Securing funding for your video project isn’t just about outlining numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about selling the emotional power and transformative potential of your story. Funders want to know that their investment will not only create a visually compelling product but that it will spark change, resonate deeply with audiences, and ultimately make a difference. When it comes to impact-driven storytelling, it's essential to communicate that the value of your video goes beyond just production costs—this is about creating real, lasting change.

An inside look at how we transformed a complex voting system into an award-worthy animated explainer for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

I was on a shoot recently with a friend who also happens to be a Director of Photography. We were catching up and updating each other on recent projects. I ask if he or anyone he knows is working on explainer videos. He looked me in the eye, and declared: “The explainer video is dead.” That one line stuck with me—was he right? For years, explainer videos have been a go-to way to distill big ideas into snappy, shareable content. Yet in 2025, a world of instant Reels, TikToks, and immersive experiences, it’s hard not to question whether traditional explainers can still cut through the noise.

The American Hospital Association needed an ad to convey a powerful message: hospitals are continuously open, providing care through all circumstances. The core truth—that hospitals are places where life's defining moments unfold and where people take care of people—needed to be communicated with genuine emotion.

At Think Out Loud, we recognized that authentic storytelling required authentic content. Read more about how we created this powerful new ad campaign.

If you’re a documentary filmmaker, you’ve likely faced the reality that funding a project often feels like a second full-time job—one that doesn’t pay. The current funding landscape is built on scarcity, gatekeeping, and power imbalances that disproportionately benefit those with financial privilege. The result? Filmmakers without independent wealth are forced into cycles of financial precarity, overwork, and, in many cases, creative compromise.

The landscape of documentary filmmaking has evolved dramatically. With the rise of branded content and the democratization of filmmaking tools, more storytellers than ever are diving into documentary-style interviews. But one thing hasn't changed: the challenge of capturing authentic, powerful stories on camera.

Whether you're creating traditional documentaries or branded content, the fundamentals of great interviewing remain the same. It's about building trust, staying curious, and creating space for genuine human connection.

The power of stories—whether they're told through photographs, words, or film—isn't just in the moments they capture, but in how they let us connect across time, across experiences, across all the spaces between what was and what is. They give us permission to wonder, to imagine, to piece together our own understanding of the people and moments that shape us.

For filmmakers and video producers archival footage can be a game-changer. It can add depth to explainer videos, documentary projects, and experimental films without the high costs of shooting everything from scratch. However, navigating the world of archival material can be overwhelming, especially regarding copyright restrictions.

Running a small video production company often feels like a constant sprint—juggling multiple projects, responding to client emails at all hours, and trying to stay ahead of the competition. The default mindset in creative industries, especially filmmaking, is that busier is better. But is it?

You have a powerful idea for a documentary. You know it could create a real impact and tell a story that needs to be heard. But before you can bring it to life, you need buy-in from others—whether it's colleagues, leadership at your organization, or external funders. Crafting a compelling pitch is about more than just having a good idea; it’s about conveying the value of your story in a way that resonates with your audience and inspires them to support your vision.

Whether you’re creating a branded documentary, a non-profit campaign video, or an explainer animation, starting with a clear direction can make all the difference in the effectiveness of your project. Developing a working hypothesis is one of the best ways to ensure that your video has a solid foundation.

While journaling might seem like a personal activity, it can be a game-changer for organizations looking to create meaningful video content. Let's explore how this simple practice can transform your storytelling process and help you craft more impactful videos.

How do you consistently come up with fresh, compelling ideas for your videos? The answer lies in building a story database – a valuable resource that can help you organize your inspirations and fuel your future video projects.

As a nonprofit or NGO, you know that powerful storytelling is key to engaging supporters and driving positive change. But coming up with fresh, compelling ideas for your video content can be challenging. How can you ensure your stories resonate emotionally and inspire action?

In Elevated, we are introduced to Sonya Wilson, a deaf climber whose journey redefines the limits of possibility.

This guide provides a valuable starting point for non-profits and organizations seeking financial help to bring their impact stories to life through documentary content.

For nonprofits and organizations, understanding The Hero’s Journey can be a powerful tool to help craft stories that resonate with audiences, especially when creating videos to engage donors, volunteers, or stakeholders.

Transforming complex data into engaging visuals is essential for capturing your audience's attention and conveying your message effectively. Data visualization not only makes your content more appealing but also helps in highlighting key insights that might be lost in text-heavy reports.

The Audience Persona Worksheet is an essential tool that helps you define and understand your target audience, enabling you to tailor your video content effectively.

Gawx captures the creative process.