We are storytellers. Just like any good story, this website is meant to be read from beginning to end (in this case top to bottom!)
If you want to come back and reference a specific section, please use the “Quick Links” above.
We are storytellers.
Just like any good story, this website is meant to be read from beginning to end (in this case top to bottom!)
Filmmaking, videography, & photography
for social enterprises
Serving nonprofits, social enterprises, and certified B-corps in New England & beyond


Filmmaking, videography, & photography
for social enterprises
Serving nonprofits, social enterprises, and certified B-corps in New England & beyond


The art of storytelling and filmmaking can be a powerful tool for social enterprises to raise awareness about their causes, mobilize supporters, and drive meaningful change.
At Joy & Paine Productions, our mission is to share compelling, emotional stories that move and inspire audiences to take action towards a better world by supporting social enterprises that are actively making a difference to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The art of storytelling and filmmaking can be a powerful tool for social enterprises to raise awareness about their causes, mobilize supporters, and drive meaningful change.
At Joy & Paine Productions, our mission is to share compelling, emotional stories that move and inspire audiences to take action towards a better world by supporting social enterprises that are actively making a difference to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Vision
We believe that through these films and stories,
we can work together to
ignite a movement of
empathy & understanding
that will ultimately lead to a more compassionate society.

Vision
We believe that through these films and stories, we can work together to
ignite a movement of
empathy & understanding
that will ultimately lead to a more compassionate society.

Values
Authenticity & Vulnerability
These two qualities allow your audience to connect deeply with your story.
When someone shares a piece of their inner world with vulnerability and authenticity, that’s when we’re likely to see a piece of who we are or who we want to be reflected in them. This has the power to bring people together to support your mission because they truly believe in it.

Values
Authenticity & Vulnerability
These two qualities allow your audience to connect deeply with your story.
When someone shares a piece of their inner world with vulnerability and authenticity, that’s when we’re likely to see a piece of who we are or who we want to be reflected in them. This has the power to bring people together to support your mission because they truly believe in it.

How to create
meaningful connection
Narrative transportation – a tool for communicating your mission
Narrative transportation is a theory that suggests when people become engrossed in a story, they mentally and emotionally transport themselves into the story world. This can lead to greater engagement and immersion in the story, as well as a greater willingness to accept the story’s messages and beliefs.
Many of our films are in the form of mini documentaries, providing a glimpse into the life of another person through an experiential movie-like story. By building characters that viewers can relate to, these films can create a sense of empathy and emotional connection between the viewer and the story. This can help to increase engagement and create a more powerful impact on the viewer.

How to create
meaningful connection
Narrative transportation – a tool for communicating your mission
Narrative transportation is a theory that suggests when people become engrossed in a story, they mentally and emotionally transport themselves into the story world. This can lead to greater engagement and immersion in the story, as well as a greater willingness to accept the story’s messages and beliefs.
Many of our films are in the form of mini documentaries, providing a glimpse into the life of another person through an experiential movie-like story. By building characters that viewers can relate to, these films can create a sense of empathy and emotional connection between the viewer and the story. This can help to increase engagement and create a more powerful impact on the viewer.

Services
Impact Films • Why Films • Videography • Photography
IMPACT FILMS
Impact Films seek to develop “KAMA MUTA” – a feeling of oneness
Roughly translated as “moved by love,” Kama Muta has been thought to serve an important evolutionary function. When we share an experience as a whole, there is a heightened sense of compassion towards each other. This motivates devotion to these important relationships, deepening the perception of equivalence, or oneness, with each other around a common experience and strengthening the bonds within a community.
Through authentic stories of real people that move us to feel what it is like to live in another person’s perspective for a few moments, we give nonprofits and brands the opportunity to help their audience experience their organization from the receiving end.
Case Study
During the pandemic, Make-A-Wish MA & RI had to make a lot of adjustments and so did their families. They wanted this film to depict how the why of a wish goes so much deeper than a single day. Conor’s parents were faced with the challenge of guiding him through PT and OT while therapist were only meeting virtually. The playground he received for his wish gave him a place where he could learn to move, build confidence, and simply be a kid again.
This film was funded by the Sony Alpha Female+ grant
“WHY” FILMS
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
The foundation of trust begins with your audience connecting to your honest intentions. By sharing the “why” story of your company’s founders or leaders, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, building both trust and loyalty. Customers are more likely to support a brand that shares their values and beliefs.
Case Study
As a member of the Board, Peter was asked to lead a $10 million capital campaign for the CMT Research Foundation. He was well-suited for the task because he is a very adept executive leader, but the primary challenge he faced was that he had never shared with coworkers and business partners because of the fear that they would see him differently. As you can imagine, sharing his story for the first time was difficult to do, but with the help of this film he was able to help the CMTRF raise over $1.2 million at a fundraising event.
This film was funded by a grant from the Esler Family Foundation.
VIDEOGRAPHY
When you have important information to share,
don’t just put it in a block of text.
Whereas film shares complex concepts such as mission, vision and impact through storytelling, videography is meant to share information in a concise and clear way. Videos are often used to depict features of a product or service and they are a great way to communicate workflows.
Case Study
For our passion project, Imperfect JOY®, we created a video that talks through all aspects of the process families go through as participants, and an accompanying infographic gives them a quick way to review the big-picture steps. View the full webpage and video here: https://imperfectjoy.com/for-families/
PHOTOGRAPHY
Headshots for your staff…
…and natural, lifestyle photos for your website, social media, and print

Services
Impact Films • Why Films • Videography • Photography
IMPACT FILMS
Impact Films seek to develop “KAMA MUTA” – a feeling of oneness
Roughly translated as “moved by love,” Kama Muta has been thought to serve an important evolutionary function. When we share an experience as a whole, there is a heightened sense of compassion towards each other. This motivates devotion to these important relationships, deepening the perception of equivalence, or oneness, with each other around a common experience and strengthening the bonds within a community.
Through authentic stories of real people that move us to feel what it is like to live in another person’s perspective for a few moments, we give nonprofits and brands the opportunity to help their audience experience their organization from the receiving end.
Case Study
During the pandemic, Make-A-Wish MA & RI had to make a lot of adjustments and so did their families. They wanted this film to depict how the why of a wish goes so much deeper than a single day. Conor’s parents were faced with the challenge of guiding him through PT and OT while therapist were only meeting virtually. The playground he received for his wish gave him a place where he could learn to move, build confidence, and simply be a kid again.
This film was funded by the Sony Alpha Female+ grant
“WHY” FILMS
People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
The foundation of trust begins with your audience connecting to your honest intentions. By sharing the “why” story of your company’s founders or leaders, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, building both trust and loyalty. Customers are more likely to support a brand that shares their values and beliefs.
Case Study
As a member of the Board, Peter was asked to lead a $10 million capital campaign for the CMT Research Foundation. He was well-suited for the task because he is a very adept executive leader, but the primary challenge he faced was that he had never shared with coworkers and business partners because of the fear that they would see him differently. As you can imagine, sharing his story for the first time was difficult to do, but with the help of this film he was able to help the CMTRF raise over $1.2 million at a fundraising event.
This film was funded by a grant from the Esler Family Foundation.
VIDEOGRAPHY
When you have important information to share,
don’t just put it in a block of text.
Whereas film shares complex concepts such as mission, vision and impact through storytelling, videography is meant to share information in a concise and clear way. Videos are often used to depict features of a product or service and they are a great way to communicate workflows.
Case Study
For our passion project, Imperfect JOY®, we created a video that talks through all aspects of the process families go through as participants, and an accompanying infographic gives them a quick way to review the big-picture steps. View the full webpage and video here: https://imperfectjoy.com/for-families/
PHOTOGRAPHY
Headshots for your staff…
…and natural, lifestyle photos for your website, social media, and print

Examples of our work
Examples of our work
Meet the Director

MELODY joy paine
Founder & Creative Director
Since 2016, I have used photography and filmmaking to capture the joy found in families’ everyday, ordinary moments. Through a project called “Love Everlasting,” I helped families facing grief remember their loved ones and have a safe space to talk about loss. For my passion project The Imperfect JOY® Docuseries, I was awarded the Sony Alpha Female+ grant, an honor given to only 24 women who create extraordinary art that challenges tradition, fight for important causes, and hold the torch of creativity to light the way for those coming behind them.
Through Joy & Paine Productions, I work with brands to tell stories that move others to join in heart-centered missions that strengthen the bonds of our communities.
Meet the Director

MELODY joy paine
Founder & Creative Director
Since 2016, I have used photography and filmmaking to capture the joy found in families’ everyday, ordinary moments. Through a project called “Love Everlasting,” I helped families facing grief remember their loved ones and have a safe space to talk about loss. For my passion project The Imperfect JOY® Docuseries, I was awarded the Sony Alpha Female+ grant, an honor given to only 24 women who create extraordinary art that challenges tradition, fight for important causes, and hold the torch of creativity to light the way for those coming behind them.
Through Joy & Paine Productions, I work with brands to tell stories that move others to join in heart-centered missions that strengthen the bonds of our communities.
Collaborators
Collaborators
Contact Us
Contact Us

MELODY joy paine
I look forward to meeting you!
Please connect by call, text, or email or schedule a time to chat with the calendar form below

MELODY joy paine
I look forward to meeting you!
Please connect by call, text, or email or schedule a time to chat with the calendar form below
Our passion project, Imperfect JOY®, has a mission to cultivate compassion, kindness, and connectedness by sharing stories of resilience in a way that is vulnerable, authentic, and relatable.
Our first series focuses on pediatric critical illness. There is a lack of awareness and understanding among the general public about the challenges and struggles faced by these children and families, which can lead to stigmatization, isolation, and limited support. We want to help build a community of support around these families to lift them up through such difficult times.
Our passion project, Imperfect JOY®, has a mission to cultivate compassion, kindness, and connectedness by sharing stories of resilience in a way that is vulnerable, authentic, and relatable.
Our first series focuses on pediatric critical illness. There is a lack of awareness and understanding among the general public about the challenges and struggles faced by these children and families, which can lead to stigmatization, isolation, and limited support. We want to help build a community of support around these families to lift them up through such difficult times.