Katie Simbala
Latina Director Of Photography
Katie Simbala is the heart behind Kap2ure Film Studios; She is a visionary who strongly believes in the transformative power of film, and is dedicated to nurturing and supporting aspiring filmmakers on their creative endeavors.
Her journey began in 2011 'kap2uring' weddings and other special moments for her clients. Katie brings more than a decade of experience to the studio, but it is her passion for authentic storytelling and her dedication to inclusivity that truly sets her apart.
She believes in the power of film to connect us, to reveal the intricacies of the human condition, and to celebrate the diversity of our experiences.
As a Bronx Native and Baltimore dweller, Katie's work is a tribute to urban raw beauty and the voices that often go unheard.
With every project, Katie seeks to 'kap2ure' the essence of a narrative, making the invisible visible and giving rise to emotions that resonate beyond the screen. Her personal touch inspires her team to push the boundaries of creativity, ensuring each film is not just watched, but felt.
At her core, Katie is a storyteller, a dreamer who sees the world through a lens of possibility. Her mission is to empower others to tell their stories and to ensure that every frame at Kap2ure Studios is beautifully intentional .
Embrace the opportunity to work alongside a filmmaker who lives to spark connection and ignite change.
Historical timeline
How I got to where we are today
2003— Moved to Baltimore, met Luis and became a worship leader in the pentecostal church. We started a band, he played guitar, I played piano and sang.
2005— Became a Licensed Insurance agent
2006— Married Luis after traveling the East-Coast with the band.
2008— Recession hit and I was let go, started working odd jobs to make ends meet.
2010— Was hired by State Farm Insurance and Started Kap2ure Photography as a side hustle
2011— Left my Insurance Job to Pursue Kap2ure and Ministry full time
2012— Planted a Hispanic Pentecostal church in Baltimore City with friends, Met Raquel and became instant friends.
2013— Removed from leadership due to a dispute over dress code restrictions for women, I opted to wear pants while leading worship as an act of principled defiance.
2013— Moved to non-denominational churches leading worship in several churches
2014— Began my polyamorous relationship with Raquel
2015— Became a worship pastor
2018— Came out to the pastor and was let go; Was hired by the Metro D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as an openly polyamorous person and started filmmaking (see footnote**)
2020— Covid created budget restraints and i was let go. The org purchased the equipment I used for filmmaking so I had to repurchase the gear if I were to decide to stay in the field; Refinanced our family home and Purchased my First Cinema Camera
2021— Established Kap2ure, LLC with the state of Maryland; Opened the first Kap2ure Studio at Crown Industrial Park
2022— DP’ed my first feature Documentary picked up and distributed by PBS “Hampton University: One of the wonders of the world”. Applied and was awarded the Project Restore Grant revitalizing Baltimore’s main streets; Opened our second Kap2ure Studio at The Baltimore Pumphouse
2023— Attended my first QChrisitian Fellowship Conference (QCF) in D.C. and came on board as worship coordinator for the 2024 QCF conference in Albuquerque, N.M; Started Baltimore Queer Events with friends and began hosting Queer Karaoke Nights in our Pumphouse Studio Location.
2024— Started Reclaimed Praise a Queer and Trans led worship team writing and recording original music; Was invited to join The Governors Commission for Hispanic Affairs; The Film “Hampton University: One of the wonders of the world” was nominated for an Emmy.
Started filmmaking in 2018**
At the request of my former Employer at the Metro D.C. synod of the ELCA, I embarked on a journey into the world of filmmaking. Their aim was to provide reports to donors, showcasing the impact of their contributions in Latin American countries. Through my travels, I had the opportunity to capture and document these often untold stories, offering the organization a vivid portrayal and narrative of how the funds were utilized. This experience equipped me with the skills to operate effectively within tight budgets and limited resources, while also fostering agility and adaptability in my work.
Brands We’ve worked With
latina From
The bronx
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Kap2ure Film Studios opened its first location at Crown Industrial Park in the Highlandtown’s Arts District in 2021. The following year, their dedication and hard work was recognized by receiving the Maryland Project Restore grant, enabling them to secure a second location at the once abandoned Baltimore Pumphouse in East Baltimore. Working with giants like Amazon, Netflix, and HBO, Kap2ure Film Studios is on track to becoming a leading name in Baltimore’s film production industry.
Highlandtown Arts District | Southeast Baltimore
Studio at Crown Industrial in Baltimore
Broadway East | East Baltimore