Tennison Films

You don't need more content.
 You need a human story
 that people can't forget.
For the past 15 years we have refined our story architecture process with hundreds of real people in real situations, with one simple goal in mind: to make your audience feel something that moves them.

Case studies: see what happens when the story is real.

Each of these projects started with a conversation and ended with a film that moved people to act, and we've included the real world results so you can see what happened.

The challenge

A community hospital in the rural Pacific Northwest needed films that could drive donations and connect their community to real patient stories. Not a promo video, but something that people would actually feel.

The approach

We spent time with doctors, nurses, patients and families during real moments of care, recovery, and grief. We had natural conversations instead of interviews and let the stories unfold in an authentic way.

The outcome

The films became the emotional anchor of IHF's fundraising campaigns. Multiple films produced over an ongoing relationship have contributed to IHF raising over $12 million in 5 years to support the community hospital.

"Justin!!!!! You are PURE MAGIC! Truly—I am at a loss for words. It turned out amazing!!!"

Pearle
Fundraising Officer

The Worst Day: Captain Harris's Accident

Grief Never Ends: Elton's Story

The challenge

Chris Collins is hard to figure out at first glance. Among other things he's an author, artist, musician, business fixer, philosopher, human behavior expert and owner of a private library in downtown Los Angeles. His most recent book defies genre and format and he needed a film and ad campaign to introduce it to the world.

The approach

We designed scenarios where we could film the honest gut reactions of curious people as they experienced I AM Leader for the first time. We filmed Chris in his element and captured authentic human moments that made the message land.

The outcome

The ecosystem around the film has generated over $3 million in book sales. The film became the centerpiece of a brand that people wanted to be part of.

"This is great. It feels so human. You have a gift..."

Chris C.
Author & business fixer

I AM Leader anchor film

I AM Leader art editions film

The challenge

World-class artists are often reluctant to partner with large media companies to produce tutorials because it cheapens their craft. We needed to build something that respected the artist and the art form.

The approach

We spent quality time with artists in their private studios and beautiful settings around the country and let the creative process unfold naturally. Unscripted, no agenda other than to watch them create. We also produced a mini documentary telling each artist's story, giving students a real connection to the person behind the lessons.

The outcome

MasterDemos has sold over 8,000 hours of art lessons since launch, with a roster of artists from LA to New York and everywhere in between, and a waiting list of prestige artists who want to be part of the platform.

"This is absolutely incredible! Your ability to tell a narrative and capture atmosphere is unmatched."

Sarah D.
Artist & educator

Mid-life Crisis: Johnny's Story

A Soviet Love Story: Daud and Melissa

The research agrees: stories drive results.

63%

of audiences remember stories. Only 5% remember a statistic.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

92%

of consumers want brands to make ads that feel like a story.

OneSpot Research

more money donated when fundraising used a real person's story instead of statistics alone.

University of Pennsylvania

80%

increase in conversions when video is added to a landing page.

EyeView

66%

say the best brand stories are about regular people, not celebrities or CEOs.

Headstream Brand Storytelling Report

306%

higher lifetime value from emotionally connected customers vs merely satisfied ones.

Motista, 100,000+ consumers studied

Google Rating

5.0 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

David Cook

★★★★★

One of the best experiences I have ever had as a professional. The final product was beyond my expectations and the resulting business and financial effects have been beyond my imagination.

Janie Crane

★★★★★

Justin and Tennison Films have helped us with several videos in which we can tell our story and the impact of donations given to our organization. Justin's ability to tell a story pulls on the heart strings and drives a response from the viewer.

Randy Schreck

★★★★★

I have hired Tennison Films for a few important projects now including a modern, upbeat mini-documentary, a testimonial type situation across multiple clients, and a discussion-orientated roundtable. Justin is a true professional.

Emma Shepard

★★★★★

Justin has helped my association with a handful of different video and audio projects over the course of two years. He is fast, very communicative, and doesn't need much oversight or direction to deliver a stellar product.

Tim Leonard

★★★★★

We have worked with Justin 5 or 6 times so far and every time its been amazing. Once the wheels start spinning and his creative momentum gets going our projects take on a life beyond our initial boundaries.

Deanna Kitchen

★★★★★

Working with Justin to create a promotional video series for our non-profit was an exceptional experience, from start to finish. Justin invested so much time truly listening and asking all the right questions to deeply understand our mission.

Mark R. Johnson

★★★★★

Justin was my videographer and graphics designer to assemble and polish my extensive online course with 12 chapters. His knowledge, skills, and intuitive approach made the difference for producing an engaging professional development experience.

Noah Lebowitz

★★★★★

Justin at Tennison Films has done excellent videography as well as photography work for my company. A little outside his normal type of work, he filmed a full day seminar for us at a live event, which turned out excellent.

Don't make this mistake:

Most organizations burn time and money making content that feeds the algorithm and then disappears.

Our films are built around real people and real moments that your audience actually remembers and shares.

Learn about our process →