Lighting the way for stories that matter.
Just as the lamplighter once walked the village at dusk—moving from post to post, igniting small flames that guided people safely home—we believe every story carries that same quiet light.
At Lamplighter, we create cinematic films that honor people, place, and purpose. From personal milestones and family legacies to community stories and mission-driven work, we help illuminate the moments that shape who we are, where we've been, and where we’re going.
Our state-of-the-art studio is located in the heart of historic downtown Morristown, Tennessee. We invite you to step inside, visit the studio, and begin imagining what story you’d like to tell—reach out anytime to schedule a visit.
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.
The name “Lamplighter” comes from a Scottish parable that left a deep mark on Michael’s spirit. In the poem, a man lights each lamp post in town every evening and brings light to the dark village. A young boy watches him night after night from his windowsill and dreams that one day he, too, will grow up to be a lamplighter. For Michael, this story is a reminder that every person is born with gifts meant to uplift others and bring light to dark places—a belief that shines through in every frame of his films.
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
