Sandbox Films welcomes Caitlin Mae Burke as head of production and development
A new chapter for Sandbox Films
Sandbox Films, an independent production company renowned for its compelling documentaries on environmental issues, has announced the appointment of Caitlin Mae Burke as its new head of production and development. In this pivotal role, Burke will collaborate closely with Sandbox Films’ executive director, Jessica Harrop, to shape the company’s future projects, manage key partnerships, and oversee the entire lifecycle of their documentaries.
Burke’s vision and enthusiasm
Burke expressed her excitement about joining Sandbox Films, stating, “To say I am humbled to join the team at Sandbox Films is an understatement: their expansive support of the most invigorating non-fiction films over the past several years has been truly inspiring in how to best support boundary-pushing artists. As a producer and arts administrator, it is a gift to follow this example from within the organization setting it. I am ecstatic to follow Jess Harrop’s continued leadership in the field and roll up my sleeve in this unique opportunity at the intersection of unforgettable art and scientific inquiry.”
A distinguished career
Burke brings a wealth of experience to Sandbox Films. An Emmy-winning producer and Oscar-shortlisted executive producer, she has a proven track record in the industry. Her recent project, Scott Cummings’ ”Realm of Satan”, premiered at the 2024 edition of Sundance. As co-director of IF/Then Shorts at Field of Vision, she supervised over 115 short documentaries, including the Oscar-shortlisted “Between Earth and Sky”.
Harrop’s endorsement
Jessica Harrop, executive director of Sandbox Films, shared her enthusiasm about Burke’s appointment: “We are thrilled to have Caitlin join our team in this important role. She has the unique combination of skills both in overseeing a slate of film projects at a high level and direct production experience, working on a variety of boundary-breaking documentaries. Her strong track record working with early-career artists aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Sandbox Films’ impressive portfolio
Since its inception in 2020, Sandbox Films has been at the forefront of innovative scientific documentaries. Their acclaimed works include the Oscar-nominated “Fire of Love”, which also won a Peabody, and the Sundance Grand Jury winners “Nocturnes” and “All Light, Everywhere”. Other notable projects include Werner Herzog’s “Fireball” and the Emmy-winning films “Fathom” and “How to Survive a Pandemic”.
Supporting the next generation of storytellers
Beyond their own productions, Sandbox Films partners with the Sundance Institute to provide grants to artists dedicated to telling science-related stories. Their NYC studio, equipped with an ATMOS-certified screening room, is a valuable resource for nonfiction storytellers.
A bright future ahead
With Caitlin Mae Burke at the helm of production and development, Sandbox Films is poised to continue its tradition of creating groundbreaking documentaries that push the boundaries of storytelling and scientific inquiry. The company’s commitment to supporting early-career artists and fostering innovative projects ensures that it will remain a significant player in the world of documentary filmmaking.
For more information on Sandbox Films’ projects and to watch trailers, visit the following links:
By embracing the intersection of art and science, Sandbox Films continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide, one documentary at a time.