Sonja Stark began her freelance DP career after a nearly 12-year full-time position as an award-winning news videographer for CBS-TV news in upstate New York.   She worked for the CBS affiliate WRGB-TV from 1994-2005.   In 2005, Stark was hired to produce/shoot a 3-hour documentary for the University of Pittsburgh.  She boarded a ship called the MV Explorer and circumnavigated the globe with 700 students on a voyage called the Semester at Sea.   She shot over 80 hours of footage in 12 countries: Bahamas, Venezuela, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, and Japan. Stark began to fly solo shortly thereafter under the business name, PilotGirl Productions. 

Stark produces, shoots, lights, runs audio, and edits every day.  Her footage has been used to tell stories for documentary, commercial, promotional, and news purposes.  Her arsenal of equipment includes ownership of several 4K cameras: Sony FX9 with extension unit, Sony A7s III mirrorless, Sony FS7 with extension unit, DJI Mavic drone, and several GoPro cameras.   Anton Bauer Gold Mount batteries help to keep the production alive.   She provides several parfocal and prime lens options, portable lighting, giant green screens, the Ronin-S Gimbal, a 4K Odyssey monitor, a 15″ teleprompter, makeup, and audio.   

PilotGirl Productions has had certification as a Women Business Enterprise (WMBE) by the New York State Division of Business Development since 2010.  Her service codes include NAICS-51211: Video Productions, NAICS-512191: Video Post-Production Services, NIGP-90505: Aerial Photography, and NIGP-91582: Video Production.  She maintains membership in 2 broadcast unions (NABET & IBEW) and shoots ENG on an ongoing basis for News Nation and CBS National News.   In 2017, she earned her FCC Part 107 sUAS (drone) Certification and shoots aerial footage throughout the U.S.  

Sonja Stark graduated from the University at State of New York in Plattsburgh, NY in 1993.   Her IMDB camera credits include episodic programming with HBO MAX, News Nation, CBS, PBS, Food Network, Nat Geo, Discovery, Food Network along with cinematography direction on several documentaries.   The best part is that she has production experience in over 84 countries!   She’s also PADI-certified for underwater cinematography up to 100 feet.  During her nearly 12 years with CBS affiliate, WRGB, she earned 7 New York State Emmy nominations and 3 wins, 2 New York State Broadcaster awards,  numerous AP awards, and 1 Edward R. Murrow award.   

“Should your project need a shooter to dive the Great Barrier Reef, hike the fjords of Iceland or drone the Adirondack skyline, I can provide amazing footage at competitive rates with dedication and enthusiasm.   

Together we can take your project to new heights!”