About me:
I’m Thomas Barzilay Freund, a visual storyteller, writer, producer, and content ops builder based in Charleston, South Carolina.
Through Lonely Osprey, I make documentary-minded films and imagery for outdoor brands, cultural institutions, and the people behind them.
My work spans the outdoor industry, fine arts, and cultural institutions, with clients and collaborators ranging from independent guides and emerging brands to established manufacturers, international galleries, museums, and publishers.
My Services:
Great work starts with a compelling, clear idea and carries through to how it’s shared. I approach each project with an eye toward the bigger picture, considering not just what we’re creating, but why it matters, who it’s for, and what it needs to accomplish.
From early concept development through production and final rollout, I bring creative instincts and practical strategy together at every stage. Whether it’s a documentary film, a photographic series, or a broader content campaign, the goal is the same: to make thoughtful, purposeful work that stands on its own and connects with the people it’s meant to reach.
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Documentary filmmaking, branded films, cinematography, and video production.
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Commercial, editorial, documentary, and fine art photography.
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Editorial writing, creative direction, concept development, and visual storytelling.
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Content strategy, marketing strategy, SEO, and campaign development.
The Backstory:
My interest in visual storytelling began long before Lonely Osprey. I spent much of my youth taking photographs and making films, developing an early fascination with the creative process. That interest extended into the darkroom in middle school, where I first learned the fundamentals of analog photography and began an appreciation for traditional photographic processes that continues to shape my work today.
I founded Lonely Osprey in 2011, driven by a love of visual storytelling and a desire to create compelling films and photographs. Those early projects soon evolved into more ambitious concepts, earning recognition at the University of Maine Film Festival, Maine International Film Festival, North Carolina Film Festival, and other showcases.
Over the years, I’ve worked on content programs for outdoor brands of all sizes, both full-time and on contract. Today, I’m Director of Content Operations & Partnerships at Wild Fly Productions, where I lead production operations and brand partnerships for a documentary-focused YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers.
Since 2021, I’ve also worked closely with the family of Antiguan artist Frank Walter to share his legacy through documentary films, photography, and exhibition media. This work has brought me into collaboration with international galleries and cultural institutions, including David Zwirner, Xavier Hufkens, The Drawing Center, and Dublin Castle.
I studied Economics, Environmental Studies, and Cinema Studies at Bowdoin College.