Bentlee, the young patient featured in HavenHouse St. Louis's 2026 HopeFest fundraising film, grins while playing on a playground.

A great fundraising film is one of the highest-leverage investments a nonprofit can make. The work isn’t free, and it shouldn’t be. But the math on it usually isn’t close.

The Latest:

A father and young son sit close together on a yellow couch, reading a colorful children’s book. Their foreheads touch as they share a quiet moment.

One honest story. One powerful moment. How a short film helped CHAIL raise over $1.2 million and why it’s still making an impact today.

we're storyteller studios

documentary-style film for brands & causes

In 2013, we started leveraging the power of documentary-style film for brands and causes in our hometown of Springfield, Illinois (hence our affinity for Lincoln).

Since then, we’ve worked with clients nationally and traveled to cities including Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Des Moines.

No matter where you are, we’d be honored to serve your brand next.

featured post

The 7 Types of Videos People Watch and Share the Most

Some video types reliably outperform others. Here's the framework we use to choose the right format for each project, and why story-driven choices outperform formula every time.

BEST      THE JOURNAL

of

Bentlee, the young patient featured in HavenHouse St. Louis's 2026 HopeFest fundraising film, grins while playing on a playground.

Field Notes

A great fundraising film is one of the highest-leverage investments a nonprofit can make. The work isn’t free, and it shouldn’t be. But the math on it usually isn’t close.

Storyteller Studios cinematographer filming horse and handler in naturally lit indoor riding arena with exposed beam ceiling and large windows.
A young woman sits smiling during an on-camera interview, wearing glasses, a textured rust-colored blouse, and green pants. She is seated on a clear chair in front of a softly lit window, with a video camera and microphone visible in the foreground.
A young girl with blonde hair runs through a grassy park toward a playground, wearing a dress with red strawberries. Her face is joyful and free.

Field Notes

Three real patients. Three honest stories. How SIU Medicine used short films to build trust, raise awareness, and show what compassionate care really looks like.