James Allen, Co-Founder, CEO
James studied archaeology at university, with hopes of becoming the next Indiana Jones, obsessed with travel and exploration, studying earth’s cultures in a quest to answer life’s greatest mysteries.
James learned about early cinema, specifically interesting to him were the Russian films that inspired a nation of peasants to revolt against Czarist brutality. They were united because of films projected onto the side of buildings and barns, images and stories powerful enough to spark a revolution.
It was then that Visual Aid was born. A tribute to the visual revolutions that have come before us. A place where stories can be told to motivate people to do something better. To create the world they want to see become a reality.
Joelle Allen, Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Joelle and James met at university in a sculpture class. Partnered together from day one, they formed a team that could take on any creative challenge. Joelle has been instrumental in executing their shared vision for what a ‘real people, real stories’ production company could become.
As a mother and a small business owner, Joelle understands what it takes to get things done under pressure while balancing work and family life.
Her dedication to providing the best possible experience for our clients and our team is matched only by her passion for seeing great vision become reality.
Christopher Bacher, Producer & Production Manager
Christopher is no stranger to hard work and discipline. He successfully operates and administers 4 companies, 2 of which are his own. He knows what it takes to keep things on track and on budget, with a die-hard commitment to the bottom line and making the most out of a dollar.
Principled, professional and perfectionistic, Christopher is trusted to always do the right thing, a person of practical action who wishes to be useful in the best sense of the word. Transcendentally realistic, he knows the best action to take in each moment. Humane, inspiring, and hopeful: the truth will be heard!
Thom Lyons, Post Production
Thom moved to Portland from the UK in 2011 after spending several years as an editor for Travel Channel International. Coming from a different part of the world, he brings a wide eyed sense of curiosity and discovery to every project, using his unique perspective to help tell compelling and thoughtful stories.
Independent, insightful and curious, Thom is able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills, a visionary pioneer ahead of his time, with the ability to help others see the world in an entirely new way.
Will Murphy, DP & Post Production
Will loves a great story. So much he’s built his life around telling them (we think it has something to do with growing up in the woods with a vivid imagination).
He honed his skills working with local and national agencies and production companies. Will thinks like a camera with an organic memory card. He gets stoked to roll film and put the pieces of the greater visual puzzle together at the end of the day.
When he’s not behind a camera or a keyboard, Will lives in a tiny house, creates conceptual art installations, and dreams of going completely solar. He brings this sustainable mindset to his projects and relationships, finding art and beauty in every detail.
Hayden Garrett, Assistant Camera & Editor
Hayden is a multilingual world traveler, and believes that storytelling is one of humanity’s most powerful tools. As a student of visual media, it is his goal to share everyone’s story through a lens of authenticity, beauty, and a sense of wonder.
At Visual Aid, Hayden assists in all things, infecting all of those around him to smile and feel empathetically awesome. Just think, maybe Hayden will brighten your day on our next project together?