Our Filmmaking Team

Meet Charly

Founder & Executive Director

Charly Louise is an accomplished film director, producer, and mentor with over 13 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of Venus Rising Media, she has dedicated her career to the transformative power of storytelling, aiming to inspire a more interconnected and empathetic world.

Her journey into film began in Cleveland, Ohio, when a Polaroid camera from her father sparked a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Initially interested in acting, Charly soon discovered her true calling behind the camera. This led her to pursue a film degree from the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design.

Charly's directorial debut, the acclaimed documentary "In Tune: The Ben Tucker Story," premiered on PBS in 2018 and marked the beginning of a series of successful collaborations on both feature-length and short films. Her work has since captivated audiences worldwide through platforms such as Netflix, Showtime, NFL Network, and various film festivals.

Beyond her technical expertise, Charly's studies in Dale Carnegie, Landmark Education, and Non-Violent Communication have equipped her with exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling her to foster trust and hold space for diverse voices to be heard. Her latest project, "Woven," exemplifies her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and exploring critical social and environmental issues.

Charly Louise is not just a storyteller but a catalyst for change, continuously pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking to inspire action and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

  • Lisa Shoemaker

    PRODUCER & MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Lisa is an accomplished entrepreneur, world traveler, visual storyteller, and textile artist with a career spanning over three decades. Grounded in international relations from Warren Wilson College, she founded Blue Planet Packs, evolving it into a globally recognized brand.

    At Venus Rising Media, Lisa integrates storytelling seamlessly into marketing efforts, playing a crucial role in shaping our client’s narrative and visual identity. Her blend of entrepreneurial spirit and artistic sensibility drives the company's mission to inspire positive change through impactful storytelling.

    Lisa's blend of entrepreneurial acumen, artistic prowess, and storytelling finesse establishes her as a compelling force in documentary filmmaking. Currently, Lisa is co-directing and producing the feature-length documentary "Woven", showcasing the untold stories in fabric, shedding light on undervalued artisans and the solutions they hold for urgently needed social and environmental change.

  • Bethany Starling

    ASSOCIATE PRODUCER & EDITOR

    Beth Starling is a storyteller driven by a profound fascination with people, ideas, and the transformative power of narratives. Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, she developed an animistic connection to the natural world, which deeply influences her work. Beth is also a talented musician and visual artist, constantly seeking ways to weave visual stories that explore our connections to ourselves, art, the planet, the cosmos, the realm of ideas, and each other.

    With a BS in English from Appalachian State University, a minor in Psychology and BS in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Beth's academic background supports her multifaceted approach to storytelling. She is passionate about producing and uplifting meaningful stories that foster community, connection and spiritual awakening. She served as the outreach coordinator for "The Last Ecstatic Days" feature documentary and is the volunteer coordinator for the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival and the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival. Through these roles, Beth continues to explore and highlight the intricate connections that shape our consciousness and culture, making her a significant voice in the world of visual storytelling and cultural exploration.

  • Melissa Troutman

    WRITER, PRODUCER & DIRECTOR

    Melissa Troutman is a journalist, writer, and filmmaker with a passion for environmental justice and storytelling. Born and raised on the ancestral lands of the Susquehannock and Haudenosaunee, now known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds,” Melissa brings her kinship to the natural world into her work. She began investigating shale gas extraction in 2010 as a newspaper reporter in her hometown of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. In 2011, she co-founded the investigative news nonprofit Public Herald, where she served as Executive Director until 2018.

    Melissa co-wrote, directed, and edited the acclaimed documentary Triple Divide (2013), which she also narrated alongside award-winning actor Mark Ruffalo. Her career spans multi-year investigations of environmental injustice, policymaking, and climate advocacy, coupled with a dedication to writing and producing award-winning documentaries.

    Currently, Melissa is receiving accolades for her latest docu-series, Lake Erie, Our Kin, which has been nominated for two Emmy Awards. Her work continues to shed light on pressing environmental issues while honoring her deep-rooted connection to the land, wildlife, and traditional peoples of her upbringing.

Let’s Craft Powerful Stories!

Welcome to Venus Rising Media, where a dynamic team of feminine filmmakers is dedicated to producing powerful, meaningful stories that inspire and connect communities around the world. Our collective brings together diverse talents and experiences, united by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Meet the incredible women behind our groundbreaking projects

1-on-1 Film Consultation

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker looking to hone your craft or a seasoned professional seeking to take your skills to the next level, our coaching will provide you with what you need to succeed. Through a combination of hands-on instruction, feedback, and practical exercises, we'll help you develop the skills and confidence you need to create compelling and impactful films that resonate with your audience.

Film Production Services

The art of storytelling has the power to transform people, perspectives, and the planet by tuning into people’s deepest motivations and creating connections across  we create authentic emotional connection between a brand, business, or individual and their audience. Whether you are a startup non-profit or global organization, telling an effective story can bring your work to life and create impactful connections that drive an audience

Film Mentorship Program

The Cinema Catalyst is a Film Mentorship Program that offers aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to bring their ideas to the screen and take their craft to the next level. We are passionate about helping filmmakers harness their voice, vision, and craft. Our mentors are professional filmmakers and educators that work closely with you to explore your personal experiences and perspectives, translating those ideas into compelling stories that resonate with your target audience.