ABOUT US

Welcome to the woods.

For the managing members of Hidden Woods, there was never a Plan B. The transportive nature of cinema has always held a special place in our hearts. We’re united through a shared passion for capturing unforgettable moments and crafting them into immersive experiences that resonate deep within the human spirit.

We’re passionate filmmakers committed to producing high-quality content while staying true to what matters most. At Hidden Woods Film Co., we value:

Our Clients & Crew

For us, it’s about the people. Our clients have often told us that how we conduct our shoots feels different from most agencies they’ve worked with. Our crew has a shared interest not only in what we’re creating and how we’re creating it but also in how we treat one another. We believe in treating our clients and crew with respect. It’s how we produce our best work and something that we celebrate each day.

The Environment

We’re dedicated to leaving our impact on audiences instead of the earth. That’s why we use digital production books and call sheets, coordinate carpools, and bring our own water bottles to set.

Most importantly, we’re proud supporters of Conservation Colorado and the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance, organizations that strive to protect the environment. Our best work is made in the wild and it’s our goal to make sure each breathtaking landscape we shoot will stay that way long after we stop rolling.

Our Clients & Crew

For us, it’s about the people. Our clients have often told us that how we conduct our shoots feels different from most agencies they’ve worked with. Our crew has a shared interest not only in what we’re creating and how we’re creating it but also in how we treat one another. We believe in treating our clients and crew with respect. It’s how we produce our best work and something that we celebrate each day.

The Environment

We’re dedicated to leaving our impact on audiences instead of the earth. That’s why we use digital production books and call sheets, coordinate carpools, and bring our own water bottles to set.

Most importantly, we’re members of 1% For The Planet and the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance, organizations that strive to protect the environment. Our best work is made in the wild and it’s our goal to make sure each breathtaking landscape we shoot will stay that way long after we stop rolling.

Behind the Lens

Our two managing partners, David Stewart and Aidan McCarthy don’t just oversee projects and day-to-day operations.

They’re the people you’ll be working with in pre-production, the people behind the cameras, and the people staying up late in the editing suites to make sure we’re delivering a product we’re proud to stand behind.

Dave Stewart

Founder, Executive Producer

Dave founded Hidden Woods in 2015 as a way to tell human stories through his images. He spent the first handful of years working as the agency’s head of production and director of photography, before recently taking up a desk job to make sure Hidden Woods is consistently putting out top-tier commercial content.

Along with a sincere love for filmmaking, Dave brings a strong vision and a whole lot of heart to ensure everyone involved in a Hidden Woods production is treated with respect. When he’s not looking through the viewfinder, you can find Dave cycling across the front range, sitting in I-70 traffic, and posting photos of his cat to IG.

Aidan Sëan McCarthy

Partner & Director

Aidan has been involved with Hidden Woods Film Co. since the early years of the company. Prior to stepping up as our Creative Director, he worked in just about every other position there is both on set and in the edit bay.

Aidan’s vibrant personality and passion for filmmaking spill onto every set. He’s a true extrovert at heart and his contagious smile will let you know it. He is incredibly detail-oriented and his technical knowledge of filmmaking gives him the unique ability to turn a lofty idea into reality without losing any of the magic in the process.

Helena Gruensteidl

Cinematographer & Head of Production

With practical training in celluloid film production and an education in intersectional gender, women’s, and sexuality studies, Helena joined Hidden Woods in 2019 and has been a dynamic part of the team ever since. As Head of Production and a roster Cinematographer, Helena is involved in everything from engineering creative ways to make difficult shots possible, to operating the camera itself.

Helena is an analytical, passionate powerhouse who dives headfirst into every opportunity to devise solutions to intricate problems, both micro and macro. Like the rest of the Hidden Woods team, Helena is also deeply committed to creating safe sets and uplifting marginalized voices, to life-long anti-racism education, and believes that all media should be created with rigorous intentionality.

Discover behind-the-scenes looks, video tips, and more on the Hidden Woods Blog.