ABOUT

Songbird Films is a purpose-driven production studio specializing in short docs, branded content, and narrative films.  We believe in the transformative power of storytelling.  We partner with foundations, non-profits, and brands to craft stunning visual stories and meaningful content to inspire, engage and encourage positive social change. At Songbird, our mission is to make films with purpose and a captivating visual style. Our projects not only entertain but also benefit organizations and the communities they serve.

As a female and AAPI-owned company,  we are committed to inclusion, breaking boundaries, and mentoring the next generation of diverse storytellers within the markets where we work. 

SERVICES

A songbird’s melody is always evolving and so are we. We recognize every project is unique and we tailor our approach and services to meet those needs.  We are committed to providing our creative partners the best options for producing visionary and compelling stories at all scales.

Our team brings decades of experience in the film industry working with award-winning filmmakers and over 25 years of technical advising on social development work in more than 30 countries around the world.

We deliver a thoughtful and personalized collaborative experience in film production, creative services, and post production.

  • Rachel McDonald

    FOUNDER + PARTNER

    Rachel McDonald is an award-winning director and writer whose body of work spans commercials, music videos, documentaries and narrative films. With a keen eye for cinematography and an adept sensitivity to her subjects, she crafts compelling stories driven directly from the heart.

    Rachel has directed multiple award-winning short films and global campaigns for major brands like BMW, Mercedes, Ikea, Toyota, Ford, Facebook, Gatorade, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Chevy, Microsoft and HP. Her work has been recognized by Cannes Lion (Film Craft), Webby Awards, LIA Awards, Voice of a Woman Award, Source Creative Top 100 Spots, Shorty Awards, The One Show (Craft Direction), Addys (Gold and Bronze), and Cresta Awards, among others.

  • Amado Parame Stachenfeld

    FOUNDER + DP

    Amado Parame Stachenfeld is a cinematographer and. filmmaker working in commercials, television, narrative and documentary films. His eye for unique frames and cinematic approach to storytelling distinguishes him as a contemporary filmmaker. For more than a decade, Amado has collaborated with notable brands such as Nike, Patagonia, New Balance, Chevrolet and countless others. He was the lead cinematographer for Apple TV’s “Dear X” series starring Jane Goodall. Amado’s other films include “Dancing Warrior”, “Hermanos”, “Spoons” and “Return to Zero”. His work has taken him from the dunes of Chile to the snowy mountains of Hokkaido to the beaches of Mozambique all in the pursuit of visual storytelling. With a sensitivity for human connection, Amado captures stories in a way that highlights our shared humanity.

  • Patrick Papania

    PARTNER + EP

    Patrick Papania is an accomplished project manager, technical advisor and marketing strategist who designs and implements campaigns to support economic and social development in communities worldwide. He has produced multi-media and educational tools for national and international programs in partnership with USAID, the EU, WHO, Spanish Cooperation, Autonomous Governments of Valencia, Catalonia, and Navarra, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Walton Family Foundation. Patrick has led diverse teams and fostered extensive networks for profound impact in over thirty countries.