Shawn Vela is an Emmy® Award Winning Filmmaker who has advanced his career specializing in creating cinematic documentary style imagery that brings out the emotion behind a story. This approach has led Shawn around the world to capture a wide array of stories; including being on 4 Super Bowl Commercial Sets.

Shawn’s reputation for story telling was cemented when he won his first Emmy® Award for Directing, Cinematography, and Editing the short documentary film “Alive: Taking A Stand For Christ”. He has since continued to prioritize the value of the story content in any production above what equipment is used.

“As documentary filmmakers we are trusted with vulnerable and triumphant moments. What we do with those moments is what defines the story and inspires the viewer.”
-Shawn Vela

Shawn’s thoughts on documentary filmmaking have been featured on network affiliates such as ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, and THE CW.

Shawn is available for hire as a Director of Photography, Director, and Editor with experience across a wide variety of genres including: documentaries, commercials, television series, corporate brand stories/testimonials, faith based (web & broadcast), long term time-lapses, and aerial cinema.

You can also hire Shawn for filmmaking workshops, talks, and private trainings.