I Am: An Athlete’s Portrait

I Am: An Athlete’s Portrait is a short documentary athlete portrait centered on Madeline, whose free spirit and dedication shape both her performance and her life off the field. The project came together organically through a handful of phone calls, shared coffees, and the help of a mutual friend. From the start, that connection set the tone for an intimate and collaborative process.

Instead of arriving with a fixed plan, we allowed the story to grow through conversation and trust. As a result, the film developed around presence rather than structure.

A Process Built on Collaboration and Movement

We spent two days filming with Madeline in Palm Desert, California, during a brief pause between performance commitments. During that time, we focused less on outlining a narrative and more on exploring how the film should feel. Movement, conversation, and shared creative instinct guided each moment.

As the process unfolded, Madeline’s openness led the way. Her commitment and ease shaped a portrait rooted in authenticity, trust, and quiet confidence.

Letting the Film Take Shape

Created as a passion project, I Am: An Athlete’s Portrait reflects a collaborative approach to documentary storytelling. Rather than controlling the outcome, we stayed open to discovery and curiosity throughout the process.

Ultimately, the film became shaped as much by the experience of making it as by the story it tells. It stands as a portrait built on connection, presence, and the freedom to explore without constraint.

This project is part of our broader Documentary & Long-Form work focused on real people, movement, and lived experience.

Client: Independent / Editorial
Project: I Am: An Athlete’s Portrait
Industry: Editorial / Athlete Profile
Location: Palm Desert, California
Services: Short Documentary Film, Cinematic Storytelling