Strategy-first documentary for organizations building power.
You're doing the hardest work there is. BUT your STORY has to work harder.
We make FILMS BUILT FOR ACTION. IMPACT DRIVEN STORIES that meet people where they are and give them a stake beyond writing a check.
WHAT WE BUILD:
Documentary Films + Series
Social Impact + Brand Storytelling
Narrative Strategy + Story Development
Motion Graphics + Animated Explainers
Event Content (Live, Virtual, Hybrid)
IN SUPPORT OF:
Foundations, nonprofits, and advocacy orgs working at the intersections of justice, health, environment, and rural Southern futures
Program officers and comms directors who need real partners, not vendors
Institutions with initiatives that deserve to be understood, not just explained
The Same Old Ain’t Working.
01. A REALLY NICE GALA RECAP
We're not here to glorify your good deeds for funders who already believe. We want to help new audiences find their stake in the issue by revealing the labor and reward of building something better.
02. Talkin’ heads
talkin’ too mucH
There are better ways to make complexity land and we're not gonna list them all here. Yeah?
03. "Post it and hope" is not a strategy
Social reach means nothing if it doesn't convert. We design outreach that includes IRL activations: community screenings and trainings, cross-coalition distribution and direct action pathways. Impact-driven video works best in conjunction with your entire ecosystem.
PROOF IN THE PUDDING
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Recent work
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PROOF IN THE PUDDING * Recent work *
THE TRUE COST OF POWER
18 min (w social assets) | 2025CHALLENGE / A climate nonprofit needs to expose Duke Energy's decades-long deception and turn outrage into coordinated action as a new governor takes office.
APPROACH / A “true crime” documentary built for pressure campaigns: motion graphics to clarify corporate greenwashing, frontline voices to humanize the stakes, and distribution designed around coalition partners already organizing in Duke Energy's service territory.
“Since launching a pressure campaign with this video as the centerpiece, over 250 businesses and organizations and around 15,000 individuals joined the call on Gov. Josh Stein to use every tool in his toolbox to really change Duke Energy's direction.”
— Sarah Heilman, Communications Director, NC WARNMake It Plain: The myth of natural gas as a “bridge fuel.” (excerpt)
THE DECIDERS
Feature Doc | 90 min (w social assets) | 2024
Distribution: Bayview Entertainment, Apple TV, Etc. CHALLENGE / An economic justice organization is trying to spark cross-partisan dialogue about wages and wealth and reach audiences in key swing states.
APPROACH / A feature documentary following working-class North Carolinians and millionaire activists finding common ground. Partnership with Picture Motion for a national grassroots screening tour designed for coalition building and community activation.
RESULTS / 25 facilitated screenings across 8 states. Post-screening surveys show 82% rated the film 4-5 stars and 50% felt "very inspired" to take action.
“This film helps bridge the gap between people from different political parties. I plan to organize people similarly in my area around public education.”
— Screening attendee, Forsyth CountyHOW WE STRATEGY FIRST
DISCOVERY • We listen and map your challenge, audiences, and where video meets your goals.
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STORY DESIGN • We define your singular purpose, research characters, and craft the arc.
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PRODUCTION PLAN • We deliver the roadmap: budget, timeline, impact pathway, and pitch deck if needed.
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Your Questions, Answered
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We design story—framing, characters, emotional arc—to move people from understanding to action. We map four dynamics of change:
Changing minds — shifting attitudes
Changing behaviors — prompting specific action
Building community — grassroots power
Changing structures — policy and systems
Most films touch more than one. The key is knowing which serve your objectives most.
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Too many beautiful films gather dust because they weren't designed with audience, distribution, and impact in mind. We make sure yours isn't one of them.
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Every project is different. If you have a budget in mind, tell us—we'll be honest about what's realistic.
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Most projects run 3–6 months. Hard deadline? Let us know upfront. We'll design scope to fit.
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We go where the story needs us. If you're Southern-based working nationally, or national doing work in the South, we're a good fit.
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That's why we start with Discovery. Our process clarifies what container—short doc, series, explainer, feature—best serves your mission. No guesswork. Strategy that leads somewhere on purpose.
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We’re documentary filmmakers first. We make acclaimed, community-accountable films and bring that rigor to our client work. Journalism roots, festival pedigree, and a commitment to the people in front of the camera centers justice work at the heart of our films.
