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Storyteller

Braden McClain is a dynamic Director and Cinematographer with a unique flair for storytelling, blending his love for history and mythology with cinematic spectacle.

 

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Braden was surrounded by folklore, family tales, and wide-open spaces, all of which sparked his deep love for storytelling. After earning his BFA in Film Production from Edinboro University, Braden honed his skills in Los Angeles, working on feature films and commercials before heading to Chapman University’s prestigious MFA Directing program, where he refined his craft under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals.

 

Braden’s career is built on collaboration, creativity, and a love for the medium, whether it's behind the camera, on set as a director, or working with creative teams to bring bold visions to life. As a director, Braden has an innate ability to transform raw ideas into captivating narratives, often drawing from his own experiences to create deeply personal and visually stunning stories.

 

His upcoming project, Rusalka, is a horror short inspired by Eastern European folklore and has earned critical recognition, including Best Screenplay at the 2022 Eerie Horror Fest.

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2026 Cleveland International Film Festival for

"A King's Curtain"

Awards and Nominations

A Selection of Recognition and Achievements

54th Annual NATAS CGL Emmy Awards

Nominated

Documentary Cultural

  • Chronicles: A Chronicles Christmas Carol - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

  • Chronicles: Erielhonan: Those Who Came Before, Part 1 - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

Documentary Historical

  • Chronicles: Rum Rummers - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

Historical / Cultural

  • Chronicles: The Legacy of Charlotte Elizabeth Battles - WQLN PBS NPR - Production Manager

  • Chronicles: Houses of Faith: Beyond the Brickwork, Part One - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

Photographer: Long Form Content

  • Chronicles: Houses of Faith: Beyond the Brickwork, Part One - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

55th Annual NATAS CGL Emmy Awards

Winner

Politics / Government

  • Chronicles: Bellwether: The Political Evolution of Erie - Our Power - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

 

Arts / Entertainment

  • Chronicles: The Gem City Nutcracker - WQLN PBS NPR - Director

Photographer: Long Form Content

  • Chronicles: Houses of Faith: Beyond the Brickwork - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

Nominated

56th Annual NATAS CGL Emmy Awards

Nominated

Sports Documentary

  • Bizarro: The Family of Fighters - WQLN PBS NPR - Director

Documentary Historical

  • Daniel Dobbins - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

Technical Achievement

  • The Chronicles Christmas Variety Show - WQLN PBS NPR - Director

Photographer: Long Form Content

  • WQLN Chronicles - WQLN PBS NPR - Cinematographer

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Executive Producer Mike Berlin and Series Producer Tom Fox-Davies Celebrating with Cinematographer Braden McClain

as "Chronicles" Wins its First NATAS CGL Emmy at the 55th Annual CGL Emmy Awards

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