About
Welcome to Crane Visionary Productions, we create high-quality video content that builds brand equity and forges meaningful connections. Our talented creative team brings a blend of storytelling expertise, technical precision, and artistic vision to every project, from branded content and commercials to documentaries and corporate films. With a seamless production process and a commitment to excellence, we bring your vision to life with cinematic quality and strategic storytelling.
NICOLAI CRANE
DIRECTOR.PRODUCER.ENTREPRENEUR
Nicolai Crane is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience crafting thought-provoking stories that uplifts humanity.
He has worked on films for HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime and recognized at film festivals all over the world. Starting his career contributing to the Academy Award-winning Mighty Times: The Children’s March, he has continued to be a part of numerous award winning films throughout his career.
Passionate about the ancient art of storytelling, Nicolai believes that film is one of the most powerful mediums for fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful change. Nicolai’s films explore themes of environmental conservation, social justice, indigenous rights, and the human condition—crafting films that evoke deep reflection and emotional resonance
Whether leading a project from script to screen, capturing stunning footage from behind the camera, or crafting impactful stories in the edit bay, Nicolai approaches filmmaking with a commitment to authenticity and purpose. Dedicated to using film as a force for change, he continues to craft narratives that inspire, educate, and connect audiences worldwide.
Collaborators
We collaborate with a network of talented filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals. Each bringing their own expertise to help craft the best possible story.
Jessica Plumb
Producer
Jessica Plumb is an award-winning filmmaker and writer known for exploring the relationship between people, and the land and waters that sustain us.
She is the Producer and Co-Director of the feature documentary Return of the River, a film recognized with numerous awards including “Best Storytelling” by the International Wildlife Film Festival, and “Best Writing” in science media. Collectively her films have appeared in over 50 film festivals and garnered 20 awards.
Gabe van Lelyveld
Cinematographer
Gabe Van Lelyveld is an award-winning writer, producer, director, editor, and DP working primarily in documentary and commercial film for over 15 years.
His 2013 narrative feature film, Mandarose, which Gabe co-wrote, directed, produced and edited, won Best Narrative Feature at the Northwest Filmmaker’s Festival (NWFF), and screened at multiple film festivals regionally and abroad. He has worked professionally in the film industry for over 15 years, including founding his own production company, Whaleheart Productions, in 2012.
Alex Albers
Editor
Alex is an experienced documentary editor whose work has premiered on PBS, Fox Sports, Netflix, Amazon Prime as well as film festivals across the country and around the world.
Alex has collaborated on a variety of documentary projects including Netflix’s MAKING OF A MURDERER, the Emmy-nominated Q BALL, and the Emmy-winning Netflix film FIRE IN PARADISE. They served as lead editor on the award-winning documentary WOMEN'S MARCH, as well as a co-editor on PERFECT SWEAT, a documentary series.