When two teams share the same commitment to collaboration, magic happens.
Blackburn Architects has spent 40 years designing equestrian facilities that breathe. Literally. Founder John Blackburn revolutionized barn design using aerodynamic principles and natural ventilation to create structures where horse health and safety come first.
We traveled to Virginia to tell their story.


We interviewed John, his clients, and the team who bring their vision to life. We captured the barns themselves, the details that make them work, and the relationships that make the projects possible.
John’s interview was a masterclass in technical storytelling. He can explain the Bernoulli principle and the chimney effect in ways that make you lean in, not check out. His passion for horse welfare isn’t marketing copy. It’s the foundation of everything Blackburn builds.
The finished brand film comes in five versions: 3-minute, 2-minute, and 60-second cuts, plus vertical versions optimized for mobile viewing. Each format maintains the story while adapting to where audiences are watching.
We let John tell his story without forcing a script. We created space for his insights and anecdotes about founding the firm, then wove them together with client testimonials and visual evidence of the work itself.
The film will live on Blackburn’s website and help them attract horse owners who value thoughtful design and proven expertise. This project was, indeed, a beautiful collaboration.
When we first saw it, we were amazed at how seamlessly the Storyteller team wove our story together in such an impactful way. Everyone who’s seen it has been genuinely impressed, not only by the quality of the film but by how clearly it communicates the essence of our brand. It’s beautifully executed and tells our story with authenticity and emotion.
– Montie Blackburn, Chief of Staff, Blackburn Architects

As a creative firm ourselves, we understand that collaborating with another creative team can sometimes be challenging but this experience couldn’t have been easier. Storyteller brought incredible energy, flexibility, and enthusiasm to every step of the process. That kind of positivity makes a world of difference. What stood out most was how they let our founder, John Blackburn, truly tell his story. He’s full of insight and anecdotes about the founding of the firm, and Storyteller created space for him to share freely and then absorbed it all with genuine curiosity and care.
– Montie Blackburn
That trust shows in the work. And it’s why this story doesn’t end with delivery.
We’re already planning phase two. California this spring. Multiple locations. More stories that showcase the range and depth of Blackburn’s work across the country.

We’re eager to capture more impactful imagery of our most distinctive projects across the country. The Storyteller team did an exceptional job showcasing a small selection of our work during the initial shoot and it only made us more excited to see what’s possible when we expand that scope. We can’t wait to build on what’s already been created and further showcase the depth and range of our work.
– Montie Blackburn
Great client relationships aren’t built on a single project. They’re built on shared values and the willingness to keep improving the work together.
Blackburn gets that. So do we.
If your brand needs a documentary-style film that makes technical expertise accessible without dumbing it down, we can help.
One story. Multiple formats. Built for the long term. To be continued…
Blackburn Architects | Award-Winning Equestrian Architecture | 2-minute Brand Film
Blackburn Architects Brand Video | Equestrian Architecture Design & Innovation | 3-minute Brand Film
Blackburn Architects 60-Second Brand Video | Equestrian Design Excellence
Blackburn Architects Vertical Brand Video (2min) | Mobile-Optimized Architecture Film
Blackburn Architects Vertical Brand Video (60sec) | Instagram & TikTok Optimized
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we're storyteller studios
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.
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