Christopher Paicely
Homewood,IL
Summary
Dynamic creative leader with extensive experience in video production and marketing strategy. Proven track record in cinematic storytelling and team management, driving impactful campaigns that elevate brand narratives. Adept at budget oversight and fostering collaborative partnerships, delivering compelling content that inspires engagement and action.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Creative Director
StoryPaced Production House
Chicago, IL
10.2020 - Current
- Founded and led a narrative video production studio specializing in documentary-style marketing videos, brand storytelling, and podcast production.
- Direct and produce cinematic storytelling content for nonprofits, educational institutions, and mission-driven organizations.
- Led creative concept development, production planning, filming, and post-production to deliver impactful narrative content.
- Managed client relationships from strategic planning to final delivery, ensuring alignment with client goals.
- Produce short documentaries, brand films, and marketing videos designed to inspire engagement and action.
- Oversaw editing workflows in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, enhancing storytelling quality and consistency.
- Guide narrative strategy that helps organizations communicate complex missions through emotionally compelling storytelling.
- Clients include nonprofits, educational organizations, and civic institutions across the United States.
Co-Founder
Swym Good Films
Chicago, IL
10.2021 - Current
- Co-founded an independent narrative film production company focused on elevated genre storytelling, particularly in horror and science fiction.
- Directed and produced notable short films such as The Girl in the Street (2026), Silk (2025), and ALUS (2022).
- Collaborated with filmmaker Miles August to co-direct and produce narrative films, enhancing creative vision and audience engagement.
- Crafted original screenplays and narrative concepts to enhance storytelling.
- Leading production and post-production on independent film projects.
- Formed strategic partnerships with producers, cinematographers, and creative collaborators to foster successful film productions.
- Managed production schedules and coordinated logistics for multiple film projects, ensuring timely and efficient execution.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and resource allocation for film productions, optimizing financial resources for project success.
- Developed clear mission, vision and culture for company as foundation for growth, branding and development of employee culture.
Vice President of Marketing Strategy
Surge Institute
Remote
09.2018 - 04.2023
- Led national marketing strategy for a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and elevating leaders of color in education.
- Developed and directed brand strategy, communications, and digital marketing initiatives to enhance organizational visibility.
- Guided marketing strategy during the organization’s expansion from Chicago to seven cities nationwide.
- Managed cross-functional marketing teams and contractors to execute integrated marketing campaigns.
- Led development of campaigns, social media strategy, digital storytelling, and annual reports.
- Oversaw creation of video storytelling and documentary-style media showcasing leadership impact and organizational mission.
- Contributed to mission of empowering leaders of color in education.
Video Producer
Paicely Productions
Chicago, IL
01.2012 - 10.2020
- Produced engaging video content for clients in education, government, and business sectors, enhancing their communication strategies.
- Executed videography and cinematography for diverse projects, ensuring high-quality visual storytelling.
- Marketing and promotional video production.
- Documentary-style storytelling.
- Editing and post-production.
- Sound editing and mixing.
- Delivered freelance video production services, tailoring solutions to meet unique client needs and objectives.
Marketing Coordinator
Village of Flossmoor
Flossmoor, IL
09.2016 - 04.2017
- Led marketing and communications for the Village government.
- Managed social media communication and campaigns to enhance community engagement.
- Promoted municipal events and initiatives to increase public participation.
- Supported public information and community engagement efforts to strengthen community relations.
- Assisted in developing brand strategy for the Village.
Editor
Patch Media
Chicago Heights, IL
11.2010 - 03.2013
- Journalistic editor covering local news across several Chicago south suburban communities.
- Investigated government accountability stories, uncovering issues and informing community members.
- Managed freelance writers and photographers, ensuring high-quality content and timely publication.
- Onboarded local columnists and contributors, integrating diverse voices into community coverage.
- Contributed articles to AOL News, Huffington Post, and Chicago Parent, enhancing visibility for community issues.
- Publishing daily news coverage and feature articles.
Education
Master of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL08-2010
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN08-2009
Skills
- Video production and editing
- Script development
- Cinematic storytelling
- Documentary storytelling
- Content strategy
- Marketing and brand development
- Budget oversight
- Creative direction
- Leadership and team management
- Team leadership
- Journalism and editorial writing
Accomplishments
Best Short Film — The Girl in the Street — FogFest
Timeline
Co-Founder
Swym Good Films
10.2021 - Current
Founder & Creative Director
StoryPaced Production House
10.2020 - Current
Vice President of Marketing Strategy
Surge Institute
09.2018 - 04.2023
Marketing Coordinator
Village of Flossmoor
09.2016 - 04.2017
Video Producer
Paicely Productions
01.2012 - 10.2020
Editor
Patch Media
11.2010 - 03.2013
Master of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis