UpStroke Media Company develops human-centered documentary films and photography rooted in lived experience, recovery, and transformation. Our work focuses on what often goes unseen when living with adversity and uncertainty, building on the quiet moments of adaptation, caregiving, and rebuilding after life changes.
Filmmaking: A Partnership in Story
The filmmaking arm of UpStroke is a creative partnership between Shayne DeMarce and his wife, Benjilynn.
Together, they create deeply personal documentaries that explore stroke recovery, disability, caregiving, faith, identity, and resilience through an intimate, observational lens.
These films are not sensational. They are patient, grounded, and honest—allowing stories to unfold without rushing toward resolution.
Current & In-Development Documentary Projects
List of Services
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UpstrokeList Item 1
Feature Documentary
A deeply personal film following Shayne’s life after stroke, exploring stillness, loss, identity, faith, and the long road back to purpose. Upstroke asks what happens when motion is taken away and meaning must be rebuilt from the inside out.
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BenjilynnList Item 2
Companion Documentary
An intimate portrait of Benjilynn’s cancer recovery while she simultaneously carries the emotional and physical weight of caregiving. The film follows her through fatigue, uncertainty, resolve, and faith while revealing the unseen labor behind love. It closes not with triumph, but with truth. Survival is quiet. It is breath by breath.
Documentary Work Built for Meaning
UpStroke’s films are created for audiences who value:
Authentic storytelling over spectacle
Disability and caregiving narratives told from the inside
Media that supports empathy, reflection, and understanding
These documentaries are suited for:
Community screenings and discussions
Educational and healthcare settings
Organizations aligned with resilience, care, and social impact
Photography
Framing Meaning After Change
Before his stroke, photography was how Shayne understood the world. Today, it remains how he frames meaning.
Shayne’s photography reflects decades of observation, world travel, and human connection.
Photography Is Well-Suited For:
Editorial storytelling and documentary projects
Community initiatives and advocacy campaigns
Personal brands and organizations aligned with resilience and impact
