Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline; Rachel Boyd; Boyd Helling.
Hi Caroline; Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, sisters Caroline and Rachel were drawn to storytelling. Caroline gravitated toward making home movies with friends and family, while Rachel explored visual narratives through still photography. Long before they realized it, those early experiments were laying the foundation for a lifelong creative dialogue between the two sisters.
Their creative paths continued in college—Caroline studying Journalism and Rachel Digital Arts—before both launched careers in film. Over the years, they have built impressive portfolios and held roles including Lead Editor, Lead Cinematographer, Executive Producer, Media Director, and Director of Photography.
In 2018, Caroline founded Creative Bend Films, a media production company rooted in authentic, human-centered storytelling. Today, she and Rachel work together as co-directors and producers on projects across the country and around the world. With more than two decades of combined experience, they have become a dynamic creative force in Salt Lake City and beyond.
Caroline is an award-winning director, professional journalist, and seasoned business leader with a passion for stories that matter. Her journalistic foundation gives her a sharp eye for detail, truth, and narrative integrity. Her work spans documentary, commercial, and corporate projects and has earned recognition for both creativity and impact. She leads productions with a balance of artistic vision and strategic insight.
Rachel is known for her intimate, empathetic, and visually compelling filmmaking style. She brings a deep sense of humanity to every project, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling to create emotionally resonant narratives. As a creative lead, she is dedicated to capturing authentic experiences and elevating the voices and stories of her subjects, leaving a lasting impression through her craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The media industry remains heavily male-dominated—particularly in directing and cinematography—where some studies show that women still make up less than 10% of professionals in these roles. This imbalance not only shapes the work environment for women in the field, but also influences which stories get told and how they are told. For both sisters, navigating this disparity has been one of the most significant challenges of their careers.
“As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it often feels like we aren’t given the benefit of the doubt and have to constantly prove ourselves. In a world where so many people are already critiquing you, don’t be your own worst critic,” she shares. “There’s no space for that. One of the most powerful things you can do is learn to advocate for yourself and for others.”
Caroline adds, “It’s easy, as a woman, to rob yourself of opportunities when you suppress your skills, your sensibilities, or your voice. Don’t do this. Let your opinions and perspectives be known.”
While the industry still has progress to make, their experiences have shaped not only how they approach their craft, but also how they support others—particularly young women entering the field. Through mentorship and community involvement with other female filmmakers, they remain committed to fostering a more inclusive environment where emerging filmmakers can develop their skills, share their perspectives, and confidently pursue their place in the industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Founded in 2018, Creative Bend Films is a media production company that holds authentic stories at the center of its work. Whether it’s documentary films, commercial advertising or corporate campaigns, stories are what connect people to ideas, and ideas to action.
Our approach is simple: we dive deep into our subjects, understanding the complexities that make each story unique. Whether it’s shining a light on social issues, brand journeys or client experiences, we’re committed to creating work that represents our clients and connects with their audiences.
Creative Bend Films has partnered with some of the largest corporate names in America—including Amazon, Ford, PepsiCo, Bank of America, and John Deere—while also collaborating with global and local nonprofits dedicated to community support and social change. In 2023, they expanded into documentary filmmaking when the Department of Health and Human Services contracted them to produce a series highlighting public programs that disrupt cycles of poverty nationwide. Their work in the genre continued to grow in 2024 with the release of their award-winning short film A Life of Intent: Growing Desert Roots, which screened at more than a dozen film festivals across North America.
They are currently in production on Over the Hill, a documentary that challenges stereotypes around “middle age” by following 4 women over 40 who are joining a Beginners Backpacking trip through Utah’s wilderness. They grapple with questions of identity, capability, and belonging as they brave the outdoors with only the supplies on their backs and the women beside them. Together, they embody strength, vulnerability, and a true spirit of adventure and community, proving that there is much more to explore “over the hill.”
To learn more about their work and current projects, visit the Creative Bend Films website at www.creativebend.com as well as the Over the Hill documentary website, www.overthehilldocumentary.com
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Caroline and Rachel are two of four sisters and grew up in midwest Minnesota. They grew up curious, open-minded, and always on the move. They were active, social, and driven—channeling their energy into sports, social activities, and creative outlets like art and early media projects. They were also the first in their immediate family to move out of state and the first to pursue careers in the arts, carving their own paths from an early age.
In their personal and professional lives, both sisters love to travel, invest in their education and broaden their worlds with new experiences.
In total, Caroline has traveled to over 35 countries. She is the social media Grandma of the two sisters (but she tries). And she enjoys good films, psychology podcasts, EDM music and a whiskey on the rocks.
Rachel has set foot in every ocean on earth–except the Antarctic, but who does that?. Her home is curated with excessive mood lighting, as any true cinematographer would. And her most unique hobby is eclipse-chasing with her partner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativebend.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativebendfilms/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativebendfilms
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-bend-films
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwDwYsg6q98BAqyYKDiPZqw/videos
