I am a passionate documentary filmmaker and editor based in Raleigh, NC, with extensive hands-on experience producing doc-style videos, mini features, and short films. My work focuses on purposeful storytelling, highlighting human resilience and social issues, especially within coastal communities in North Carolina. I enjoy directing and managing film projects from concept through delivery, emphasizing natural sound and pacing for emotional resonance. My technical skills span a wide array of production roles including cinematography, editing, lighting, and sound. I have gained practical experience working on professional sets and independent productions, contributing to award-winning films and supporting TV productions. With a strong foundation in Adobe Premiere Pro and camera operation, I am eager to continue growing as a filmmaker and contribute to impactful visual narratives.

Abigail Schindler

I am a passionate documentary filmmaker and editor based in Raleigh, NC, with extensive hands-on experience producing doc-style videos, mini features, and short films. My work focuses on purposeful storytelling, highlighting human resilience and social issues, especially within coastal communities in North Carolina. I enjoy directing and managing film projects from concept through delivery, emphasizing natural sound and pacing for emotional resonance. My technical skills span a wide array of production roles including cinematography, editing, lighting, and sound. I have gained practical experience working on professional sets and independent productions, contributing to award-winning films and supporting TV productions. With a strong foundation in Adobe Premiere Pro and camera operation, I am eager to continue growing as a filmmaker and contribute to impactful visual narratives.

Available to hire

I am a passionate documentary filmmaker and editor based in Raleigh, NC, with extensive hands-on experience producing doc-style videos, mini features, and short films. My work focuses on purposeful storytelling, highlighting human resilience and social issues, especially within coastal communities in North Carolina. I enjoy directing and managing film projects from concept through delivery, emphasizing natural sound and pacing for emotional resonance.

My technical skills span a wide array of production roles including cinematography, editing, lighting, and sound. I have gained practical experience working on professional sets and independent productions, contributing to award-winning films and supporting TV productions. With a strong foundation in Adobe Premiere Pro and camera operation, I am eager to continue growing as a filmmaker and contribute to impactful visual narratives.

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Work Experience

Documentary Filmmaker & Editor (Freelance) at Freelance
January 1, 2020 - Present
Produced documentary-style videos and mini features for small businesses and organizations focusing on purpose-driven narratives and audience impact. Directed and edited short-form videos optimized for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Directed, shot, and wrote award-winning films for the 48 hour film festival, demonstrating strong storytelling and technical skills.
Director | Outer Banks Documentary Project at University of North Carolina Wilmington (student project)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Led documentary team highlighting rural challenges and resilience in coastal North Carolina communities. Served as Director of Photography, shooting and editing interviews and b-roll to create a collaborative documentary alongside policy students. Led and supported other cinematographers with technical problem solving in limited field resource environments.
Director | Observational Short on Carolina Beach at University of North Carolina Wilmington (student project)
May 1, 2024 - September 3, 2025
Developed, shot, and edited a short film documenting off-season community life using natural sound, long takes, and subtle pacing to build emotional resonance. The short film was selected for screening in a graduate-level class, showcasing my narrative and cinematic skills.
Intern | Grip and Electric at Cinespace Studios
May 1, 2025 - September 3, 2025
Supported grip and electric departments by maintaining lighting setups and managing gear orders for local productions including 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' 'Runarounds,' 'Zoey 102,' and 'Waterfront.' Gained hands-on experience repairing lighting equipment and learned repair and testing workflows for LED, HMI, Color Force, and Space Force lights.
Production Assistant at Crazy Duck Productions
December 31, 2021 - September 3, 2025
Assisted on shoots with camera operation, particularly handheld cameras, and supported livestream events to ensure smooth production execution.
Sound Production Assistant at Paula Baisden
December 31, 2022 - September 3, 2025
Supported the field recording team by managing boom mic and lavalier mic setups during live production events.
Documentary Filmmaker & Editor at Freelance
January 1, 2020 - Present
Produced documentary-style videos and mini features for small businesses and organizations. Directed and edited short-form videos for social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok with a focus on purposeful narratives and audience impact. Directed, shot, and wrote an award-winning film for the 48 hour film festival. Led a documentary team highlighting rural challenges and resilience in coastal North Carolina communities, serving as Director and Director of Photography. Developed observational short films using natural sound and long takes to build emotional resonance.
Intern at Cinespace Studios
May 1, 2025 - September 3, 2025
Supported grip and electric departments; maintained lighting setups and managed gear orders for local productions including The Summer I Turned Pretty, Runarounds, Zoey 102, Waterfront, and others. Repaired lights and cables and learned repair and testing workflows for various lighting technologies including LED, HMI, Color Force, and Space Force.
Production Assistant at Crazy Duck Productions
December 31, 2021 - September 3, 2025
Assisted on shoots, operated handheld cameras, and supported livestreaming events.
Sound Production Assistant at Paula Baisden
December 31, 2022 - September 3, 2025
Supported field recording team with boom microphone and lavalier microphone setups.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of North Carolina Wilmington
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts at University of North Carolina Wilmington
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025

Qualifications

Adobe Premiere Pro Certified
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
Adobe Premiere Pro Certification
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization