We recently connected with Haeleigh Royall and have shared our conversation below.

Haeleigh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Cinematography for Actors sparked during a casual pandemic roller skating sesh. We happened upon a discussion about some of the challenges actors often face on set. We realized that if actors had greater technical knowledge, they could be so much more empowered to collaborate effectively with cinematographers and directors. This thought really struck a chord with us, and we dreamed up a platform that could offer specialized education focused on bridging that gap—giving actors the confidence to engage with the filmmaking process more holistically.

But as we skated, we realized the gaps were much wider, and impacted more departments than we initially thought. We realized we needed more than a platform, but workshops and a community! It was clear to us that this wasn’t just about education; it was about creating a space where people could come together, learn, and support each other in their creative journeys.

From that initial idea, Cinematography for Actors grew into an organization that now offers a wide range of opportunities, including workshops, podcasts, events, and fiscal sponsorship. We’ve expanded our mission to focus not only on technical education but also on networking and community-building, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive film industry. What gets us most excited is the transformation we see in our community—actors and filmmakers gaining the skills, confidence, and connections they need to tell their stories, regardless of their background or experience level. Seeing it come to life has been incredibly rewarding!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Cinematography for Actors (CFA) is a community based peer-to-peer education and career support nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented and emerging filmmakers and actors. We focus on building confidence and expanding networks for filmmakers and actors through various programs and initiatives.
Our organization offers a wide range of workshops, both in-person and online, covering technical aspects of filmmaking, marketing, PR, and distribution. We also provide fiscal sponsorship, allowing filmmakers to receive tax-deductible donations and grants.

We produce industry-leading podcasts, such as the Cinematography for Actors podcast and the Indiewood podcast, offering valuable insights and industry knowledge weekly. Additionally, we host specialized workshops and networking events year round to foster community and support emerging talent.

What sets CFA apart, and what we’re most proud of brand-wise, is our focus on inclusivity and support for underrepresented communities. Our programs are not just about education; they’re about creating a platform for collaboration and ensuring our community members can thrive and be recognized for their unique talent. We’ve built a brand that champions the voices of underrepresented filmmakers and actors, offering them equal opportunities to develop their careers. Our partnerships with industry leaders and our programs have made a significant impact on the careers of many talented individuals, which is something we take great pride in.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As first-time entrepreneurs without business degrees, creating Cinematography for Actors has been very much a journey of trial, error, and resilience. There have been many moments we’ve worried about keeping the lights on and wondered if we should be accepting work that doesn’t align with our core values in order to keep running.
Our commitment to inclusivity and the impact we hope to make keeps us pointed in the right direction and we constantly remind ourselves to stick to the reasons we started this company.

Through CFA, we’ve seen incredible connections leading many of our community members to shoot films together. Our programs are not just about sharpening skills; they’re about providing a supportive network where our community can find collaboration. We’ve built a brand that champions the voices of underrepresented filmmakers and actors, offering them equal opportunities to develop their careers.

We’re incredibly proud of the community we’ve built—one where talented individuals can connect, collaborate, and grow together. By being intentional about the opportunities we pursue, we’ve been able to course correct when needed to stay on a path that aligns with our long-term vision.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation is an ongoing journey. What helps the most is consistently showing up, being reliable, and staying authentic in every connection we make. We make strides with every new project, but a reputation isn’t something to achieve once and then rest on—it must be nurtured with each interaction and new relationship.

We work hard to approach every opportunity with curiosity and a genuine desire to connect with others. staying enthusiastic about learning, whether it’s through exploring new techniques, engaging in industry events, or simply having meaningful conversations with peers. This approach has laid a solid foundation that we can continue to build on.

By remaining true to our values and consistently delivering on commitments, we build a network of relationships that support our work. Ongoing commitment to reliability and authenticity is what drives CFA, and I believe it’s what will continue to strengthen our reputation as we grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cinematographyforactors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cinematographyforactors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/82792386/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@cinematographyforactors

Image Credits

Vivien Kililea
Charlie Nguyen