The what, so-what, how and tips for using storytelling through the medium of film to better our world through the nonprofit industry.

1. Storytelling for Nonprofits
The what, the so-what and the how

2. The So-What?
Why care about cause-driven film or video?
1. Video is becoming a critical information source for senior
execs - more than 80% say they are watching more video online this year vs.
one year ago. http://visual.ly/online-video-statistics-2013
2. Multiple platforms to reach an audience effectively- It’s
easier to convey a captivating message that many people can see and SHARE.
Social media, internet presence, branding.
3. It’s the future… Not jumping on this bandwagon is like not grasping
the potential of the internet of generations ago. The technology is there, the
potential is here.

3. The What
Storytelling - the
substance of videos
It is a communicative
process in which we
relate to one another
Key - doing it
effectively to lead to
action
1. When you share a story people
stop being numbers, capital,
consumers. They are living, breathing,
emotional beings with real, authentic
experiences in which we all can relate.
2. Power to drive emotion. This is the
key for nonprofits. It’s not about
manipulating emotion but rather
relating to people because people give
to people not organizations.
3. It’s scientifically effective and it’s
been around even in the caves. We’ll
always use it. Even FB calls their posts
“stories.”

4. Value for Nonprofits
1. Technology landscape is shifting - a.k.a access
http://youtu.be/zJahlKPCL9g Apple commercial/24hours
2. Attracts donors and volunteers.
3. Storytelling is an effective marketing tool -
easy to share and to maintain branding across platforms.
And film is one of the best mediums for storytelling.
Case Study - Kony 2012/Coca Cola branding

5. The how
1. Start with the purpose of the video for your organization.
- to raise funds? awareness? show off an event? get more volunteers?
gratitude?
2. Craft the story. My go to is always an individual. The viewer connects
to one person rather than masses, it’s relatable and more powerful and
therefore effective. Best nonprofit video award for the 2014 DoGooder Video
Awards: http://youtu.be/FJYHfBtxBxk
3. Technology - what camera, mics, lighting. In house production or hiring
vendors?
4. Distribution channels - Youtube, Facebook, Website, Vine. What is
most effective for your film to reach your specific audience while maintaining
consistency.

6. Tips and Tricks
Shoot better stories. It’s a skill with creative
freedom not a formula, so practice.
1. Don’t shoot in low-light - just don’t do it
2. Don’t be a blare-witch videographer - use a tripod, or something
stable
3. This isn’t a Bruce Lee fight sequence. Concentrate on one thing
for 5 seconds, let the action unfold, we don’t need to see everything all at once.
Lead the viewer through the story, through the emotion.
4. Sound counts. We hear more than we see. Think of mics, ambient
sound, A/C noise. Be present, be aware.

7. Lights. Camera. Help/ Lumen Media
What we do?
How it started?
Projects we are both working on and you can be a part of? -
Film Frenzy, Documentaries, LCH film fest annual in Aug.
Videos of Film Frenzy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=hPIeuxPg3cc&list=UUsqA4qzBjPrvXUTS897bCfg&feature=share&index=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTfgiYmCkMU

8. You
1. You get to serve people - the best leaders really hone service
2. The progressive decision makers - the future, the leaders
3. Let’s brainstorm. How will this help you in your future in policy,
research, clients, organizations, management. How does the tool of
storytelling through film help you be better at your job to essentially
better the world?

9. Any questions?
email: alyson@lumenmediatexas.com
or alyson.landry@gmail.com
site: lumenmediatexas.com