Seeking Documentary Cinematographer + Location Sound Recordist in Orlando, FL for a Small, Independent Personal Documentary

Posted about 23 hours ago

I'm looking for a kind-hearted crew to help me get production started for my first full-scale documentary project.

About the film:
I've played many roles in my life—daughter, dancer, friend, mentor, journalist, New Yorker—but arguably the most impactful role I've played is being an older sister to Kaitlin, my 28-year-old sister who has Down syndrome. In our younger years, I was Kaitlin’s best friend and protector. I went on to pursue my dreams and start living life, and without fully realizing it, I left her behind.

When Kaitlin aged out of the Florida public school system during COVID, her life’s footprint drastically shrunk. In the years since, I’ve seen her confidence dip and her brightness dull. I’ve questioned whether I've squandered my obligation as her big sister, and why, as my life opportunities grew with the passage of adulthood, hers have shrunk exponentially.

In this film, I’ll embark on a journey with Kaitlin to figure out what she wants most out of life and how we can get her there. The film asks questions of obligations—what obligation we have to one another, and what obligation society has to help those who aren’t able to self-start. At its heart, it’s a story about two sisters who love each other very much, and whose lives, while divergent, are also curiously parallel.

About the role:
The film will primarily be shot in Orlando, Florida, where Kaitlin lives. I’ll be flying to FL often for the project and am looking for a local cinematographer and sound recordist to work with.

While skill and style are obviously important, I’m really looking for people who are a good, energetic match for the film. I’m looking for a crew who can come to care about the story as much as I do, who can treat the filming process with the delicacy and emotional EQ required. Let’s have fun and make a film we’re all jazzed about.

- Cinematographer should have a background in documentary + have their own camera. The film will be mostly verité style shots and quite intimate at moments, so I need someone who has a calm, zen energy who can go with the flow and help to maintain a comfortable environment for my sister.
- Sound recordist should have their own equipment.

TIming :
At this stage, I’m looking for a team to do a 3-5 day shoot in mid-March or early April, dates TBD. This shoot will be primarily verité in-home, with some interviews.

I plan to use the footage to create a teaser for film fundraising efforts. My hope would be that whoever I hire for this initial shoot will be able to sign on for the entirety of the project.

Budget:
This is an independent, tiny film. I am self-funding to start. I realize these rates are low, but I’m hoping I can fundraise and win some grants so that I can pay higher rates as the project continues.
- Flat rate is $750 for a 5-day shoot. Won’t necessarily be simultaneous shoot days.

How to apply:
If you’re interested, email me a little bit about yourself, why this project feels interesting to you, and a sample (or samples) of your past work.

If you’re not in the Orlando area but you still want to connect about the film, please shoot me an email. We’ll also be doing some filming in Brooklyn, where I live. I have a handful of friends who will DP for me here, but I’d love to connect with an NYC-based sound recordist.

How to Apply