David O’Shields

Documentary Filmmaker in Residence/Adjunct Instructor

Electronic Media

Personal/Professional Interests

David has been a working member of the production community since 1985.  In addition to his work in public television, he has extensive experience as a cameraman and director in commercial television.    

O’Shields is the founder of the independent documentary film production company, New Light Media.  Through this company, he pursues his dream of making important and engaging documentary films.

New Light Media’s goal is to develop a diverse and distinctive body of documentaries.  The natural environment, democracy, race and American History are primary areas of interest.  The company is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa and has an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In addition to his duties at New Light Media, David also serves as the Media Productions Coordinator for the Tallgrass Prairie Center, an adjunct instructor and the documentary filmmaker in residence all at the University of Northern Iowa.

David’s work has received numerous awards including the Cine Golden Eagle and the International Documentary Association’s Pare Lorentz Award.

He continues to serve on film festival juries and as a delegate and film expert for the U.S. State Department’s American Documentary Showcase.

David also directs the William and Stephanie Clohesy Documentary Film Series. The series brings America's most distinguished documentary filmmakers to the campus of the University of Northern Iowa to talk and screen their work.