WE TELL STORIES. EVERY PERSON AND ORGANIZATION HAS A STORY, and we believe in the power of film to speak to your audience. We offer a unique and customized experience for each and every client.


From script to screen, no project is too large or small. You have a vision?  We have you covered. 

RANDOLPH BENSON

Producer Director Cinematographer Editor 

Randolph Benson's work has garnered numerous awards, most notably an Academy Award for Best Student Documentary at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Academy Awards. Benson received an Eastman Kodak Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the Cannes Film Festival and a First Appearance Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. He has been an instructor of film and video at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University for over almost two decades and he holds degrees from Queens University, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking and Wake Forest University.  He serves on Award Juries at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (Durham, NC, USA), the Boone (NC) Film Festival and the Let’s All Be Free Film Festival (London, UK).  

what our clients say

  • Founder, Summer Video Institute at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies
  • Instructor - Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies, advanced video courses for both in-class and remote students, including “Directing The Documentary”, “The Documentary Film Tradition”, “Anytown USA”, “Final Project Seminar”
  • Guest Speaker, Sunshine Week Press Freedom Summit, National Press Club, Washington, DC
  • Guest Lecturer, Seminar at Let's All Be Free Festival, "Telling Your Story - Fulfilling Your Vision In Motion Pictures", London, England
  • Instructor, Wofford College, interim semester course, “Advanced Non-fiction Video Production Seminar” 
  • Guest Lecturer, N.C. Association of Government Information Officers, Raleigh, N.C.
  • Guest Lecturer, Durham Technical Community College, Durham, N.C.
  • Instructor, Summer Session, University of North Carolina School of the Arts - School of Filmmaking, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Our Founder

JOHN SHOENFELT

Executive Producer 

John Shoenfelt is an award-winning producer, with a BFA in Filmmaking/Screenwriting from University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He assisted Hollywood producer David Lancaster in making films for HBO, Disney and Encore, and has worked on numerous commercials, music videos and films. John spent a decade as a private investigator for the top intellectual property attorneys in the country, directing and managing client projects nationally and around the globe. He is currently producing a feature documentary and developing other television and motion picture projects.

Our TEAM

Critical Focus Pictures     P.O. Box 25506, Durham, NC 27702       randy@rbensonfilm.com

RACHEL BAER

Producer 

With over fifteen years of national producing experience, Rachel has produced documentary-style shows for public television, Discovery Health, the Travel Channel and The Dr. Phil Show.  She also produced series for HGTV including hit shows such as Curb Appeal, Get it Sold and Real Estate Intervention.  Since moving to the Triangle, she's produced a range of videos for corporate and nonprofit clients in the health and medical fields. 


LANTZ BARBOUR

Cinematographer

Barbour is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts’ School of Filmmaking. His cinematography credits include America’s Most Wanted (FOX), Forensic Files (History Channel), Fahrenheit 9/11 (Dog Eats Dog Films, Dir: Michael Moore) among many others. He has also filmed for a variety of networks, among them NBC, Discovery, BET, True TV and Fuse. He is also an accomplished writer, animator and director.

"Simply put, Randy is one of the best DP’s I’ve had the pleasure to work with.  He brings to the field that rare combination of creative vision and technical expertise.  He can literally turn any space (including a white-walled conference room) into a beautiful setting for an interview.  His lighting is subtle and his shooting style smooth and precise.  The best part—you’re never stuck in the edit room wondering why you don’t have that critical shot because Randy always gets the coverage.  He’s easy going--a big plus on a long shoot.  He’s without a doubt, my first pick for a local shooter."

Rachel Baer, Producer, 3 Story Productions


"Not only is Randy’s work consistently outstanding, he is a total pleasure to work with. He is patient and knowledgable and always goes the extra mile to get the best looking shot. Randy has deepened my understanding of the filmmaking process and when I am in a position to hire for a project, he is always my top choice."

Emily Frachtling - Producer/Editor


​

"Randy has a thoughtful eye that really connects his shots with the larger purpose and style of the film. He has a heart commitment to his work, as well as serious visual chops."

Diana Newton, Director/Producer - The Ties That Bind


"I have hired Randy Benson to shoot and light many client videos. His work is excellent! He is the ultimate professional and he is great with the client. I highly recommend him for documentary and promotional video productions."

Carol Thomson,

Director/Producer - The Fall of Liberty;
Founder, Firestream Media


"Randy is a consummate professional.  As a first-time filmmaker, I was exceedingly lucky to have him as a collaborator.  He's generous, dedicated, easy-going, hope to work with him again!"

Alexander C Totz, Director - Mr. Brown's Class



​