Reel Clever is an award-winning multicultural film and video production company for the most transformative and impact-driven storytellers of today.

FEATURED

Director
Desmond Love, Eden Sabolboro
DOP
Thaad Sabolboro
EDIT
Taylor Lutz
Producer
Eden Sabolboro
Film

PBS & Firelight Media

Senghor Reid: Make Way for Tomorrow

Director
Rob Meyer, Jon Mallow
DOP
Jan Erting
EDIT
Lynn True
Producer
Ian Low
Corporate

TED Summit

TED Explores: A New Climate Vision

Director
Eden Sabolboro
DOP
Thaad Sabolboro
EDIT
Sai Zantua
Producer
Amanda Tingley
Creative Campaign

Kresge Arts in Detroit

Detroit Spotlight

Director
Eden Sabolboro
DOP
Thaad Sabolboro
EDIT
Sai Zantua
Producer
Amanda Tingley
Agency

The Work Department

Let's Get More Girls in the Game

Director
Eden Sabolboro, Jon Clark
DOP
Noah Elliott Morrison, Thaad Sabolboro
EDIT
Jon Clark
Producer
Amanda Tingley
Creative Campaign

The Work Department

Project Play: Impact Stories

Director
Andrea Morningstar
DOP
Thaad Sabolboro
EDIT
Jane Geisler
Producer
Andrea Morningstar, Eden Sabolboro, Toni Cunningham, Diane Checklich
Digital Content

Rising Voices

A Future Not Our Own

Reel Clever.
It's what we do.

YOUR VISION DESERVES A VOICE THAT RESONATES

As a woman-owned, minority-owned film production company, we bring unique perspectives to every project. Our diverse team crafts authentic stories that connect with audiences on a deeper level, ensuring your message stands out in today's crowded media landscape.

Image of the team: Eden, Thaad, Amanda, and Luigi

Services

Bringing your stories to life through every step of the filmmaking journey, from initial concept to final frame.

Book a discovery call

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Video & film production

We see each project as a unique visual story waiting to be told. When you work with us, we start by sitting down with you to understand the heart of what you're trying to say. From there, we handle everything from finding the perfect locations to assembling the right crew and equipment. Our cameras capture more than just images—they capture moments that move people. What you get is a beautifully crafted piece that feels authentic to your vision while connecting with your audience in ways that words alone never could.

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Concept Development

Every great film starts as a spark of an idea. When you bring that spark to us, we fan it into a flame through thoughtful conversation, research, and creative exploration. We ask the questions that uncover what makes your story unique, then sketch out the visual world where it will live. This is where we map character arcs, visual motifs, and emotional beats—creating a blueprint that guides every decision that follows. The result is a fully formed concept that stays true to your vision while giving our team the creative direction to bring it to life.

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Storytelling

Stories are how we make sense of the world, and we're passionate about finding the narrative thread that will resonate with your audience. We dig deep to find the emotional core of what you want to say, then craft a structure that takes viewers on a journey they won't forget. We pay attention to the small details—a character's gesture, a perfectly timed music cue, a moment of unexpected beauty—that turn good stories into unforgettable ones. What emerges is a narrative that feels both fresh and familiar, speaking to viewers in a language they instinctively understand.

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Video editing

In our editing room is where the real magic happens. This is where we take all the raw footage we've shot and carefully shape it into something greater than the sum of its parts. We spend hours finding the perfect rhythm, balancing moments of action with moments of reflection, and making sure every cut serves the story. We layer in music that enhances the emotion without overwhelming it, perfect the color to set just the right mood, and fine-tune the sound until it feels seamless. When we're done, what started as separate pieces becomes a flowing experience that holds your attention from the first frame to the last.

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Live streaming

There's an energy to live events that can't be replicated, and we've mastered the art of capturing that energy and sharing it with audiences who can't be there in person. We treat each live stream like a carefully orchestrated production—setting up multiple camera angles, ensuring crystal-clear audio, and creating graphics that enhance without distracting. Behind the scenes, our team monitors every technical aspect so you don't have to worry about what might go wrong. What your audience experiences is the immediacy of being there, combined with the polished feel of a professional production, creating connections that span any distance.

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Remote Filming

Distance doesn't have to limit your storytelling vision. When travel isn't possible or when you need to capture footage across multiple locations simultaneously, our remote filming approach bridges the gap. We coordinate with local crews around the world while maintaining consistent direction and vision from our base. Using real-time feeds and collaborative tools, we guide every shot as if we were standing right there on set. We handle the complex logistics—from equipment matching to lighting consistency—so you can focus on the creative decisions. The result is seamless footage that brings together diverse locations and perspectives under one cohesive vision, often saving weeks of travel time and opening doors to locations that might otherwise be out of reach. Your story can unfold anywhere in the world, sometimes in multiple places at once, without sacrificing the quality or creative control you expect.

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Studio Rental

Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ferndale, The Reel Studios, an accessible and fully equipped Video + Photo studio for your creative needs. Our 1000 sq. ft studio has a large-scale backdrop wall, as well as multiple other color backdrops to choose from. Brand new, top-of-the-line film lighting, grip and gaffing gear, as well as cameras are available as add-ons for your experience. In this open, single room studio, we have a dedicated lounge/seating area, tons of additional chairs/seating, and a hair and makeup station. We're excited to host you for your next creative idea!

Want to book our studio? Book Here

What Our Clients are Saying

Industry veterans and bold creative leaders agree: our visual storytelling doesn't just look good, it delivers real results. Don't just take our word for it — here's what some of them have to say.

Waiting for testimonial
Jon Mallow
Media & Impact Lead, Countdown
,
TED
"They show the sensibility of a team that understands the needs of their clients, knows how to achieve a high production value on limited resources, and most importantly, they know how to tell stories that are authentic and compelling."
Zosette Guir
Managing Producer
,
Detroit Public TV
"The Reel Clever team is bursting with creative talent. We have worked together on several projects and each time they've gone the extra mile to bring our client's vision to life and deliver captivating stories with exceptional production quality. Their work is top notch!"
Denise McGeen
Project Manager
,
The Work Department
Working with Reel Clever is always fun and easy. Their team is incredibly talented, bringing creativity and professionalism to every project. The end result always exceeds my expectations. Every collaboration has been an absolute pleasure. Highly recommend!
Libby Cole
Art Director
,
The Work Department
Partnering with Reel Clever on the Code: Grow mini-documentary was an incredible experience. They truly went above and beyond to capture the heart and soul of our work. Their ability to balance professionalism with a fun, creative energy made the whole process feel effortless. I couldn’t be happier with the result!
Sean Everett
Chair + Chief Executive Officer
,
DPL Foundation
Reel Clever played a pivotal role during my tenure as Marketing & Communications Director at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. As one of my initial collaborations, they set an exceptional standard for the organization's marketing endeavors. Their brilliance in both video and photography not only showcased the level of sophistication I aimed to achieve but also elevated our brand's presence. Their dedication to excellence and creative prowess make them invaluable partners in any marketing initiative.
Margarita Barry
Former Marketing & Communications Director
,
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Working with Reel Clever Films on our Planet Detroit documentary series about outdoor access and environmental justice was an outstanding experience. Amanda and her team approached the project with deep care, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to telling authentic stories from communities of color. Their collaborative spirit and creative vision helped us produce powerful films that resonate with our mission and our audience.
Nina Misuraca Ignaczak
Executive Editor, Founder & Chief Financial Officer
,
Planet Detroit
Reel Clever delivered on more than their name suggests. For our productions in Detroit, their creative and innovative problem-solving ensured every detail was meticulously checked. Their sophisticated approach to managing multiple productions was enhanced by deep local connections, creative vision, and remarkable expertise.
Ian Low
Producer/Project Manager
,
TED Countdown
Reel Clever played a pivotal role during my tenure as Marketing & Communications Director at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. As one of my initial collaborations, they set an exceptional standard for the organization's marketing endeavors. Their brilliance in both video and photography not only showcased the level of sophistication I aimed to achieve but also elevated our brand's presence. Their dedication to excellence and creative prowess make them invaluable partners in any marketing initiative.
Margarita Barry
Former Marketing & Communications Director
,
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Working with Reel Clever Films on our Planet Detroit documentary series about outdoor access and environmental justice was an outstanding experience. Amanda and her team approached the project with deep care, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to telling authentic stories from communities of color. Their collaborative spirit and creative vision helped us produce powerful films that resonate with our mission and our audience.
Nina Misuraca Ignaczak
Executive Editor, Founder & Chief Financial Officer
,
Planet Detroit
Reel Clever delivered on more than their name suggests. For our productions in Detroit, their creative and innovative problem-solving ensured every detail was meticulously checked. Their sophisticated approach to managing multiple productions was enhanced by deep local connections, creative vision, and remarkable expertise.
Ian Low
Producer/Project Manager
,
TED Countdown
Reel Clever DELIVERS! This group of passionate, talented, and values-aligned artists delivers relentlessly high-quality media. They are reliable and trustworthy and, most importantly to me, are able to adapt to a client's varied needs. I have and will vouch for Reel Clever at any opportunity that presents itself.
Katie G. McGowan
Director
,
Kresge Arts in Detroit

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