film "Desaparecido", the Diosa de Plata for best fiction short film in 2018 with “Getsemaní Ego Sum Lux Mundi” and the audience award for best fiction short film at the Morelia International Film Festival in 2019 with “Hierba Mala”. In July 2022, Augusto filmed the feature documentary “La Raiz de Mi Ombligo” in Oaxaca, Mexico. This project was accepted for the mentorship program “Talent Demo” part of the Camerimage film festival in November 2022 at Toruń, Poland. His mentors were the documentary filmmaker Jon Kasbe and award-winning cinematographer at Cameraimage, Alejandro Mejía AMC. Currently, he is in the pre-production of a narrative short film and a feature film project for the end of the year 2023

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Creative Director
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Landscape Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Product Photographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Corporate Videographer

KATHERINE FAIRFAX WRIGHT is a Los Angeles based filmmaker. She is the director, editor, cinematographer, and producer of the feature-length documentary BEHIND THE CURTAIN: TODRICK HALL, which premiered at SXSW and is now available worldwide on Netflix. Wright produced the Wattsset gangster drama IMPERIAL DREAMS, which stars John Boyega and won the Best of NEXT Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and is now a Netflix Original. Wright is also the director (along with Malika Zouhali- Worrall), editor, and cinematographer of the critically-acclaimed featurelength documentary CALL ME KUCHU, which tells the story of the last year in the life the first openly gay man in Uganda. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, went on to play at more than 200 festivals, and win more than 20 awards. It's been released theatrically and digitally around the globe, broadcast on BBC World, and continues to screen for high level diplomatic audiences and at advocacy events worldwide, including through distribution by the United Nations. Wright has also directed commercials and branded content for companies such as McDonald’s, The Standard Hotel, Perrier-Jouët champagne, and Corridor. Her print and video work have been published by The New York Times, Human Rights Watch, CNN, and The Huffington Post. She is an alumnus of the Berlinale Talents, the Chaz and Roger Ebert Directing Fellowship, the Film Independent Documentary Lab, The Garrett Scott Development Grant, and the Film Independent Producing Lab. Filmmaker Magazine named her one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” Katherine was raised in Los Angeles and graduated with a double major in Film Studies and Anthropology from Columbia University.

• Documentary DP
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Fixer
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant

Noel Maxam, and having directed, written, or produced over 3700 hours of television (CBS, NBC, Disney and Nick-at-Nite) is also Founder of Emagispace and has taken his patented modular building block system to market. "The On-Demand Economy calls for ever-changing use of space, but pre-determined interior spaces are rigidly built making change difficult, expensive, and time consuming. Emagispace® is an adaptive, reusable, modular building block system that allows you to create, reconfigure, and repurpose your spaces while saving time, increasing efficiency, and maximizing your budget. Now anyone can build almost anything, anywhere, anytime!" Noel is also freelance producing, directing, consulting for startup media companies, and investing. He has worked as Co-Executive Producer, Supervising Producer and Director on NBC’s "Days of Our Lives". He was brought on board to modernize the shows production, optimize the budget, and raise the ratings. During Noel’s tenure, "Days of Our Lives" was produced for ½ the budget, climbed to number three in the ratings, and was renewed through 2013. In 2009, "Days" was nominated for two DGA Awards, and 13 Emmy nominations. In 2012, "Days" was nominated for 15 Emmy Awards. While at "Days", Noel transitioned the show to HD and oversaw the first 3D Daytime Drama production. Previously, Noel was a Director/Associate Producer for "The Young and the Restless" where he won four Emmy Awards (8 Nominations) and was twice nominated for a DGA Award. While at "Y&R”, Noel modernized their post production and helped transition them to HD. In addition, Noel was nominated for an Emmy as a staff writer for "As The World Turns" and has written/optioned three television series, four screenplays. He also wrote the intro to Virgin Interactive's CD-Rom "Circle of Doom" and wrote Activision's "Dark Reign". Noel is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Carnegie Mellon University (B.F.A.) and the USC (M.F.A. in Film and Video Production).

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Product Photographer
• Copywriter
• Production Company
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Event Photographer
• Audio Storyteller
• HD Live Operator
• Corporate Videographer
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Landscape Photographer
• Portrait Photographer

Award-winning writer, director and producer in film, TV and journalism for 10 years. My recent directing work includes industry-recognized car ads for Hyundai, viral spots for brands like Amazon & Adidas, and social impact documentaries for Clorox. Before becoming an independent filmmaker I was a Senior Creative Producer at BuzzFeed Branded Video for 3 years. I juggled several projects at a time and in all different stages of the production process - one in post overseeing the edit, on set directing, doing a final copy edit on a script, and sending in a fresh pitch deck. Previously I was a network producer at Discovery Science Channel where I worked on shows like "The Unexplained Files," "Alien Encounters" and "Prophets of Science Fiction with Ridley Scott." I also created the video content and live produced panels for thousands of excited fans at Comic Con in NY & SD. I know the ins and outs of pitching to networks, developing shows and executing them on accelerated and full timelines. Before that I was at CNN Special Investigations and Documentaries, where I still have strong relationships from working on specials like "Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door," "Battle for Blair Mountain," and "Latino in America." As an accomplished producer I received a Peabody for coverage of the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster as part of the "New Orleans Rising" documentary with Soledad O'Brien, Visionary Award at Summit Emerging Media Awards for the "Young Entrepreneurs" series for Hyundai, and spots on the Youtube Ad Leaderboard. While I am a creative who envisions a project coming to life as soon as I read the words on the page, I'm also a producer who knows how to deliver assets that meet client's criteria on time, and under budget. I can one-man-band it shooting 4k, editing in Premiere and creating graphics in Photoshop, run-and-gun with a camera op and sound guy on a doc shoot, or direct a commercial spot with a crew of 70. No matter what the project is, I will give it my all because I'm passionate about creating art. Lets make something awesome together!  

• Creative Director
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• Copywriter
• Production Company
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• TV News Producer
• Full-Service Live Production
• Reporter / Journalist
• Copy Editor
• Audio Storyteller
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Fixer
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Post-Production Manager
• Corporate Videographer
• Transcriber
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Landscape Photographer

Jonathan Pickett is an Emmy-nominated creative producer / director. His documentary work focuses on well-observed stories happening in real time, captured with a sense of intimacy and playfulness. His work has been released through The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, New York Times, The Atlantic, ALTER, NoBudge, Short of the Week & Vimeo Staff Picks. He's had projects premiere at film festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, Seattle, Austin, HollyShorts, Mountainfilm, Palm Springs, and dozens more. His most recent short documentary "Chicken Stories" won the jury prize for Artistic Vision at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, after which it was acquired by The New Yorker and selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick. He produced "Mr. Somebody" which was a selection at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival and screened with the Producers Guild of America. "Beneath the Ink," a short documentary he co-produced, won 20 awards, qualified for the 2019 Academy Awards, and was acquired by Condé Nast.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Creative Director

Jan Philipp Weyl, Producer-Director-DP R&B FILM Los Angeles | Munich | Addis Ababa Latest work: JOURNEY TO GREATNESS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHh186spmQw Showreel: www.rbcreativegroup.com Commercials: https://www.bite-management.com/talent/jan-philipp-weyl/ Jan's feature film "Running Against the Wind" was selected by Ethiopia's Minister of Culture and was Ethiopia's first official Oscar entry in the category "Best International Feature Film" 2020 and Jan received the debut award of the prestigious Peace Prize of Cinema in 2021 for it. Founder and owner of R&B FILM production that produces commercials worldwide. Jan lives and works in Los Angeles. He is authorised to work in the United States. Jan studied film production at the University of Television and Film (HFF) Munich, as well as anthropology and art history at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. In 2016, he was a student at Werner Herzog's Rogue Film School. Herzog has been Jan's mentor ever since.

• Production Company
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Content Strategist
• Executive Producer
• Corporate Videographer