Welcome to Donnie's Wurld
Nina-Simone Crawford is an independent writer, director, producer, and editor from Orange, New Jersey. She first began finding her voice in 2018 as an awkward but ambitious teenager. She used photography and film to help herself navigate through that time in her life by creating multiple photo/video series where she dissected topics from car sickness and self expression to more serious topics such as bullying in the black community and the journey of self acceptance. Since then, Nina-Simone has evolved into a still awkward but still ambitious filmmaker and has created short films that blend horror, heartbreak, and humor in ways that feel deeply personal.
Nina-Simone's passion for film extends to her community and the youth as well. For the past 5 years she's been a mentor and Support Manager for a nonprofit organization Cinema Ed, a New Jersey based company that focuses on empowering high school students through the art of filmmaking. Being able to learn on her own journey and pass on any insight that she can to younger filmmakers has been sucha driving force for her and her ambitions.
Donnie's Wurld is more than a production company, it's a creative outlet for Nina-Simone, it's a living breathing universe that grows with her each year. Join her for the ride make yourself at home :p
Resume
FILMMAKING EXPERIENCE
Very Quickly (2025)
DoP
Shot comedy short film (two day shoot)
5 Fingers Crossed (2025)
Director / Writer / Editor / DoP / Casting / SFX Makeup / Wardrobe
Horror-comedy short film featuring one actress playing five characters. Oversaw all creative departments from script to post-production.
American Film Bro – Pilot Episode (2025)
Set Design / Production Assistant
Collaborated on set design and assisted production for indie comedy pilot.
ITS 8AM SOMEWHERE (2024)
DoP / Co-Director / Co-Writer / Co-Editor / Set Design
Short film combining surrealism and satire. Managed visual aesthetic, co-directed, and handled post-production editing.
Kokomo (2024)
DoP / Assistant Director / Co-Editor
Stylized narrative short. Shared editorial and on-set leadership responsibilities.
Whizzle – Music Video (2024)
DoP / Assistant Director / Editor
Shot and edited visuals for an emerging artist’s music debut. Ensured visual continuity across narrative and performance scenes.
Vegan Diet (2022)
Director / Writer / DoP / Editor / Casting
Experimental horror short. Directed casting, handled all on-set production and post workflows.
The Cleaning Lady (2022)
Director / Writer / DoP / Editor
Short psychological thriller centered on trauma and sleep habits. Managed all stages of production independently.
'Jacks & Order' B Jack$ music video (2022)
SFX Makeup
SFX makeup for opening shot
Sigh of Relief – Photo/Video Series (2018)
Director / Writer / DoP
Conceptual series examining the freedom of being yourself
Despise Self Expression / You’re Embarrassing Me – Photo/Video Series Pt. 1 & 2 (2018 & 2019)
Director / Writer / DoP
Visual exploring shame, bullying, and identity through performance and abstraction.
EDUCATION
The New School (2020)
New Jersey Film School (2023)
Credentials in Filmmaking
Completed hands-on training in directing, cinematography, and editing fundamentals.
SKILLS
Directing | Cinematography | Screenwriting | Video Editing (Premiere Pro, iMovie, CapCut) | Casting | Art Direction | Set Design | SFX Makeup | Wardrobe Styling | Narrative Development
SCREENINGS & FEATURES
The Cleaning Lady & Vegan Diet – SOMA Film Festival, 2022