The Filmmakers Behind the Story

Executive Producer - Director - Cinematographer 

Charles English is a first-time filmmaker driven by a deep commitment to storytelling that he has nurtured throughout his professional career. Wearing multiple hats as director, producer, and cinematographer, Charles brings a raw, authentic lens to this debut documentary, which explores the emotional toll of firefighting—focusing on trauma, suicide, and mental health within the community of first responders and the support structures that the community is creating to save the lives of their own.

Charles embarked on this project with the goal of breaking the silence around the invisible wounds many firefighters carry. He relied on his passion and journalistic integrity to build trust with subjects and craft an intimate, unflinching portrait of real life behind the sirens.

Charles began his professional journey as a video editor at KSAZ in Phoenix, Arizona, and then advanced into a Video Production Manager role at Informa. In 2023, Charles launched Loki Productions, LLC, his own production firm, and then made the leap to expat life in Portugal with his family in 2024. 

Director - Executive Producer - Editor

Laura Boyd Owen is a director, producer, and editor with a passion for meaningful storytelling and a strong foundation in creative leadership. With a B.A. in Film and Video from Columbia College Chicago, Laura has built a career creating impactful video content across television, digital platforms, and branded media. She has held creative roles at outlets such as the Chicago Tribune, WGN America, Newsy, and Antenna TV, and currently serves as Creative Operations Manager at Informa Engage, a B2B marketing agency.

Her work spans promotional campaigns, documentaries, and news features, with a focus on blending narrative depth and visual clarity. The Call marks Laura’s first feature-length documentary — a deeply personal passion project that sheds light on the mental health crisis affecting firefighters and first responders. Inspired by earlier short documentary work in college and Nicaragua, and driven by a belief in the power of media to spark change, Laura brings empathy, editorial precision, and creative vision to the film.

Outside of her professional work, Laura is an Ironman triathlete, beach volleyball player, avid traveler, and lifelong lover of storytelling. The Call reflects her ongoing commitment to projects that matter — ones that elevate untold stories and foster connection through honest, human-centered filmmaking.