The Best of Washington
The majority of work done by Stone Soup Films is pro bono. Only 20 percent of the films are produced for a fee, thanks in large part to dedicated, civic-minded volunteers.
“The model is so cool,” said volunteer Patrick Frank. The owner of a small media company, Patch Bay Media, Frank offers Stone Soup Films his services as a shooter.
"Every time I show up to a shoot, I'm like, 'wow, this is really cool, I've never heard of this.’ It's an opportunity for me to use my skills and give back to these organizations that are doing really great work. Hopefully from the footage that I capture, people will have the same impression I have."
At present, there are seven films in production, including Stone Soup’s first feature, which they’ve been working on for almost two years.
"Every day at (Stone Soup) you get to learn something new,” said Mock. “I love learning how people tick and what's behind everyone. There's a wide range and diversity of people."
Norton and her associates recognize that the most well-intentioned organizations can’t accomplish much without money and awareness, and are trying to use the medium of film for good, to help spread the word about the important work that is being done in the greater DC area.
“This area is really interesting, and that's a big part of why we've been so successful,” she said. “There’s a unique combination of incredibly competent, educated people in an environment where there is so much suffering. But then in the mix there's a swath of people who are not satisfied with that. Stone Soup pulls on the best of Washington.”
About the Author: Holly Leber is the editorial director at the Daily Do Good. Through her work, she is fortunate to learn all about the best of Washington.