Digital Squirrel Studios

08/14/2024

Digital Squirrel is in Helsinki, Finland, spending a few months discovering the way of life in the happiest country of the world and w9kring on some exciting projects. More to come soon!

07/06/2024

Digital Squirrel are in Edinburgh, Scotland. Ready to connect with other creatives and make new connections.

05/28/2024

I often "dream up" the sequences in my documentaries and then transfer them into my notebook. However rudimentary the stick figures might be, it gives me a good idea for what we are going to work towards.

I still find pen and paper to be the fastest way to do this. However when I work with a bigger crew I use software and send the shot list to everyone so we are working off of the same source.

How do you represent/ capture your ideas?

05/23/2024

It is always so gratifying to hear someone enjoyed working with you 🤗 🙏

05/21/2024

How I Build Connection to Tell Authentic Stories

I shot one of my favorite short docs with my dear friend, Amanda. It was perhaps our connection that allowed us to be so opened in the process but I'd like to think it is also the fact I take time during the pre-production process and really focus on the story before planning any other parts of the filmmaking process.

I knew I wanted to make a film with her but wasn't sure which topic we would focus. So, we allowed ourselves to explore different ideas and then decided we wanted to tell that is personal and will impact others in a positive way. And that's how the film became the story of Amanda's battle with cancer as young mother.

We spend a good hour plus just chatting about her journey which allowed me to explore different angles from which we could tell her story succinctly but with respect to everything she's gone through. I then spend an afternoon crafting questions I would ask her on the day of the interview shoot that would lead the discussion through the different stages of the "hero's journey" and would form beginning, middle and end.

On the day of the shoot, we felt prepared yet opened to see what would come up during the shoot. I like that balance and I like to strike it during the shoot too - hence the cookies and tea on the table while we talked about a difficult topic.

Amanda is a short documentary film about a brave young woman battling cancer while learning to be a mother.Director/ Producer/ DoP: Veronika MarslandProducti...

05/17/2024

A big part of making films and art in general is being able to "let people in". By sharing your story you are inviting others to see the authentic you.

Often we only see the finished result but the process of doing so is as interesting. So today, I'd like to pull the curtain and invite you on the set ;) Here are a few of my favorite 'behind-the-scenes' photographs from the past few months.

05/14/2024

Meet the owner and director of Digital Squirrel Studios.

Hi, I'm Veronika 👋

I'm also a writer, director, and producer, known for getting lost in the world of ideas. My storytelling has been defined by my love for psychology and more than a decade-long adventures across Slovakia (my home country), Czech Republic, Spain, the UK, and Canada. The world and people never cease to amaze me and perhaps that's the reason behind my fascination with documentaries.

Being an endless explorer and a bookworm, it's only natural that I collected degrees the same way as passport stamps. I have an MA in literature and history, an MBA, and a Video Production Diploma, lending me a unique lens through which I view the world. Speaking of lenses, photography holds a special place in my heart. It is an art I inherited from my grandfather, a press photographer, who taught me early on to look at the world with a creative eye. I still have vivid memories of developing film in his dark room in Bratislava.

As a mother of two girls, I'm committed to bringing more female creatives to lead roles in the industry. That is why my crew is always at minimum 50/50 women/men which leads us to bring more diverse and holistic stories to life.

Currently, I'm in the pre-production stage of my upcoming documentary series, Café Culture.

Feel free to reach out. I'm only a cup of coffee away from a friendly chat.

04/12/2024

New documentary series !

As coffee shops and their patrons navigate post-pandemic challenges, from economic uncertainty to social isolation, they emerge as essential pillars of society, weaving a narrative of hope and connection one cup at a time.

If you are interested to learn more and see how you can be part of the documentary series don't hesitate to reach out here or send an email to [email protected].
We are currently looking for sponsors, cast and crew!

03/18/2024

From champion to coach. Thank you for letting Digital Squirrel Studios tell your story, Valhalla MMA

Join Gail King, a kickboxing champion and an oustanding coach, on her martial arts journey. Gail's Valhalla MMA school is not just a gym; it's a community fu...

03/08/2024

Celebrating by sharing a deeply inspiring and personal story of a brave young woman and a great friend, Amanda.

Link to full video is in the bio.

03/08/2024

Celebrating by sharing a deeply inspiring and personal story of a great woman and a friend, Amanda Wassink.

Amanda is a short documentary about a brave young woman battling cancer while learning to be a mother.Director/ Producer/ DoP: Veronika MarslandProduction: D...

02/16/2024

A sneak peak into our new called .

Thank you to the fabulous owners of for inspiring us with their story!

Stay tuned for the first episode.

02/15/2024

What a great way to spend day. We shot two interviews learning about the amazing lives of two different but equally lovely couples. Thank you for sharing your stories with us and lending us your homes to fill with gear 😅

12/20/2023

This is a of how I rediscovered the joy of immersing yourself in a good book. Sharing a bit of myself is always a vulnerable process but the only way to make . I hope you enjoy.

https://youtu.be/sWhL50VD40g

What happens when stories take backseat in our lives? Join me on a journey to rediscover the joy of reading books one sip at a time.

11/09/2023

Here at Digital Squirrel Studios, we transform real stories into impactful films.

If you have a story to share reach out today!

Digital Squirrel Studios is an independant production house focused on documentaries and branded content - transforming real stories into impactful films.Cr...

10/30/2023

Ricky Gervais sums it up well in this short video. I too often thought that my stories had to be extraordinary to be appealing to others where as they just need be true.

In this first installment of Creation Stories, Ricky Gervais shares a doozy about an early, indelible writing lesson.For the full story: http://www.fastcocre...

10/19/2023

Exploring the picturesque West Coast.

09/28/2023

Always nice to be in Toronto for some networking and inspiration.

09/21/2023

Feeling the black-and-white look lately.

09/19/2023

A friend of mine (hello Henry Trains) told me recently that he enjoyed listening to my voiceover in my videos. A compliment that caught me off guard. Like a lot of people, believe it or not, I do not necessarily enjoy listening to my own voice - that's not how it sounds in my head! LOL

Anyways, if you want to listen to my musings on a podcast check out this awesome recording: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/august-28-2023-filmmaker-veronika-marsland-my-girls/id1406973270?i=1000626129749

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2023/8/29/august-28-2023-filmmaker-veronika-marsland-my-girls

Thank you, WILDsound Podcast, for the fun conversation!

MY GIRLS, 2min., Canada Directed by Veronika Marsland This is a story of how my daughters taught me to be more present. Get to know the filmmaker: It started as one of my ideas for a film school project. I wanted to tell a short and sweet story that would be both meaningful to me and others. I

09/13/2023

🎥🌟 Grab a bag of popcorn! "My Girls" is now LIVE on YouTube! 🎬

Hey everyone, the moment has finally arrived! I'm thrilled to announce that "My Girls" is now available for you to watch and enjoy on YouTube. 🍿🎞️

This short film is very dear to my heart, and I can't wait for you to experience the story of how my daughters taught me the true meaning of being present. It's a journey filled with emotions, inspiration, and a reminder of the beauty in the little moments of life.

👇 Click the link below to watch now:

https://youtu.be/V5xFMNa3Yp8

Let me know your thoughts. Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to hear your feedback.

Thank you for joining me on this cinematic adventure! 🙌✨

A short documentary about how I learned to live in the present.

08/29/2023

IT IS LIVE!!!
My film is having its official premiere today on wildsound.ca!
Find it at the 52min mark and let me know uour thoughts.

08/29/2023

IT IS LIVE!
Watch the Female Directed Short Films on WildSound.ca today! You can find my film at the 52nd minute mark.
Enjoy!

See the Full Lineup of Films: COASTEERING, 14min.,, Ireland, Drama Directed by Audrey O'Reilly Orla and David are a married couple in their 40s on the other side of unsuccessful IVF treatments. Orla uses running to calm her mind and process the trauma of those years of trying. Meanwhile David i...

08/28/2023

Serious filmmaker look 🤣

08/28/2023

Before my film goes live tomorrow (Tue, 29 Aug), here's a little teaser.

Enjoy!

MY GIRLS, 2min., Canada Directed by Veronika Marsland This is a story of how my daughters taught me to be more present. Get to know the filmmaker: 1. What motivated you to make this film? It started as one of my ideas for a film school project. I wanted to tell a short and sweet story that wou...

08/23/2023

🎬 As we build up to the premiere of "My Girls" short film, I'm happy to share an interview I did with the festival organizers. We discussed the thrilling world of storytelling, how the short film came to be and what's next.

Read it here: https://matthewtoffolo.com/2023/07/25/filmmaker-veronika-marsland-my-girls/

🎥

MY GIRLS, 2min., CanadaDirected by Veronika MarslandThis is a story of how my daughters taught me to be more present. Get to know the filmmaker: 1. What motivated you to make this film?It started a…

08/21/2023

🎬 Exciting News: "My Girls" Wins Big at the Toronto Feedback Female Film Film Festival (TOFFFF 2023)! 🏆🎉

Hey there, amazing friends and film enthusiasts! I am absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with all of you. My short film "My Girls" has taken home a prestigious award at a renowned film festival! 🏆🎥 This journey has been an unforgettable one, and I am beyond grateful for my family and friends who helped bring this project to life.

🎉 But the excitement doesn't stop there! Mark your calendars because on August 29th, we're taking the celebration online. 🎥🌐 "My Girls" will be streaming live for all of you to watch and enjoy from the comfort of your own screens. Join us as we relive the magic, emotions, and hard work that went into creating this film.

📅 Save the Date:
🗓️ August 29, 2023
🌐 https://www.wildsound.ca/todays-film-festival

Whether you've been part of this journey from the beginning or are joining us for the first time, your support means the world to us. Let's come together virtually to celebrate art and the power of storytelling!

Stay tuned for more updates as we lead up to the big day. Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure! 🙌🎞️

07/19/2023

A man who needs no introduction in the community of Ayr. A pharmacist, a philanthropist and all-around a nice person. What a pleasure it was to talk to you, Patrick.

MacNeil & Dodd Pharmacy

Patrick MacNeil is a pharmacist and philantropist well known in the community. His knowledge and countless kind acts speak for themselves. Ayr would not be w...

04/27/2023

A fantastic show right here in our town! I love that we have people bringing more arts into the community. Art is what inspires and connects us and helps us understand life.

Little WomenBy Scott DavidsonAdapted from the novel by Louisa May AlcottProduced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, ColoradoDir...

04/17/2023

Raise a glass to foolishness here and there!

Visit http://TED.com to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more.Reflecting on moments that...