Discover Top Production Assistants in Elgin, Illinois, USA

I was a full-time Director of Photography at video production comapny for 11 years. I recently left to pursue freelance work. At that company I shot hundreds of video productions for a variety of clients, some of which won Cannes Dolphin awards. Some of the brands I worked with; Radio Flyer, Life Fitness, Wilson, Bunn Coffee, Haworth, Brunswick to name a few. I also have extensive experience in Aerial Cinematography. I have shot from drones in the city, on the water, on a race track and across wind farms. I bring a wealth of industry experience and a laid back approach to production giving a sense of calm on set. My approach is to look and listen first. I also believe every project is a new opportunity to create something new and unique. This is why I love my job and working with other people, because good collaboration makes this possible. I own a Panasonic VariCam LT camera package and I love to travel. 

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Corporate Videographer
• Drone Operator

Anne Bouleanu is a freelance journalist from Chicago. She has worked in digital media and television covering a range of topics including U.S. politics, women's rights, conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, political tensions in South America and police brutality and race relations in the United States. She covered the primaries during the 2016 U.S. presidential race, focusing on policy issues and increasing divisions among the American electorate. During her time at Al Jazeera America, Anne produced breaking news segments as well as packages on underreported global issues. Prior to this, Anne worked at Bloomberg TV focusing on global and domestic financial news. She received her Master's degree in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies from King's College London. Anne has lived in Chicago, London, Cape Town and New York City. She is currently based in the United States.

• Field Producer
• TV News Producer
• Reporter / Journalist
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• Copywriter
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

For the past decade, I have been a core member of Playground Social, a Chicago-based creative collective of directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, producers, and performers brought together by their passion for filmmaking and curating live experiences. We have produced short films, comedy sketches, music videos, original plays, and live-stream shows, one of which was voted “Best Digital Play” by the Chicago Reader in 2023. As a freelance video editor, I have worked on a variety of documentary shorts, docuseries, industrial, promotional, and educational videos. Currently, I am editing the 15-part docuseries, “Train of Thoughts”, an immersive and interactive storytelling experience that highlights stories of Bronzeville. This socially conscious project’s goal is to spark growth in neglected Chicago communities. I am a highly-driven, reliable individual who would love to be part of your team and help share your stories with the world.

• Senior Editor
• Graphic Designer
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - News
• Production Assistant
• Executive Producer
• Field Producer

I am a director, producer, shooter and editor with experience in both editorial and branded content. I started my career working in documentary series on television at a small production company where I learned everything from being a production assistant or holding a boom pole, to producing, story editing, and directing. I worked on have been OCEAN WARRIORS (executively produced by Robert Redford) which traced activists, journalists and scientists working to fight poachers and organized crime in oceans across the globe, HBO’s CLASS DIVIDE which looked at NYC’s gentrification and growing inequality through the microcosm of one city block, and Emmy-nominated docu-seris FREEWAY: CRACK IN THE SYSTEM. Over the past several years, I have produced and directed branded content for companies such as JetBlue, Samsung, Google, Ballast Point and many others. My work has been seen by millions. I recently directed and produced my own short documentary, where it won the film festival it premiered at and will be airing on television later this month. I work on projects from concept to completion and am actively seeking the next story to tell!

• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Creative Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Field Producer

I am a writer, editor, videographer and content marketer based in Chicago. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University of Minnesota, and a Master's degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. While at Medill, I specialized in magazine writing and editing, urban issues reporting and documentary filmmaking. In the past, I was managing editor and weekly columnist for the Minneapolis-based culture site MPLS.TV, a child welfare reporter for Medill Reports, senior content strategist at Brad's Deals, and content manager at OppLoans. Currently, I am an assistant vice president at JConnelly, and a contributing writer for both VICE Media and The Huffington Post. My work has been published by MPLS.TV, Medill Reports, TechCrunch, The Northwest Indiana Times, Business Insider, The Fiscal Times, The Brad's Deals Blog, The Huffington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, VICE News, Chicago Magazine, Forbes, Ova Woman and LendingTree.

• Reporter / Journalist
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

Open Fire Media provide turn-key video production services for companies such as Lexus, NFL, Tennessee Tourism, Inkbox and many others with a speciality in creating visuals that are distinctively authentic. Whether you’re looking to create a corporate video for your next tradeshow, a short commercial to send out to all your clients, or a video for online distribution that tells your company’s amazing story – we're dedicated to helping you get the very most for your money by creating a video that’s exactly what you’re looking for – and then some. From 3,000 feet in the air to 100 feet under water – and everything in between – the scope of our filming capacity is extensive. Because we have the right film tools – and the creative horsepower to maximize their potential – we create durable videos that work for you.

• Production Company
• Documentary DP
• Fixer
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant
• Corporate Videographer

I have worked with video from a early age gaining most of my valuable skills through hands on professional experience. I have worked in many different positions in various sizes of production. I'm interested in finding stories that inspire people to look at social and cultural affairs in a different light. I'm confident that once I find a story I'm passionate about it, I will be able to contribute a valuable and substantial perspective on the most relevant and crucial topics. I'm very much interested in economic inequality and the people who do their part to work to resolve it. I also believe in addressing environmental concerns. My passion for art creates great interest in the ways technology is constantly challenging artists and developing artistic techniques. I also am aware of the influences political actions have on any of the preceding interests.

• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Production Company
• Production Assistant
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• HD Live Operator
• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Audio Storyteller

Hi, my name is Jennifer Dzikowski and I have a passion for writing about two very different subjects; crime and herbal supplements/alternatives to traditional Western medicine. I care strongly about justice, and love to follow stories from beginning to end...delving in and making sure nothing is missed. In the past, I wrote mainly breaking news/crime for Heavy.com, and also for Nancy Grace's Crime Online. I still regularly participate on Grace's Podcast, "Crime Stories With Nancy Grace." Additonally, I have written for several herbal companies. As a journalist, I love to interview those in the stories, to give readers the best glimpse of every angle possible. I gather information that other outlets haven't yet discovered, and pride myself on not simply regurgitating what is already known.

• Reporter / Journalist
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Copy Editor

I am a highly skilled, high performance worldwide storyteller and videographer (Film, Video and Multimedia Content Producer) specializing in real time delivery of film, video and multimedia content. I have special expertise in full service video production for the Unionized Electrical and Construction Industries. Through film, video, and multimedia content I create a compelling visual impact and emotional connection with audiences while blending today's digital world with real personalities, events and experiences in first person and in real time. I develop creative high quality film, video and multimedia content, which is designed to send a message, influence and engage with audiences. I am an entrepreneur of exceptional ability, a musician, and a creative graphic design artist. I am fluent in both Spanish and English and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• Production Company
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Creative Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Sound Mixer
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

I'm Fran, 28, Philosophy Major and Film MFA, with an interest in story telling, be it still images or 24fps. I've been doing principal cinematography for several projects in the west area of Puerto Rico, Chicago, and New York. Received a couple of National Awards for Best Cinematography in a short film, and recently curated my first photographic series titled 'Darklight'. Lately I've been focusing more on directing, since I wanna employ my cinematographic skills in telling my own stories. Occasionally I work with Discovery Communications LATAM hand picking stock images for their web platforms, and encoding selected media. On my free time I volunteer as a Barista at a local coffee shop, since I find that the best stories to tell often come from the people around us.

• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer
• Translator
• Video Editor - News
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Creative Director
• Production Company
• Production Assistant
• Gaffer
• Grip
• Sound Designer
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Audio Storyteller

Hello! My name is Colette Ghunim, and I have shot and edited multiple corporate, nonprofit and event videos internationally, as well as a feature length documentary that I am currently directing. I directed, produced, and edited multiple documentaries, including The People's Girls, an award-winning documentary about sexual harassment in Egypt. Here are the steps I can get done: 1. Schedule call to discuss scope of project 2. Propose video outline based on call 3. Film & send edited video for review 4. Complete any necessary edits 5. Finalize and send video Here is my portfolio as well: www.coletteghunim.com I look forward to working together! Please let me know when we can set up a time to talk more about your project requirements. Sincerely, Colette

• Documentary DP
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

Aidan Karstadt is an independent Director and Screenwriter in Chicago. A graduate of DePaul University with a concentration in Film Directing; having worked in narrative, commerical, and nonfiction films. His work focuses on working class environments and stories that bring positivity into the world. Proficient in programmes in the Adobe CC, specifically working heavily with Premiere Pro, AfterEffects, and Media Encoder. Aidan thrives in a creative environment and is a natural leader with a strong emphasis on collaboration. Having worked in close collaboration with others, on many feature scripts. Aidan's strongest skills include his boundless creativity and superior ability to collaborate and inspire others.

• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Assistant

Telling stories through film constantly pushes me to move, innovate and create. More than that, though, it allows me to work with others who refuse to sit still and to help push them toward their goals with what I create. I’ve been around the world chasing stories and finding adventure in people that might otherwise go unnoticed. I've been on tall ships and crammed inside prop planes, in ruins and on top of volcanoes. I’ve seen films I’ve produced lead to strengthened relationships, families finding safety, record level fund raising, small businesses reaching more people and views of the world around us drastically changed. After seeing how I can make peoples’ worlds a better place, how could I do anything else?

• Documentary DP
• Creative Director
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Commercial DP
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

Hi, I'm Carlee. I'm a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago where I earned my BA in television. Since I have worked as a freelance videographer on a wide range of projects. I joined the media team as a producer and editor on Research Vessel Sikuliaq, where my team and I documented the research and discoveries being done by scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I've worked with musicians in Denver and currently create content for a local Chicago band. I have worked with clients including All Hands and Hearts disaster relief nonprofit, Mainstay Therapeutic Farms, and Decoma Day Camp.

• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Assistant
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Portrait Photographer
• Commercial DP

Theresa Campagna is a journalism and documentary producer, and instructor to high school journalists. Ms Campagna earned her degree in Journalism and minor in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago. Her area of coverage includes: education, global warming, racism, immigration, and state violence. She has a b1 level fluency of the French language and limited working proficiency of Tagalag. Her work has appeared on WYCC PBS, Hyphen Magazine, Xojane, Getty Images, and Free Speech Radio News. She has co-produced a number of award winning documentaries. Currently in pre-production is her latest, a film docu series, Ang Aming Palay, about the rice farming crisis in The Philippines.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Fixer
• Commercial DP
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant
• Transcriber
• Sound Mixer

I'm a hybrid "cinematographer.editor." currently based in Chicago, with over 12 years of experience in video production, locally and internationally. I specialize in branded content, short films, documentaries and corporate projects. I also have an awarded background as Creative Director in advertising; that's why I know how to create stories with purpose. I can work solo, as a team partner or in a crew, on-site or remotely, as long as they either speak French, Chinese or English. I like video games, dogs, iaido, Mahler, eating ice creams with my kid, sometimes in this particular order.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Company

I have been shooting editing video for over 15 years. Starting out with weddings and then music videos. In 2016 I really started shifting my career to start working on more documentary, video journalism and live broadcasting particular focusing on indigenous stories. I am a very proficient video editor and color grader. I mainly us Adobe products and Divinice Resolve for my edits, but I have a wide array of software tools I use to get the job done. I am mainly a Sony shooter with a Sony fx6 as my main camera. I’m looking forward to making new connections by making powerful videos with this application.

• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Colorist
• Senior Editor
• Video Editor - News
• Field Producer
• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Production Assistant
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Drone Operator

Experienced and passionate Cinematographer with extensive industry experience, training, and proven success in various facets of cinematography. Adept in overseeing all aspects of film production; including camera lens choices, camera manipulation, lighting choices, set design, and various technological matters that affect the overall visual outcome of the film. Prioritizes the goals of the film by effectively and efficiently collaborating with others. Enthusiastic and committed to creating thought provoking cinematic images; that will captivate audiences and bring to bare the realities and beauty of cinematic story telling.

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

I am a Chicago-based filmmaker with an extensive background in creative ideation and problem-solving within low-budget, DIY environments. I also have significant experience as a Production Assistant on commercial, documentary, corporate, and fiction shoots, as well as credits as a Script Supervisor, Grip, and Assistant Director. My goal as a creative collaborator is to bring an enthusiastic energy to every production I am a part of in order to elevate and empower the voices around me, regardless of whether I am the director or the PA.

• Creative Director
• Production Assistant
• Grip
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Music Composer
• On-Camera Talent

I’m a graduate of Tribeca Flashpoint College with a degree in cinematography and a passion to tell stories through a visual platform. With experience ranging from documentaries that premiered at Sundance to time spent at one of Chicago’s largest ad agencies, I look forward to collaborating in order to make a story come to life. Currently, I’m freelancing for various clients shooting on my own Sony FX6 and FX3 in order to deliver the highest quality content possible. However, I am familiar with other camera platforms ranging from the RED lineup to the ALEXA series.

• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Gaffer
• Grip
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Production Company
• Production Assistant
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• HD Live Operator
• Full-Service Live Production
• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Fixer
• Art Director