Discover Top Freelancers in Rockford, Illinois, USA

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

Teddy "Waffles" Wachholz is a cinematographer, producer, and editor with an Emmy Award to his name. Teddy's film & video journey commenced in his early years, blossoming into a passion that guided him to Columbia College Chicago. Since then, His focus has been on an array of projects, including commercials, documentaries, and corporate and branded content. Notable clients and organizations entrust Teddy with their vision, a list that includes Red Bull, SC Johnson, Speedway, Wells Fargo, MB Financial Bank, The Chicago Bulls, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and even the White House. Specializing in comprehensive A-Z video production, Teddy enjoys the process from the inception of an idea to the delivery of the final cut, ensuring each project is a hit in its own right.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Commercial DP

Hello! I'm Tori Chiarello, a seasoned graphic designer with over five years of experience in transforming ideas into visually compelling stories. I specialize in creating engaging designs and presentations that captivate and inspire. My skills span across Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and advanced AI-driven design tools, ensuring your brand's vision comes to life with precision and flair. ✨ Why Collaborate with Me? Creative Excellence: I have a passion for visual storytelling, turning complex concepts into stunning visuals. Versatile Skillset: Proficient in digital content creation, from dynamic social media posts to comprehensive brand identities. Client-Centric Approach: Dedicated to helping women and small businesses succeed by telling their unique stories. Let's create something extraordinary together!

• Graphic Designer
• Digital Content Creator

In the heart of Chicago, a musical polymath and digital artisan emerges, shaping his narrative through an intricate fusion of audio visual creativity. Maasai Amewa known professionally as M.S.I is a maestro of independent music, and visionary owner of the music publishing company, AM Muse Collab. Specializing  in Hip-Hop, Electronica, New Age, and EDM. Independently releasing 50 songs, he showcases a commitment to autonomy and artistic integrity. Each composition is a testament to his exploration of genres and styles, reflecting a diverse musical palette.  As a visual artist, he crafts captivating  visual stories, vacillating between Afro-futuristic, Cyberpunk, steampunk, intergalactic, and watercolor styles with a Chicago native flair. His creations seamlessly weave together a tapestries of culture, technology, and imagination.

• Art Director
• Storyboard Artist
• Audio Storyteller
• Music Composer
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist

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

I tell public health stories that shape a vision for improving the health of our neighborhoods. Public health has increased human life spans by 25 years in the last decade. This accomplishment was achieved with really simple changes - toilets, clean drinking water, vaccines, seat belts, smoke-free air. So why does this story take a back seat to stories of disease, hospitals, and insurance coverage? Behind each simple public health intervention is a group of invisible public health heroes. Together, they literally changed the trajectory of our lives. I find these storytellers, celebrate them, and add their story to a master narrative of health and wellness. We can make our communities healthier, we've done it, and we will do it again.

• Documentary DP

Stacey Nash is a documentary filmmaker specializing in commercial and long-form storytelling for brands. She is a director with a producer's toolbox of skills - which means she easily balances the creative with the logical. Her ability to mine emotion out of any situation is her secret weapon – from the deeply emotional to the raucously hilarious. She can put anyone at ease in front of the camera and intuitively understands the big picture. ​She has won multiple awards for her work including an Emmy Award with NBC Olympics and the International Corporate Citizenship Film Festival. ​Will crush you at trivia on the topic of olympic sports but ONLY that topic. Very poor loser when it comes to card games - that last bit is unrelated to career highlights but important to know.

• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• TV News Producer
• Post-Production Manager
• Copywriter
• Executive Producer
• Fixer

Chicago born, suburban raised, I acquired a taste for illustrating and creating visual stories at the age of 4. Fast forward and I’m messing around in animation and post production. With a Bachelors of Arts in Animation under my belt, I’m interested in working in digital creative efforts and collaborative animation projects. Having experience in a handful of internships, I’m always looking for opportunities to grow and become involved in the animation industry. One thing that gets me in the zone is when an idea or concept is successfully brought to life/shared with the audience. Communicating in that level with others inspires me to continue to work and practice in the craft, and it’s why I love it.

• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• Audio Storyteller
• Fixer

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

Amy Boyle is a distinguished multimedia journalist based in Chicago, celebrated for her exceptional storytelling through photography. Her work, prominently featured in major news publications, enhances the visibility of businesses and events while highlighting the unique stories of women through projects like the 52 Phenomenal Women Project and the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast. With over 18 years of experience, Amy's collaborations with prestigious clients and Broadway productions exemplify her skill in capturing compelling narratives with compassion and professionalism. Her recent Master’s degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications underscores her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in photojournalism.

• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Event Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Video Editor - Documentary

Gwendolyn Infusino is an award winning writer, director and producer with a UCLA MFA in Film and Television Production: Writing/Directing. She has worked with Netflix, Francis Ford Coppola, Media Res Studios and more. Her films as writer/director have screened Palm Springs ShortFest, Hammer Museum, LA Int'l Shorts, CUFF, SFIFF and internationally in London, Tokyo and more. She is the recipient of the Edie and Lew Wasserman Film Production Fellowship, Motion Picture Association of America Award, member of Starlight Media's (Crazy Rich Asians) Stars Collective Development Program, and former Filmmaker in Residence at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Her background ranges from marketing and advertising, to curating at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. She is based in LA and Chicago.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Copywriter
• Copy Editor
• Executive Producer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Art Director
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Senior Editor

I’ve been a visual journalist for ten years, five of which were spent at a newspaper in the Midwest. Recently, World Press Photo and Pictures of the Year International honored my work. I was also named the 2014 Great Plains Photographer of the Year. I've done quite a bit of combined video and still work for newspapers and websites as well as multiple day projects for Gannett and the Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago. Most recently, I wrapped on a national video and still project for UPS. I love to share stories of people and communities, and I’m in luck because there’s never been a better time to connect with audiences. With my camera, I can capture a singular moment of beauty or a narrative of experience through video.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Sound Mixer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial

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

Zoe Rain (American, b. 1993) is a photographer and filmmaker based in Chicago, with over a decade of experience in nearly every subject of the commercial photography field. Zoe’s work gained quick notoriety with its iconic and distinguished signature style, and has since seen the cover of Rolling Stone, subway car ads and Billboards across the country. After being hired as Macklemore’s full time tour photographer, she has since worked with some of the world’s largest musicians, including Chance The Rapper, Ed Sheeran, Christina Aguilara, Kesha and Vic Mensa. Zoe’s high-impact photography and creative direction has been leveraged by some of the largest brands in the industry. She has been hosted to speak at Apple Talks, as well as industry panels across the country.

• Portrait Photographer
• Product Photographer
• Event Photographer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist

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

Casting a shadow from 6’ 8” and bringing 23 years of a professional video career, my passion is creating compelling visual stories. I’m a highly collaborative, detail-oriented, creative professional who thrives in both a team setting and flying solo. I have experience in all aspect of video production: producing, directing, shooting, and editing. My heart beats fast for causes that effectively fight poverty and injustice. Through extensive video experiences in international, remote, and underserved areas, I’ve played lead roles in award-winning videos that tell deeply personal stories of individuals transformed by inspiring nonprofit organizations.

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - News