Here’s To 10 Years Of Early Light Media!
We started Early Light Media with one goal: To bring positive, human-centered stories to the world through video. A decade after we founded our video production company in Baltimore, that mission still guides us.
Documentary filmmaking for nonprofits was an instinctive starting point for us. We produced TV news and newspaper documentaries before founding ELM, and the nonprofit space was a natural transition. We began producing documentaries for online distribution. From there, Early Light Media grew in ways we never imagined. We’re now producing TV shows for big networks, directing commercials, and boasting a full animation department. Through it all, we’ve stayed true to our original ethos.
“It’s been really nice watching our company evolve and our employees grow,” said Darren. “Especially since we’ve never changed the core of who we are, so it feels like everyone is growing in the same direction.”
Even then, we were clear about what mattered — sticking to our storytelling roots and creating films that resonate emotionally. We sought to capture the human experience, a mission that still fuels us today.
Telling stories about inspiring people has compelled us to grow, as well. Darren admired the heroism of medical professionals who devote their lives to saving others, as we worked with Livingston Productions to tell the story of R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, producing Season 2 of ‘La Frontera’ opened his eyes to the struggles of migrants in ways he never expected, as we joined Pati Jinich at the Mexican border.
For Co-Founder David Larson, ‘Throw’ holds a special place in his heart. The film tells the story of a Baltimore native finding salvation in a yo-yo. He said: “Even now, when I watch it, I am moved.”
As we look to the future, our authentic storytelling is our North Star. Whether we’re producing shows for networks, expanding our animation business, or elevating our filmmaking to match emerging technology, we’ll stay true to why we started the company in the first place.
“I want us to continue to put an emphasis on passion projects,” said David, “and create work that we are proud to say has moved people around the world.”
Here’s to a decade of human-centered storytelling, personal growth, and invaluable memories with new and old friends, as we worked to capture the essence of the human experience. Thank you to our team, clients, collaborators, and everyone who’s been part of Early Light Media’s story. We can’t wait to see what the next decade has in store.
