We tell stories

We specialize in documentary storytelling because we believe in the power of connecting with the world around you through other people’s experiences.

We help others tell stories

In addition to independent projects, StoryMine partners with non-profits, foundations and commercial clients to produce vibrant stories that people connect with. We tell stories that move people – to action, to curiosity, to laughter. We also teach people to tell their own stories through workshops and classes at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

Here’s our story

Elena Rue grew up in the corn fields of Iowa. When she wasn’t in school she spent her time riding bikes around town, drawing palm trees and tubing down the Upper Iowa River. She started taking pictures for her high school yearbook in 10th grade. After pursuing a degree in anthropology at Kenyon College she spent time in Ghana, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Her home away from home is the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University where she has been studying and working for several years.

Catherine Orr grew up on a farm outside Charlottesville, VA. In addition to enjoying marginal success showing sheep at the county fair, she filled her days with roller skating and musical theatre. While studying American studies at the College of William & Mary, she fell in love with study abroad and after college worked in a job that allowed her to share the stories of others who traveled the world.

One fateful day, Catherine and Elena met in grad school orientation at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication (Catherine really liked Elena’s cool yellow skirt). They spent two years helping each other with projects, pulling their hair out together when a story just wasn’t working and celebrating when everything came together. They made a good team. So they decided to work together after graduation. And StoryMineMedia was born.

StoryMineMedia uses video, photography, and multimedia techniques to produce compelling video stories for nonprofit organizations, corporations, and institutions. We are typically involved in our projects from conception to dissemination. We are also available for consultation and training.