Adele Schmidt
Rockville,MD
Summary
Dynamic co-founder of Docs In Progress and award-winning documentary filmmaker with a proven track record in educational program development and community engagement. At American University, enhanced student learning in film direction and production. Excels in technical production and nonprofit growth strategies, showcasing a blend of creative vision and strategic leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Docs In Progress
Silver Spring , MD
11.2021 - Current
- Since co-founding Docs In Progress in 2008, provided ongoing volunteer consulting and workshop leadership while driving program expansion.
- Assumed leadership as Artistic Director during a challenging period for Docs In Progress after the pandemic.
- Since 2021, develops and programs year-round workshops and events, providing continuous opportunities for filmmakers and storytellers to enhance their skills and advance their projects.
- Designed and implemented all key educational programs at Docs In Progress, including workshops on production, editing, treatment and proposal writing, archival research, and more, supporting filmmakers in developing their stories.
- Curates and develops multiple screening initiatives, including The Silver Screen Series, Work-in-Progress Screenings, Trailer Nights, and Docs Reads Series, providing filmmakers with platforms to showcase and refine their work.
- Provides strategic advice in ongoing discussions about the organization’s direction and future initiatives, contributing to its growth and sustainability.
- Developed and secured funding for Village Reels, an intergenerational filmmaking program that connected youth and seniors through documentary storytelling, attracting grants to sustain its impact.
- Supports the CEO in grant-writing processes, assisting in securing funding for Docs In Progress programs and initiatives.
- Manages volunteers to assist with events, ensuring smooth operations, and fostering community engagement.
- Leads fellowship meetings, facilitates guest speaker sessions, and guides fellows in their project development.
- Oversees logistics for events, including a fundraising yard sale, ensuring smooth setup, sales operations, and post-event wrap-up.
- Develops and delivers PowerPoint presentations on impact distribution and the role of an impact producer in documentary filmmaking.
- Secures guest speakers and industry professionals for discussions, enhancing educational programming.
- Connects with the community by representing Docs In Progress at local events, and engages attendees at festivals like the Takoma Street Festival, and other community gatherings.
Documentary Filmmaker
Zeitgeist Media LLC
Rockville, MD
07.2015 - Current
- Co-directed and co-produced Romantic Warriors, a documentary series on progressive rock.
- Films gained distinction with receipt of both the TIVA-DC awards and the Telly Award.
- Films showcased on PBS platforms and select festivals.
Professorial Lecturer “Film and Video Direction and Production”
American University
Washington, DC
01.2009 - Current
- Instructed in scriptwriting, direction, production and video editing for hundreds of students.
- Developed lectures to accommodate for different learning styles, maximizing students' comprehension.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Enhanced student learning experiences through tailored feedback sessions and adaptive teaching initiatives.
- Collaborated with students on thesis work leading to award-winning short films.
- Trained students on TV production from a producer's viewpoint, covering creation, sales, and marketing of digital video content.
- Involved in developing core curriculum design for MFA and MA degrees at AU's SOC Film and Media Arts Division.
Producer
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Press Center
Washington, DC
11.2016 - 11.2024
- Facilitated and coordinated tours, and reporting activities for international TV crews for the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Center.
- Coordinated and implemented professional interviews for the Media Co-Ops Program and reporting tours.
- Orchestrated communication between foreign press teams, U.S. embassies overseas, and the Washington Foreign Press Center to ensure seamless operations.
- Developed and oversaw budgets for Media Co-Ops programs and reporting tours up to $50K.
Producer & Editor
Journey Films
Alexandria, VA
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Developed high-quality PBS documentaries.
- Albert Schweitzer Called to Africa – TIVA DC Peer Award.
- The Power of Forgiveness – The Telly Award.
- The National Cathedral – New Century, New Calling – The EMMY Award.
- Bonhoeffer – Gabriel Award
Education
M.A. - Political Science, German & Spanish Philology
RHEINISCHE-FRIEDRICH-WILHELMS UNIVERSITÄT BONN
GERMANYB.S. - Film and Video Production
NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS
MEXICO CITYSkills
- Award-winning documentary filmmaking – directing, producing, and editing acclaimed documentaries
- Technical Production Expertise – Proficient in digital cinematography, sound recording, lighting, and post-production editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
- Educational Program Development and Teaching – Designing and leading filmmaking workshops on documentary production and storytelling
- Film Screening & Event Coordination – Organizing screenings, panel discussions, and audience Q&A sessions
- Community Engagement – Facilitating events and post-screening discussions
- Nonprofit Impact Strategy and Development – Leading fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy campaigns for nonprofits
- Nonprofit Sustainability and Strategic Growth – Developing long-term sustainability models for mission-driven nonprofits
Affiliations
Memeber of Women in Film and Video of Washington DC
Languages
- Fluent in English & Spanish
- Native German
Accomplishments
- Maryland State Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster
- TIVA-DC Distinguished Achievement Award for exceptional leadership at Docs In Progress (2013)
- TIVA-DC Award, Best Documentary 2012
Languages
Spanish
Professional
German
Professional
Timeline
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Docs In Progress
11.2021 - Current
Producer
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Press Center
11.2016 - 11.2024
Documentary Filmmaker
Zeitgeist Media LLC
07.2015 - Current
Professorial Lecturer “Film and Video Direction and Production”
American University
01.2009 - Current
Producer & Editor
Journey Films
01.2003 - 01.2008
M.A. - Political Science, German & Spanish Philology
RHEINISCHE-FRIEDRICH-WILHELMS UNIVERSITÄT BONN
B.S. - Film and Video Production
NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS