NYWIFT Blog

By Nadia Delisfort

Let’s give a warm welcome to our newest NYWIFT member, the incredibly talented Chantel Simpson!

Based in Brooklyn, Chantel is a writer, director, and producer with a true passion for amplifying underrepresented voices through compelling storytelling. Her diverse portfolio spans documentaries, branded content, and photo campaigns, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.

From capturing the vibrant energy of NYC’s breakdancing culture in Children of the Zulu Kings to exploring the brotherhood within a lowrider club in A Drastic Tale (screening next month at the Tribeca Festival), Chantel’s work is both captivating and culturally resonant. She’s even collaborated with major brands like Nike, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase, bringing their visions to life with her unique creative touch.

As a new member of New York Women in Film & Television, Chantel is eager to connect with fellow creatives, find inspiration, and continue to grow as an artist.

She’ll also be speaking on our Behind the Lens: NYWIFT Members at Tribeca 2025 panel at Kaufman Astoria Studios on Thursday, May 29, 2025! 

Join us as we delve into Chantel’s creative journey and discover what motivates this dynamic storyteller.

What brings you to NYWIFT?

Going into this new year, I’m working on being more intentional about building community and/or contributing to one.

As a creative who’s spent virtually every day since the height of the pandemic working from home, I got used to the comforts of solitary work. However, it’s not conducive to creative growth. That comes with productive interactions with like-minded people who are building and striving towards the same things.

Long story short, I want to make meaningful connections, get inspired, and become a better version of myself.

As someone who has directed and produced documentaries, branded content, and photo campaigns, which medium do you find most challenging, and why?

With branded content and commercial work, I have a client with specific creative needs, and it’s my responsibility to make sure those needs are met. There’s already a blueprint in place to follow, set by the client themselves or creative directors, and you have a timeframe to complete the project.

With documentaries, it’s more of a free-flowing process, which can be more challenging. There’s no structure, at first. The entire project rests on your ability to build trust with your contributors. That trust grants you access to the story you want to tell.

But the beauty of documentary, no matter how difficult the development process can be, is you often begin with one idea of the story you want to tell and then as you become more embedded in the world of your contributors, you find that there are so many more layers to peel back and reveal. Your original idea transforms into something you never dreamed of. So you have to have patience and be open to being taken on an adventure.

Chantel on set.

You’ve worked with high-profile clients like Nike, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase. How do you tailor your creative approach to align with the vision and objectives of each brand?

I’ve been lucky in that most of the clients I’ve worked with have been very collaborative. They put a lot of trust in myself and the creative team to bring their vision to life. However, sometimes they have desires that clash with our creative approach.

So one of the most important skills I’ve built is the ability to listen. Being able to absorb feedback and make compromises while still maintaining my creative authority and integrity is the key to success—and a smooth-running project.

With experience spanning across New York, Los Angeles, and international locations like Accra, what unique challenges or rewards do you find in producing visual stories across such diverse settings?

One of my favorite things about working in production is sourcing and working with amazing talent around the world. Budgets might not always allow me to travel with my usual crews, so I have to be open to working with local talent. It’s honestly more preferable because not only do they bring their expertise in their role, but they also provide valuable insights into the cultures and environments we’ll be working in. It’s important for local contributors to see themselves represented behind the camera.

As far as challenges, they’re often minute and more logistical—like sourcing the right equipment or deciding on a place to eat!

Chantel directing.

What are some of the social and cultural issues that you are most passionate about exploring in your work?

Lately, I’ve been interested in how new technologies like AI are being used globally to solve problems and improve the world. On a few recent projects, I documented how tech is being used to cure illnesses and facilitate preventative care, particularly in developing countries.

It feels good to show the world that there are pockets of progress being made, often in unexpected places. It also gives me hope that some of the world’s challenges, particularly those facing marginalized groups, are on the path to being solved.

Chantel holding two cameras.

How do you balance the art of storytelling with the business demands of branded content production?

Obviously, there needs to be a return on investment in branded content. But I think focusing on telling the most powerful story imaginable naturally achieves this goal. I think about how much impact I can have given budgetary or creative constraints. And that’s essentially my North Star.

You can learn more about Chantel at her website Chantelsimpson.com! and follow her on Instagram at @TheLensWoman.

(All images courtesy of Chantel Simpson)