What we do

Holden Films is a small, full-service documentary production company. We strive to create films that are equally as beautiful as they are educational to help people both feel and learn.

We create independent documentaries and work with nonprofits, government agencies and companies to create educational films and series, campaign and brand videos, project and program spotlights and more.

Whether originating an idea from scratch or bringing a client's vision to life, we guide projects from concept through completion.

Our approach

  • Relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we value the chance to create something together.

  • We strive for smooth, clear and collaborative communication with our participants and clients.

  • We’re committed to respectfully representing diverse identities, experiences and perspectives on screen.

  • We work to honor and honestly portray the humanity, complexities, rhythm and authenticity of each person we have the privilege of filming.

  • We develop thorough and clear production plans, but we’re always ready to adapt if (and usually when) needed to the situation and environment.

  • We relish the opportunity to dive into new topics, and we research, learn and lean on our curiosity to guide how to tell and capture the story.

  • We capture cinema-grade image quality to celebrate the beauty of ordinary life.

We’re a principal crew of two that draws on the talents and expertise of a nationwide network of cinematographers, editors and motion graphic artists.

Our crew

Brady Holden

Brady is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. He began Holden Films in 2016 and specializes in creating videos for nonprofits, environmental organizations and state and federal agencies, including The Nature Conservancy, Society for Ecological Restoration, Columbia Land Trust, The Land Trust Alliance, Marriott International, Wild Salmon Center, Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts, College Possible Oregon and Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

Brady’s work has also appeared on PBS FRONTLINE, CNN’s Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain, NPR, Outside Magazine, Bloomberg and HGTV, as well as in National Park Service visitor centers and museums. When he isn’t behind the camera, he’s directing the visual style, editing videos and collaborating with clients and contractors. Brady is also a certified drone pilot.

Reach out to Brady: brady@holdenfilms.org

McKenna Asakawa

McKenna is a documentary director, producer and editor who specializes in telling human stories about the environment. Drawing on a decade of interviewing experts and writing for the public, she translates complex, technical systems into clear, compelling and people-centered narratives.

Her films and writing have been featured at universities and film festivals and by environmental and engineering organizations including the Society for Ecological Restoration, Wild Salmon Center, The Nature Conservancy, The Klamath Tribes, Hawaiian Electric and HDR Engineering. With roots from rural Japan and the mountains of Colorado, McKenna brings to every project a deep love of the outdoors and curiosity about the connections between culture and nature.

Reach out to McKenna: mckenna@holdenfilms.org