Meet Shaina Koren

TELL ME ABOUT YOU

I am a seasoned documentary film director, content creator, and heart-centered leader. I am able to serve on collaborative projects as a creative partner, film director, and producer.

I am open to aligned opportunities for new clients, contract work, or part-time positions world-wide.

I am the co-founder of Evergrain Studios, an intentional creative studio harnessing the power of character-driven stories and immersive experiences to bridge perspectives and create impact.

My work has been licensed by Netflix, NBC, and Delta Airlines and utilized in campaigns for Google, Major League Baseball, Toyota, Spaulding Rehab Hospital, the Basketball Hall of Fame, Per4max, the National Wheelchair Softball Association, Heroic Voice Academy, among others. I am most proud of the impact my projects have on real humans.

Serving as the Director, DP, and Editor for my first independent film THE REBOUND, our team received 8 awards among 20+ film festivals including the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Award, Best Documentary, Audience Choice Award, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, and more. It has been enjoyed at over 120+ U.S. and international screenings, premiered on NETFLIX (2019), is being utilized as a tool in academic research studies at James Madison University, and was featured on Delta Airlines (2020).

I’m a proud Duke – graduating cum laude from James Madison University with a degree in Media Arts & Design with a Digital Video & Cinema focus and minors in Film Studies and Anthropology.

My Work

Testimonials

“Remotes” TV Pilot | Producer, Camera Operator, Assistant Editor

When it comes to Shaina, it’s tough to know where to begin because she brings so much to the equation. I met Shaina through a colleague, and we immediately clicked. I quickly realized that I could count on her to be a large part of the project, which happened to be a television pilot, than I imagined.

Her skills as a producer proved invaluable, from coordinating with other production teams to organizing customs documents for international travel/production. She was also instrumental during pre-production with concept design and logistics.

When we reached principal photography, Shaina’s experience as a documentary filmmaker emerged immediately on set, not only in her creative composition as a cinematographer but in her ability to see narrative elements that I could not. She’s always providing that additional perspective which enriched the whole project and gave me extra bandwidth as a director.

Shaina is as much a team leader as a team player, connecting easily with the cast and crew around her. Her experience also helped when it came to troubleshooting hardware, software, and logistical issues that we had to deal with in a high-pressure environment. Shaina continued to be an invaluable teammate in post-production as an assistant editor, thought partner, and creative force.

Last but not least, it’s Shaina’s attitude that shined throughout this 6-month production. She is always searching for ways to improve the project, from the smallest detail to the tallest goals. Everyone around her is made better by her positive, “can-do” energy, which is in short supply in this stressful, hectic, and fast-paced passion we all love.

Ultimately, there are very few things in life that I would just say, “go for it”, sight unseen, without thinking twice, but hiring Shaina to be your teammate is one of them.

– Jarred Moore, Director
“Superminority” Docu-series | Director of Photography

Shaina served as the Director of Photography for Superminority, a documentary series I directed in North Carolina in 2018.  Shaina was a joy to work with and I can’t recommend her services enough.  She has a true passion for shooting and is constantly looking to capture the story in the most beautiful and effective way possible.  In addition to her commitment to her craft, her positive attitude was a huge contributor to the success of the project.

Superminority follows first-time, female candidates for the N.C. House of Representatives and required a dynamic and ever-changing shooting environment.  During our three months together in North Carolina, seemingly nothing could dampen Shaina’s enthusiasm for and commitment to this project, not even our grueling shooting schedule, a hurricane, extremely hot and humid weather, or bedbugs.  Some days involved 15+ hours of practically non-stop verite shooting, where Shaina performed tirelessly and flawlessly.  On days where we could take the time to capture establishing shots and b-roll, Shaina was an endless source of creativity and shooting ideas.  She was always game to try new things and more than willing to spend her little time off researching equipment or shooting techniques that could enhance the project.  While Shaina takes direction extremely well, she also doesn’t hesitate to make shooting suggestions that she thinks would better serve the project, for which I am grateful.

Very quickly into the shoot, I felt that we had established a strong partnership and I knew I could count on her make our stories truly shine.  I am so thankful that Shaina served as DP on this project, and I am always looking for more opportunities to work with her.

 

-Hilary Linder, Peabody Award-Winning Director/Producer, Indivisible, Muji Blades, Superminority
“So I married myself” Documentary shoot | Director of Photography

I hired Shaina to help produce and DP a remote interview for my upcoming documentary. Not only did she and her crew drive several hours to Maryland early in the morning to set-up, but they did a fantastic job, with Shaina even taking gorgeous behind the scenes photos, on top of managing a camera and engaging with me on Zoom. Afterwards as I was trying to download all the footage online, she worked diligently to ensure everything was transferred properly, including taking the time to send me video messages to troubleshoot. Shaina is talented both as a producer and DP and immensely kind. I immediately trusted her from the get go and was delighted with the opportunity to engage her talent.

-Amen Jafri, Director/Producer, So I Married Myself

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Press/Media

No Film School

Meet the Filmmakers Who Give 'Push Through Production' a New Meaning

CREATIV Magazine

THE REBOUND with Shaina Allen & MIchael Esposito

Miami New Times

MIFF 2016: The Rebound, a Documentary About a Miami Wheelchair Basketball Team, Makes Its World Premiere

Miami Herald

The Miami Heat Wheels wheelchair basketball team takes the court in ‘The Rebound’

CREATIV Magazine

15 Women Who Wow

The Breeze

JMU alumni create documentary 'The Rebound'

Fenom Podcast

Eliza Whiteman interviews Shaina Allen

Living Adaptive

“The Rebound”

Babbitville Podcast

The Rebound: Shaina Allen and Mike Esposito

Les Sinclair on WINA

“The Rebound” at the Virginia Film Festival