narrative projects.
Have a script
or a song?
Let's make
your film!
Whether it's a music video, a short or feature film,
we have a team of creatives ready to work in partnership with you, every step of the way, to create
an exceptional piece of
art that reflects your vision.
Let's tell
the story.
Our passion is to
create unique and
compelling images
to engage and
educate viewers.
Our process is shaped
by the subjects themselves, because people are at the
heart of every story.
documentary projects.
Tell the story of your business or nonprofit.
We are ready to showcase the amazing work you do with a video that is a compelling call- to-action that can be used for your website, social media platforms, or fundraising events.
business
& nonprofit projects.
about me.
Terri Purcell Birnbaum
Director of Photography. Editor.
MY GEAR:
Red Epic W 8K
Zeiss CP2 Lenses
I have been in the creative industry, making images, for 24 years. I first had an 18-year career as an Art Director for local and national magazines, where I collaborated with a diverse range of photographers, managing lifestyle, fashion, product, editorial, and conceptual photoshoots. Clients included Macy’s, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Orchestra, Delta Airlines, and Mpls.St. Paul Magazine. My love of telling stories through images compelled me to shift from art direction to something I felt more passionate about: Cinematography. I attended college at night, pursuing a film career through the Studies in Cinema and Media Culture program at the University of Minnesota, and the Film Studies program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
I began my new career as a cinematographer in 2016, and began building my skill-set on numerous projects by serving as a camera operator, assistant camera, assistant director, gaffer, and grip. In 2018 I launched ForGood Films, a production company serving small businesses, educators, artists, and filmmakers, where I build teams of industry professionals to meet the needs of any project.
I have served as Director of Photography on over 20 narrative short films, a narrative feature, a documentary feature, as well as documentary shorts and music videos. My work has been screened at festivals around the country, and I have won awards for cinematography.
Over the course of 24 years in the creative industry, I've gained a deep appreciation for inclusive collaboration, positivity, and working with integrity at every phase of a project.
team ups.
Ana Cruz
Director of Photography. Director.
I’m Ana, Film Director and Director of Photography. My visual storytelling began in the heart of Mexico where at a very young age I fell in love with the interplay of light, shadow, and emotion that defines the art of cinematography.
After studying Film, Communications and Philosophy, I found myself immersed in the dynamic world of commercial film, collaborating with prestigious brands such as LG, Nestlé, Mini Cooper or AstraZeneca. This industry gave me the possibility to sharpen my skills and deepened my understanding of cinematic impact.
As my career progressed, I discovered that a camera is also a powerful tool to shed light on the often unseen corners of society. My path has taken me on an incredible journey across three continents, from the vibrant landscapes of Morocco to the historic streets of Europe, enriching my perspective and expanding my ability to connect with diverse cultures. I have had the privilege to contribute my work to social change campaigns, award winning narrative films and web series, non profit and artist documentaries, industrial, agricultural and small business commercials, film festivals and folk music videos.
Now settled in Minnesota, I am continually inspired by the blending of traditions in my surroundings and the amazing and talented professionals with whom I have the opportunity to collaborate. Together we develop documentaries, narrative, episodic and other films, working to capture not only images but also hearts, using our craft to ignite change and contribute to a brighter future for all.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007751974110
Daniel Owens
Gaffer. Director. Actor.
Hey! I'm Daniel and I'm a Minnesota based Filmmaker/Actor. Walking onto my first film set in 2019 I remember feeling in my heart that this is what I was going to be doing for the rest of my life, whatever it took. I spent my highschool years watching BTS documentaries, film related youtube videos and podcasts, movies, and just immersing myself in everything “film.’ Graduating highschool in 2020, during the pandemic, kind of diverted me from being able to throw myself into the industry the way I’d planned to… but I eventually found my way back to it in Fall 2021 and started working freelance in the industry as a PA. Tried out many other on set positions and found that I was really interested in lighting. I’ve worked on commercials, short films, feature films, corporate videos, documentaries, TV shows, etc. I work mainly in G&E, and as an Actor. But I also work as a Director, Producer, Camera Operator and Editor. I'm very passionate about the work that I do.
Lane Peterson
Cinematographer.
Audio. Gaffer.
I am a Midwest based filmmaker and photographer operating out of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I began my video production by taking media arts classes in high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and continued my education at Southeast Technical College, graduating with a degree in digital media production.
During this time, I worked in a news studio as a production assistant working with the studio cameras and audio for live broadcasts. I continued on working in this field for eight years, wearing a number of different hats in the studio environment as well as refining my broadcast communication skills in master control.
In 2021, I decided to take the leap and went full time freelancing as a filmmaker in the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
Branden Wiater
Director of Photography. Gaffer.
I graduated at the top of my class from the Cinematography program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College in 2017, and have been building my portfolio as a freelancer ever since. I have served as a director of photography, camera & gimbal operator, jack of all trades production assistant, and award winning photographer. My work includes commercial projects for Kowalski's Markets, Pursuit Community Church, Grace Church, Eagle Brook Church, Community Blueprint, and ForGood Films. I have also shot documentaries for life changing missions organizations around the world.
"I'm just a man who enjoys looking at life through a lens. I strive to use my camera to make every client feel heard and respected, and every collaborator feel empowered and valued. No matter what I capture, it is my desire that it has meaning and purpose. Every image has a voice, and my passion is to travel the world and capture the voices of people who often go unheard."
612-309-7567 / info@forgoodfilms.org
