Earlier this year, 24-year-old Eli Hill began Stone House Films, a video production company specializing in branded documentary, dance, and music. The Sharon, CT, native began working in freelance video and photography in the midst of studying at the University of Vermont, where he earned a BS in food systems and community development.
Indeed, while his current work seems like a departure from his educational background, Eli clarifies that his studies have greatly influenced the depth of his craft. “I’m incredibly happy and grateful to have studied something pertaining to the environment, community, and natural world as it continues to shape the ‘why’ behind my current work – a perspective that can sometimes be overshadowed by the ‘how’ of filmmaking.”
This emphasis on the intention of his projects is reflected in the business’s name itself; to Eli, Stone House Films represents “the solidity, ethos, and foundation” he wishes to cultivate through this company. Eli looks back fondly on the brand brainstorming process, in which he established the focus and direction of the company while taking an exciting step forward into the world of film.
How Stone House Films began
The primary inspiration behind the business was to compile Eli’s freelance work. But consolidating and organizing these projects all in one place also has a more symbolic meaning for Eli, with Stone House Films acting as a vessel through which he can achieve his creative goals. “I see this as a way to remind myself that this is the direction I want to continue moving toward: dance, documentary, and environment,” he shares.
When he was just starting out, Eli quickly recognized that the film industry has been struggling since the pandemic. With this slowness being especially prevalent earlier this year, it was challenging to land larger scale client work. But his number of projects has incrementally increased over time as Eli casts his net wide in terms of what sort of work he takes on. Eventually, he plans to narrow this focal point as he establishes himself.
In addition to navigating various kinds of film work, he has also had to manage his time more intentionally since starting the company. By not working from home, Eli has been able to create a more effective work-life balance. “Having some separation between my work and rest spaces has been helpful for me.”
The importance of creative collaboration
A huge part of this undertaking has been fostering a community of fellow filmmakers, artists, and creators. “I’ve learned that building a network of other creatives in this field has been the best way to go further with my work,” reflects Eli. “Being able to collaborate and see other perspectives, ideas, and skill sets has allowed me to grow in many ways.”
One of these good friends and colleagues, owner of Pig Iron Films, Ted Perotti, went to high school with Eli and initiated him into video work early on. “To this day, we are working together on short-form documentary style video work for non-profits, schools, hospitals, and businesses.”
Eli also cites Ned Castle and Myles Jewell as two of his mentors in Vermont who played a key role in launching him into the documentary film realm. “I worked with them on projects pertaining to restorative and racial justice practices throughout the state of Vermont,” he notes.
Furthermore, Eli was fortunate to attend a selection of Maine Media College’s film workshop intensives this year, which allowed him to work on his cinematography, lighting, and documentary film skills.
Growing a global artist network
Notably, his creative colleagues and film projects have spanned far beyond North America, too. Freelancer, graphic designer, and art director Geraldín Acevedo has worked with Eli on a number of dance projects throughout Asia, Europe, and South America, while also helping in the branding and web design process for Stone House Films.
Eli has spent the better part of the past two years traveling in Taiwan, Thailand, Colombia, and Brazil, spending his time “photographing, filming, and participating in dance and nature-based residencies.”
He points out that like his ecology-related educational experiences, these global, movement-centered opportunities have played a pivotal role in honing his craft. To Eli, being able to work with “movement artists, and these spaces in general,” has provided “incredibly rich” insight, shaping the lens through which he views his life and work.
Going forward, in addition to continuing his projects, learning, and developing his skill set, Eli plans to keep pursuing collaborations and working with fellow creatives. Moreover, he’s embarking on the early phases of a longer form project, which will be a “poetic-sensorial documentary on dance in relation to natural environments.”
To learn more and view Stone House Films’ body of work, please visit stonehousefilms.co. He will be starting to raise funds and seek collaborations for his longer form documentary project, so please reach out to Eli at hello@stonehousefilms.co or find the business on Instagram at @stonehousefilms!