Shooting for RAADD with Stefan Morel
🌿 Overview
RAADD (Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers) is on a mission to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues: how smartphones and social media affect children’s health, safety, and well-being. Their work empowers families with the knowledge and tools to navigate digital risks, from mental health and sleep disruption to legal challenges like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
I worked with with filmmaker Stefan Morel on two storytelling-driven shoots for RAADD: one on the water at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and one on the track at Birchmount Stadium with athlete Natalie Burrows of Western University. Both projects aimed to highlight personal stories that bring RAADD’s mission to life.
🎬 The Story
On the water, we interviewed Willa Cuthbertson, capturing the serenity and freedom of open air while discussing the impact of digital life. Shooting boat-to-boat demanded precision, teamwork, and creativity, all while adapting to the rhythm of the lake.
At Birchmount Stadium, the focus shifted to movement and athleticism. Natalie’s perspective as a young athlete was paired with dynamic action shots and thoughtful interviews, grounding RAADD’s message in real, lived experience. Through both shoots, Stefan’s vision as director and editor shaped the storytelling. My role was to support with cinematography, adapt to challenging environments, and help ensure the visuals carried both emotional weight and authenticity.
🧠 Mindset | Skillset | Toolset
Mindset
Collaboration over ego → trust the process and the people you work with
Story first → every shot needs to serve the narrative, not just look good
Adaptability → small crews and unpredictable conditions require flexibility and clear communication
Story first → every shot needs to serve the narrative, not just look good
Adaptability → small crews and unpredictable conditions require flexibility and clear communication
Skillset
Interview framing and storytelling through visuals
Capturing action-driven b-roll to add energy and depth
Shooting fast and nimble without losing cinematic quality
On-water safety and logistics (boating license + coordination)
Capturing action-driven b-roll to add energy and depth
Shooting fast and nimble without losing cinematic quality
On-water safety and logistics (boating license + coordination)
Toolset
🎥 Canon C300 + prime lenses (cinematic depth and clarity)
🛸 Drone for aerials
📷 Insta Go3 + Meta Glass for POV and immersive angles
🎙 Audio setup for clean, natural interviews
📡 Walkie talkies for on-water communication
🛸 Drone for aerials
📷 Insta Go3 + Meta Glass for POV and immersive angles
🎙 Audio setup for clean, natural interviews
📡 Walkie talkies for on-water communication
🌅 Reflections
What stood out most was the fusion of mission and craft. RAADD’s work matters deeply, and being able to contribute by telling stories that amplify their voice felt meaningful.
It also reminded me why I love this work:
🌿 Being outside.
☀️ Working with inspiring people like Stefan.
📸 Using creativity and tools to tell stories that connect.
🌿 Being outside.
☀️ Working with inspiring people like Stefan.
📸 Using creativity and tools to tell stories that connect.
The final films will raise awareness, spark conversations, and hopefully, create change. For me, the experience was another reminder: when you mix the right mission with the right team, storytelling becomes something bigger than the screen.