depth over spectacle
We believe in stories that are personal, experiential, and deeply connected to place.
about the studio
At Grounded Theory, we believe the most compelling stories are found in the messiness of real life. Founded by filmmakers Curren Sheldon and Elaine McMillion Sheldon, our creative company explores the depths of storytelling—whether through film, photography, writing, or storytelling events. Based in the Appalachian Mountains, we’re deeply rooted in place and culture, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and people that shape our lives.
The name Grounded Theory reflects our approach: grounded in relationships, in the nuances of human experience, and in the rich complexities of culture. At the same time, we embrace the fluidity of storytelling—its subjective, theoretical nature. For us, nothing is permanent, and every project is an opportunity to unravel new layers of meaning.
Our work defies formulas. It’s not cookie-cutter or built to follow a script. Instead, it’s experiential and deeply personal. We believe in crafting projects that can’t easily be replicated, work that’s forged through curiosity, trust, and a willingness to sit in the unknown. Whether we’re making a hybrid film, a deeply personal documentary, or experimenting with fiction, we’re always chasing stories that provoke thought and connection.
Grounded Theory is for those who crave depth over spectacle. For those who value creativity that’s born from care, respect, and bold experimentation. For us, storytelling isn’t just about what’s seen or heard—it’s about what’s felt.
about the founders
At Grounded Theory, our creative process thrives on the harmony of two very different minds. Elaine is the intuitive dreamer, the one who slows down to listen, immerse, and reflect. She’s drawn to history, storytelling traditions, and the texture of old things—the kind that carry stories in their wear. For her, storytelling is about feeling, about unraveling the layers of time and place to find meaning.
Curren, on the other hand, is the methodical builder, the gear head who lights up at the sight of the latest camera, drone, or gadget. He’s a problem-solver and a thrill seeker; always thinking ahead, always tinkering with new technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Where Elaine sees the emotional thread of a story, Curren is already thinking about how to shape it visually, technically, and innovatively.
Together, their right-brain/left-brain dynamic creates a unique balance: tradition meets innovation, intuition meets precision, and creativity meets craft. It’s this interplay of old and new, heart and mind, that shapes the stories they tell and the worlds they build. At Grounded Theory, they bring the best of both approaches to every project, crafting work that is as timeless as it is cutting-edge.
what we believe
At Grounded Theory, we believe the best stories - whether fiction, hybrid, or nonfiction - emerge from real experiences, relationships, and deep listening. Much like the qualitative research method it’s named after, our creative work is built from the ground up. We immerse ourselves in the places and people we’re documenting, allowing meaning to surface naturally through careful observation and exploration.
In grounded theory, patterns and insights shape the understanding of a subject, not the other way around. This mirrors our approach to storytelling: we unravel the complexity of human lives and environments by paying attention to overlooked details. For us, every project is an act of discovery—a way of making sense of the world by letting the story lead.
The name also reflects our dual commitments: being grounded in place, culture, and relationships while embracing the ever-evolving nature of creativity—where nothing is permanent, and every story brings new possibilities. Grounded Theory isn’t just a name; it’s a guiding philosophy for how we create work that feels authentic, subjective, and deeply personal.