Lamplighter is a video production studio rooted in the rolling green hills of East Tennessee. We partner with individuals and communities alike to craft films that move hearts, inspire audiences, and bring stories to life through cinematic storytelling.
Every project is guided by a commitment to thoughtful collaboration and craftsmanship. From the first conversation to the final frame, our goal is to create films that are both visually compelling and deeply human.
At Lamplighter, we believe storytelling has the power to bring people closer together. Stories invite us to see the world through another's eyes and recognize the humanity we share.
Long after the cameras are packed away, our hope is that every film continues to spark conversation, build connection, and remind us that we belong to one another.
Michael Hensley, Founder and Creative Director
Though quiet as a child, Michael was filled with curiosity and explored the world through the lens of his mother's video camera. He filmed everything around him: the chickens in the yard, the sway of the trees, the clouds in the sky.
Michael’s creative vision is driven by the conviction that every human being carries an inner light and a story worth telling. He believes film has a unique power to break down barriers and allow us to see each other through a lens of compassion. His core values—kindness, integrity, and empathy—guide every project he undertakes.
“Storytelling makes the world go round,” Michael often says. Through his work, he hopes that viewers remember their innate dignity, worth, and value.
Lamplighter stands apart for the reverence Michael brings to each creative project. Before founding the studio, he studied at the University of Tennessee and spent a decade working on Capitol Hill. He is also a graduate of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program at the Sewanee School of Theology—an experience that further shaped his belief in the transformative power of story and community. His path took a turn after Hurricane Helene when he joined a housing nonprofit to help Central Appalachia recover from the devastating storm—a chapter that continues to deepen his passion for storytelling that heals and connects communities.
When he’s not behind the camera, Michael can often be found listening to music, hanging out with his nephews, nieces, and golden doodle Harper. Friends describe him as a good listener and someone who brings a calm presence into every room.
Michael’s dream for Lamplighter over the next decade is simple yet powerful: to continue creating films that help bring people closer together.
The legacy he hopes Lamplighter leaves behind is that every viewer might better recognize the light they carry—and see that same light shining in the person standing right in front of them.
We are storytelling creatures because we are fashioned in the image of a storytelling God. May we never neglect that gift. May we never lose our love for telling the story. Amen.
-Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber
