FLAWLESS EXECUTION. BEAUTIFUL IMAGES.
MADE WITH HEART AND HUMANITY.
Circle Pictures is a woman-owned commercial production company crafting unforgettable stories for brands and agencies. Founded in 2011 by Sue Karpfinger, we bring a Midwestern work ethic and down-to-earth attitude to shoots nationwide.
We represent award-winning directors, cinematographers, and photographers who capture the depth of human connection. WBENC-certified, we work with both union and non-union crews, tailoring each project to its needs. Over the years, clients and crews have come to count on us not just for the work we create, but for the WAY we make it happen . . .
HERE’S HOW. . .
Our management style is low on ego and high on collaboration. The best brand stories come from true teamwork. Whether production or post, we bring visions to life—together.
A Circle set is a calm set. We anticipate challenges, solve them early, and make it look effortless.
Top-tier crews, no shortcuts. Our national network delivers flawless execution, regardless of the size of the project.
Creating safe, fair work environments has always been a top priority. Equity and respect aren’t extras—they’re the foundation of how we run our teams.
All of us truly love what we do. And it shows in the outcome every time. When you work with Circle Pictures, expect a cut above.
Testimonials
“There are few people I have more respect for, or who have more passion for, or knowledge of production than Sue Karpfinger. No matter what the challenges or obstacles encountered working on Fleet Farm, and Tourism, Sue and her team managed to deliver amazing work, and were amazing to work with. Partners in every sense of the word.”
CARRIE NYGREN
HEAD OF PRODUCTION, LAUGHLIN CONSTABLE
"Working with Circle Pictures was a wonderful experience for our agency. They helped us produce a large-scale healthcare campaign that required a high level of sensitivity working with real cancer patients. Director Robb Fischer created a comfortable atmosphere for our client, caregivers and patients, and everyone on the crew aided in ensuring a seamless production."
PETER KIM
PRESIDENT & CCO, MKR
“A few words describe Sue as an Executive Producer and a human being: trustworthy, reliable and responsible. She understands that production involves a lot of personalities and that a concept can be destroyed at any moment by taking your eyes off, or being distracted from the original vision. Unless of course, it is to make it better. I know that Sue always has our best interests at heart, even when her responsibility is to the production company budget, not the agency creatives. She works to always find solutions that don't degrade the value of an agency's or director's work.”
STEVEN WOLD
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, JIGSAW
“Circle Pictures played an instrumental role in the success of a Sesame Workshop community event in Milwaukee. The entire team was a delight to work with, from thoughtfully planning the day during pre-production to doing a phenomenal job filming our event. We hope to work with them again in the future!”
DANIEL LaPOOK
PRODUCER, SESAME STREET
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER & Executive producer
Sue Karpfinger has been in commercial production for over 20 years. Before founding Circle Pictures in 2011, she quickly rose from intern to executive producer at one of the Midwest’s largest production companies, then freelanced nationwide, working with top directors and producing Recipes of America with chefs like Emeril Lagasse.
She’s partnered with brands like Marquette University, Moffitt Cancer Center, Walgreens, Toyota, and SC Johnson, earning a reputation for balancing creative integrity with client needs. A champion for directors and a trusted resource for clients, Sue is known for her fairness, honesty, and relentless problem-solving—qualities she credits to the strong women who shaped her.