Our Team
Meet Charly
Founder & Executive Director
Charly Louise is an award-winning film director, producer, and mentor with over 13 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of Venus Rising Media, she is passionate about harnessing the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire a more connected world.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Charly’s journey into filmmaking began with a Polaroid camera, sparking a lifelong love for visual storytelling. While she initially pursued acting, her passion for storytelling led her behind the lens, where she discovered the power of filmmaking. She earned her degree in film production from the Savannah College of Art and Design, launching her career as a visionary filmmaker.
Charly’s critically acclaimed directorial debut, In Tune: The Ben Tucker Story, premiered on PBS in 2018, paving the way for a series of collaborations that are now featured on platforms like Netflix, Showtime, NFL Network. Her latest project, Woven, explores the intersection of identity, textile, and environmental sustainability, exemplifying her dedication to telling stories that challenge societal norms and inspire change.
Through her work, Charly Louise redefines what filmmaking can achieve, weaving emotionally charged stories that go beyond the screen to touch hearts and inspire change. Her films are deeply personal and unapologetically transformative, inviting audiences to see themselves in the narratives of others. By amplifying underrepresented voices and confronting critical social and environmental issues, Charly challenges us to imagine a world rooted in empathy, connection, and equity. Her storytelling isn’t just art—it’s a call to action, inviting us all to co-create a more compassionate, unified culture.
Lisa Shoemaker
Co-Founder & Producer
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.
Beth 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.
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.