Capturing Moments, Crafting Stories

About Me

Hey there, I'm Ava Zagoria, a passionate filmmaker and photographer with a flair for the unexpected. From the academic alleys of my high school film classes to elite programs at Emory, Oglethorpe, and UCLA, I've honed my skills through rigorous training and experimentation.

I've captured the heartbeats of music festivals, live theatre and sporting events, garnered accolades, championed inclusive projects and explored stories less told.

I can be a one-woman studio — writing, filming, directing, lighting, editing — you name it. Yet, I thrive in collaboration, embracing multiple perspectives and being easy-going and fun to work with.

While I love using special effects to catch the eye, I live for those moments when my compelling narrative captures heart strings.

Last but not least, I've been told I'm an "Old Soul". Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Maybe my perspective has been shaped by adult things a child shouldn't have been faced with. Either way, it's kind of my cool creative mark.

My Education

I'm a senior at Paideia in Atlanta, a place where critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth aren't just encouraged – they're ingrained. Immersed in a vibrant community of diverse learners and thinkers, I've been continually inspired and pushed beyond my comfort zones. Paideia has also fueled my passion for film, offering specialized classes and unique filming opportunities.

Beyond Paideia, I've honed my skills at Camp Flix and recently wrapped up The National Student Leadership Conference Film Intensive program at UCLA, earning college credit along the way.

My Skills

Creative Writing: Talent in screenwriting, with a knack for crafting authentic dialogue.

Cinematography: Skilled in both film and still photography, using a range of equipment from iPhones to high-end gear like Canon DSLR and Blackmagic cinema cameras.

Editing: Expertise in post-production with an eye for detail. Proficient in Adobe Premiere, with the ability to work tirelessly until every pixel is in place.

Visual Effects: Proficient in Adobe After Effects and Photoshop capable of enhancing scenes with compelling visual storytelling.

Lighting & Special Effects: Passionate about setting the perfect scene tone through strategic lighting and the use of special effects.

Directing: My true passion lies in directing and guiding a vision from script to screen.

My Experience

I jump at any opportunities that come my way, so my experience is diverse and interesting.