Allison Scherer (MSJ21)

Documentary Filmmaker & Co-Founder of One Breath Deep Productions

Tell us about your career path. How did you get where you are today?

Life takes a fascinating, winding path, and with time, its twists and turns begin to make sense. Growing up, I always thought I would become an actress and initially moved to Chicago to attend the conservatory at DePaul University. However, after taking a philosophy course titled Love, Hatred & Resentment, I shifted my focus, leaving the conservatory to double-major in Media Studies and Philosophy. From there, I pursued an MA/PhD in Cultural Studies at The University of Chicago, where my research explored trauma, witnessing, and identity formation through an aesthetic lens, particularly in photography and film.

At the point of writing my dissertation and teaching college philosophy, I became disillusioned with academia. I was also a new mother, which led me to take a long break from school. When I later returned to pursue my MSJ at Medill, my children were older, and I had the time to build a new career. I missed researching and writing and had come to believe in the transformative power of media—both in shaping collective consciousness and individual growth. Though I entered the program focused on investigative journalism, a single documentary filmmaking class with Craig Duff changed everything. I realized I had come full circle: storytelling, the aspect of theater I always loved, was at the heart of documentary filmmaking. My research focus on witnessing and identity had found a new home in film, and now, as a producer, interviewer, and researcher, I apply the skills I honed throughout my academic and journalistic journey.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

As the co-founder of One Breath Deep Productions, a documentary film production company, I oversee projects from concept to completion. As a producer, I manage development, funding, logistics, and post-production. As an interviewer, I conduct in-depth research and facilitate compelling conversations that shape the narrative. In my role as an assistant director, I help coordinate on-set logistics, ensuring smooth production flow. My work combines storytelling, strategy, and execution to bring impactful documentary films to life!

How has your Medill training helped you in your career?

My time at Medill was transformative, thanks to the incredibly professional and supportive professors who challenged and guided me. Craig Duff’s Documentary Film class, in particular, changed the course of my career. In that class, I learned the art and craft of documentary filmmaking—how to shape narratives, conduct compelling interviews, and bring stories to life visually. It was there that I fell in love with the medium, realizing that documentary film combined my passion for storytelling, research, and journalism. The skills and perspective I gained at Medill continue to shape my work as a documentary filmmaker today.

How have your identities influenced the way you navigate your professional career?

Juggling life as a single mom of four while building a career and founding a film company has taught me the art of balance, time management, and embracing an unconventional schedule. Living abroad in Costa Rica and navigating an unconventional path has most certainly  pushed me to think outside the box, stay flexible, and adapt quickly—skills that have become my superpowers as an independent journalist. This blend of resilience, creativity, and adaptability shapes how I approach storytelling, problem-solving, and the ever-evolving world of documentary filmmaking.

What advice do you have for someone considering Medill?

Medill offers an unparalleled journalism education, with faculty who bring incredible breadth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom. They are not only experts in their fields but also accessible and genuinely invested in their students’ success. The program’s reputation is well-earned—it was an excellent experience from start to finish and provided me with the skills, connections, and confidence to build a meaningful career. If you're considering Medill, go for it—you won’t regret it.