Discover Top Freelancers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Producer, DP & Editor

• News Shooter / Video Journalist

Hunter Johnson is a documentary filmmaker, editor, and photographer based in Chicago. For four years he worked with The Perennial Plate, shooting and editing human-focused short documentaries featured on PBS and The Atlantic. Hunter has created videos for Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and recently produced a series of films for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights. In 2020, he directed a viral PSA video featuring four Minnesota Governors, garnering over four million views. In 2021, he completed Until We Find Them, an award-winning short documentary that screened at 11 international festivals. Among other commercial and documentary projects, he currently works as a recurring DP and editor for CBS Reports. He holds a Master's in Human Rights from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School and a bachelor's in Film and Media Arts at Temple University. Hunter is fluent in Spanish.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Commercial DP

Bartram Nason is a cinematographer and photographer with a focus on documentary storytelling. He’s the founder of Civic Matters, a video production company based in Chicago, IL. With Civic Matters, he has filmed award winning videos for political campaigns, philanthropic foundations, healthcare systems and public and private universities. In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Bartram has frequently filled the role of "shreditor," working as a director, producer, shooter, and editor. He has worked with clients to develop concepts and scripts, and he has managed projects from pre-production through post-production. He has also worked as a video editor, and has experience with motion graphics and animation. Before founding Civic Matters, Bartram worked as a freelance photojournalist in Atlanta, GA, where his work regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines both nationally and internationally, including The Guardian, Spin, and XXL. He is a long-time member of the National Press Photographer Association, having participated in workshops across the country. He is also a FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot. In his work, he strives to capture natural moments of people wherever they are. Photography and video can show the emotional highs and lows of both daily life and the exceptional circumstances in which many people live. As photography can be intrusive in such intimate settings, Bartram works to avoid harm in the places that he works. He takes the trust that he is given to be a part of peoples' lives seriously, and hopes that his presence is a comfort, not a disruption. Bartram lives in Chicago, IL and is available for assignments nationwide.

• Documentary DP
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Production Company
• Fixer
• Corporate Videographer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Creative Director

Juan Freitez is an internationally acclaimed visual storyteller, video journalist and filmmaker. His work has been featured by national and international outlets such as NBC News, National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI), The American Public Health Association, The National Journal, Netroots Nation, and The Huffington Post. He founded Community Grassroots Media - a full service video production company - to bring to light the stories of mission-driven organizations, capturing their essence and amplifying their impact. His first feature-length documentary, HEALTH UNDOCUMENTED (SALUD SIN PAPELES), awarded Freitez several international accolades and screened at national and international film festivals and impact conferences. The film has been translated into multiple languages including Spanish, French, Hindi and Malay. It has also been acquired by many libraries and universities for incorporation into their curricula. Freitez has been hosted as a guest speaker by renowned universities, including Stanford, NYU, Georgetown, and UCSD to present his work and lead discussions about the communities and topics documented in his films. He is currently based in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he remains dedicated to fostering his various local and cultural communities. Outside of running his production company and freelancing, Freitez enjoys being enveloped by the hugs and giggles of his two young daughters and being reminded of what the world looks like through the lens of a child.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Field Producer
• Production Company

Siyan Huang is a video journalist and documentarian. She received her Masters' degree in journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. As part of the program, she worked as a journalist for Medill News Service, and have reported on health, gender, animals and social justice issues in the U.S. She also travelled to South Africa and Puerto Rico to report on local issues, such as the stories of Chinese immigrants in South Africa and lives of drug addicts in Puerto Rico. She created and produced a 16-minute documentary with her documentary partner Taylor Goebel as the final project for the documentary class. This documentary is among a few films that were pre-selected to screen at the American Documentary Film Festival in April, 2018. After graduation, she was granted a Fall Internship position at Kartemquin Films, the Chicago documentary powerhouse. During her time there she worked as the Production Assistant for the film Dilemma of Desire and Left Handed Pianist, which further solidified her field shooting expertise. In 2019, she joined the CNBC American Greed production team as a production assistant to work on American Greed season 13. She's currently a freelance videographer/video editor based in Chicago.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Video Editor - News
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Production Assistant
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Motion Graphics Designer

Nicholas Price is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, receiving a B.A. in Audio and Acoustic Arts with a concentration in Audio for Visual Media. It was his time at Columbia that Nicholas soon realized his passion for the creative side of audio and the power it holds when combined with visual elements to evoke a myriad of emotions. Nicholas worked as an Intern for the Chicago Recording Company (CRC), assisting senior engineer, Michael Coyle and his assistant, Nealle Di Paolo. His most notable internship was for the Wachowskis, Kinowerks Studio, and Dane Davis, Danetracks, Inc on the Netflix series Sense8. Working and assisting Dane Davis (Post-Sound Supervisor), Stephanie Flack (ADR Supervisor), and Matt Kielkopf (First Assistant Editor). An unforgettable experience that provided a brief glimmer of working within the industry at the highest level. Nicholas has since gained significant experience working on commercial, documentary, short film and indie film projects in both production and post-production capacities, amassing a unique body of growing sound projects here in Chicago.

• Sound Mixer
• Sound Designer

I'm Grace Pisula, the Creative Director and Founder of Gold Point Studio, a thriving media company located on the vibrant Northwest side of Chicago. I started the company with a vision to offer full-service media solutions that cater to the unique needs of our clients across various industries, including technology, science, and entertainment. At Gold Point Studio, I place a strong emphasis on thoughtful creative processes and collaboration at every stage of production. I'm committed to working closely with institutions and their clients to align our work with their communication goals. As a women- and LGBTQ-owned business, Gold Point Studio takes pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We produce both local and national media content, with a focus on areas such as science, technology, pedagogy, and public goods. Our ethos revolves around teamwork and open communication, driven by a shared dedication to making a positive impact on our community. In the realm of content creation, I leverage these principles to curate visually stunning, engaging, and meaningful narratives. Every story is a testament to my commitment to elevating your brand's voice and values. Partner with Gold Point Studio, where I don't just create content; I craft compelling stories that resonate and foster genuine connections for your project.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Creative Director
• Colorist
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist

Miriam is a producer and director of human interest stories that require deep research and discovery. She specializes in design projects that use storytelling to solve complex problems. An experienced photographer and film maker, she works as a creative consultant for clients to identify stories, develop creative, and operates as a Producer/Director in the field. She thrives in a collaborative environment where she communicate client needs to her crew to shepherd the narrative. Her clients range from entrepreneurs and organizations to non-profits and institutions. Her assignments have taken her around the world to help open schools, launch public awareness campaigns, raise money for life saving programs and build dynamic tool kits. She has a deep bench in production contributors around the world and experience negotiating contracts, managing production budgets and obtaining releases and permits in a GDPR ecosystem.

• Documentary DP
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Creative Director
• Field Producer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Fixer
• Commercial DP
• Production Assistant

Full-service video production company based in Chicago. We provide professional, affordable and accessible video content for businesses and special events! Our services include video production, photography, graphic design, content marketing, web design and branding. Our post-production team provides color grading, special effects, title animations, motion graphics, flashy transitions, etc. and can deliver it in any format you need. What makes us different than others in our industry is our approach from concept to execution. We have professional in-house storytellers dedicated to conveying your brand's message, event or special moment through video while also offering all the services you need to help establish your business, create awareness and gain more customers. We take our time to make sure the final product is perfect and aligns with your goals. We are dedicated to our work and love what we do. Contact us for your next project or event, we would love to work with you!

• Production Company
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Corporate Videographer
• Drone Operator
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Product Photographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Fashion Photographer
• Post-Production Manager
• Colorist
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Motion Graphics Designer

For Peter, the journey to becoming an award winning Director, Cinematographer, Creative Director and YouTube Certified Strategist didn’t start on a film set. It started in the kitchen. Chef's at Aria, Tru, Trio, Red Light and Charlie Trotter's taught Peter the principles of “mise en place.” When all of your ingredients are measured, cut and peeled; your pans, mixing bowls, and tools are in their place, assembling seemingly impossible dishes becomes routine. Peter is someone for whom directing, cinematography, editing, photography, and producing aren’t distinct career silos. They’re ingredients. They’re tools. They’re stages in a process that, with the proper preparation, can be brought together at the perfect time. Peter has used this chef-like discipline to become one of Chicago’s most prolific media creators. In his career he has made billions of impressions. Regardless of the medium. He excels at taking strategic concepts through to execution without big crews or bureaucratic teams. It’s all the hard work that makes things look effortless.

• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Gaffer
• Grip
• Documentary DP
• Drone Operator
• Field Producer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Fixer
• Production Assistant

Cory Coken began his career in the industry by building an extensive and impressive list of credits. Having worked on feature films like Batman Forever, Apollo 13, and Hoop Dreams (just to name a few), Coken developed a versatile background in sound. He eventually transitioned into advertising where he has created, recorded, and designed audio for a number of television and radio commercials. Working with clients like Disney, Coca-Cola and Army. In 2000, he built and created a new state of the art facility providing clients with the best studios for postproduction sound. Coken also teaches at his alma mater, Columbia College, where he instructs students on the theory and technical means behind audio for the visual medium. He is always actively involved in numerous freelance projects including live recording for Drum Corps International and tackling the sound design/mixing for independent films. Now with over 20 years experience in the industry, Cory brings his knowledge, talent, and passion for audio to his own studio, NoiseFloor LTD.

• Sound Mixer
• Music Composer
• Sound Designer

I am a Peabody Award-winning Director of Photography focused on news and documentary. I am comfortable shooting solo or with a crew, and no assignment is too big or too small. My camerawork has won the Picture of the Year International Award (POYi), the George Polk Award, Scripps Howard and 4 National News and Doc Emmy nominations. I have filmed filmed for HBO, VICE News, BBC, Aljazeera and PBS both domestically in the US as well as South America, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. I am hostile environment certified and excel in covering conflict, social upheaval, and critical current affairs issues. I was the senior DOP of VICE News' viral documentary, "Charlottesville: Race and Terror", which has been viewed more than 65 million times and was hailed by TIME as the best TV episode of 2017. I have more than 20 years of journalism experience around the globe. When not filming, I train daily in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu and MMA, and can double as crew security. My ultimate goal is to teach martial arts.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Sound Mixer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

Edwin Ramirez is an Emmy award Cinematographer-Editor and Media producer who currently works as a freelance for many networks. Edwin has worked extensively in media production worldwide since the 90’s following years as TV Videographer-Editor at Univision Chicago and Network, NBC/Telemundo Chicago and Los Angeles Bureau, CNN en Español, BEIN Sports Network , TV Azteca Network, FOX Network, Chicago Tribune, VICE News and many other networks in the USA. Edwin has 5 Emmy nominations for best Videographer-Cinematographer and 1 Emmy Award for best producer 2015. His work includes ENG News, corporate videos, Commercials, Music videos, Documentaries and Short Films. His burgeoning interest in Photography has led him to develop a growing career in the world of photography. He loves traveling and his vision and passion has established himself as a recognized videographer traveling from Africa, Europe and South America shooting documentaries, news and short films.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Drone Operator
• Full-Service Live Production

Hi there. I’m a filmmaker specializing in documentary film of all sizes. My work has appeared on PBS, Time Magazine, CNN, NPR, G4, Billboard Magazine and the Huffington Post. I frequently work with the internationally acclaimed Kartemquin Films (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters), where I've just finished producing the award-winning documentary feature, "Raising Bertie." Other items of interest: Though I don’t look it, I'm mixed race. My father is Caucasian and my mother is Jamaican/Cuban. While I certainly didn’t get a lot of my mother’s pigmentation, I carry a deep and unique understanding of race and culture. It has helped make me into a compassionate, empathetic filmmaker. Diversity has also carried into my career. Wearing different hats has helped me develop a temperament well suited for travel and the unexpected. I spent over two years living, studying, working and volunteering abroad. I’ve been shipwrecked, lost in the jungle, tear-gassed and nearly stabbed by a 13 year old. I’ve also surfed Brazil, camped in the rainforest, splashed about in a volcano and made friends with a 13 year old. You win some you lose some.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Fixer
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Translator
• Field Producer
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant

I am a Chicago-based producer, DP, and director for TV, commercial, and video production. I've owned and operated an award-winning, full-service production company, Digital Hydra, since 2011, serving clients like Nike, Leo Burnett, Taste Made, Walgreens-Coca-Cola, ComEd, Jaegermeister, and many more. I've also worked as a DP for A-list music artists like Jennifer Hudson, Billie Eilish, Run the Jewels, and the Chance the Rapper. I have extensive experience maintaining client relationships, developing creative for shoots, planning and production management, and execution of all aspects of production and post. I've sold TV series to Warner Bros, produced full-seasons of international television, and won a number of awards at film festivals all over the world. My work in commercial and marketing has won multiple ProMAX and Midwest Emmy awards. I was listed as #7 on NewCity’s Chicago Film 50 in 2021, and named to Austin Film Festival's 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2020.

• Executive Producer
• Field Producer
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Company
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Post-Production Manager
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• HD Live Operator
• Copywriter
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Senior Editor

Bilgin graduated from Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Fine Arts in 1997 with a degree as a Movie Director. The following year he returned to his native Turkey where he embarked on a journalism career when he was hired as a news coordinator with a local Turkish newspaper, Korfezde Olay, in Balikesir. A year later, he began compulsory service in the Turkish Air Force as a reserve officer. Upon completion, he returned to journalism and joined the Ihlas News Agency (IHA) in 2000. There he served as a correspondent and was handed international assignments in 30 nations. He was also a war correspondent in Iraq in 2004 and in Palestine, covering the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict.   Bilgin joined The Anadolu Agency (AA) in 2007, one of the world’s largest and preeminent news organizations. Initially based in AA’s headquarters office in Ankara, Turkey, he traveled to more than 30 countries while accompanying dignitaries and senior Turkish officials during their overseas missions.   He transferred to AA’s New York City office in 2011, where he has covered U.S. national news, including the Boston Marathon bombings; Moore, Oklahoma tornado; West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion and the protests in Ferguson, Missouri. Bilgin’s pictures, videos and news reports have been published and broadcast in some of the world’s most respected and prestigious media outlets. He is continuing to his career as a freelancer.   He is father of two.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Corporate Videographer
• Drone Operator
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Product Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Fixer

Founded in 2019 by Rachel Pikelny, Nyla Pictures crafts compelling, nonfiction media in the form of branded content, cause-marketing videos, and original documentaries. An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker recently named to DOC NYC's "40 Under 40" List, Rachel is a sought-after producer whose work has earned accolades and sparked impact, at venues ranging from the Tribeca Film Festival to Capitol Hill. With Kartemquin Films, she produced The Trials of Muhammad Ali (Independent Lens, 2014), which won a national Emmy for Best Historical Long-Form Program, and associate produced A Good Man (American Masters, 2011). With Siskel/Jacobs Productions, she directed and produced the short film GRACE (Condé Nast Entertainment), which was digitally released by SELF in October 2018 and has garnered 150K views, and counting. Her feature documentary No Small Matter, a Gates- and Bezos-supported project about early childhood education, is helping pave new roads in digital distribution. A versatile producer/director, Rachel has created promotional content for Fortune 500 companies such as Pepsi and USAA, as well as branded videos for companies such as Manduka, in partnership with Komen. She remains active in the independent filmmaking community and co-chairs the Documentary Producers Alliance (DPA).

• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Fixer
• Production Company
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Production Coordinator / Crewing

Anh Vo is a vibrant Vietnamese cinematographer and creative director, fueling his passion for visual storytelling across diverse projects. Since earning his master's degree in Film & TV from DePaul University, he has made his mark as the cinematographer for national TV shows, commercials, and independent films showcased at international film festivals. Additionally, he has spearheaded original projects and social campaigns as a creative director for Fortune 500 global brands, with partner agencies, and athletes. With a remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between different worlds, Anh customizes his film language to perfectly suit each unique story and thrives on challenging artistic boundaries, he aims to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Through his lens, Anh strives to capture the essence of emotions and create a lasting impact, leaving viewers inspired and moved.​​​​​​​

• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Colorist

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

Byron Goggin is a 13-time Emmy winning Director of Photography, Editor and Producer who creates programming for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, History, the BBC and many other well known networks. In 1990 Byron Goggin began his career a top ten market NBC affiliate in Detroit as a news editor where he remained for 2 years. In 1992 he was promoted to “Special Projects Videographer/ Editor” where he filmed and edited Emmy Award winning programs including Dateline NBC with Chris Hansen and Ann Thompson. In 1995 his job was expanded to include “Commercial Production Director of Photography”, and “Special Project Coordinator”. In 2000 Byron accepted the position of “Chief Photographer/Editor” at Fox Sports Net. His duties included shooting “live” sporting events pre and post game shows. Byron was also responsible for the overall quality of programming, development of strategies and technical plans for major sporting events including the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, NCAA playoffs, NBA Finals, Superbowl, MLB World Series, Ryder Cup Golf, and NASCAR events. In 2003 Byron was nominated for FOX News Corps “Global Excellence Award”, an honor given to only a few in the FOX worldwide network. Between 2002 and 2004 Byron went on to win a total of SIX Emmys for his outstanding work in photography, field production, and directing. In 2005 Byron left his position at FOX, to launch BMG Creative. BMG achieved instant national recognition with the production of “Wild Weekend Adventures”, which aired on PBS. BMG won a total of 7 Emmy Awards and 2 Associated Press awards, taking Byron to the next level of production. In 2010 Byron moved from Detroit to Los Angeles and expanded his business to include creating programming for the Discovery Channel, The BBC, National Geographic, History Channel, SPIKE and TRU channels. His list of photography and DP credits include shows like Ice Road Truckers, Wicked Tuna, COAL, Wild Justice, Monster Garage (MCM), and Black Gold. In 2015 Byron launched Byron Goggin StoryWorks. From concept, to development, to delivery, Byron and his skilled team can tell your story and deliver your message in a timely, cost effective manner. Experience is the key to success. Whether in the boardroom or on the frozen ice roads of Alaska, Byron has a proven track record of delivering award winning video solutions to America’s most influential corporations.

• Production Company
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• HD Live Operator
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist