// short documentary films
Cinematic, character-driven documentary films that translate your work into stories people carry with them.
Book a Discovery CallYou've written the reports. Published the statistics. Created the infographics. Your audience understands your work.
But understanding isn't enough. People act when they feel something. And right now, the people who could make the biggest difference don't feel your work. They read about it.
The gap between knowing and caring: that's where stories live.
A three-minute film about one person can do what a 50-page report never could. It makes someone care.
// what is a short documentary film
Every film begins with deep, personal conversations: with your team, your community, the people whose lives your work touches. Through these conversations I find the story that will resonate most.
The result is a cinematic, immersive short documentary-style film that slows down and focuses on what truly matters. Not a corporate video. A real story, told with care.
// what you get
01
One cinematic short documentary (5-15 minutes)
A character-driven story that puts a real person at the centre of your mission. Cinematic visuals, careful sound design, and a narrative arc that draws your audience in and doesn't let go.
02
Clips, stills, and social cuts
Short clips, pull quotes, behind-the-scenes stills, and platform-optimised edits for social media, newsletters, and presentations. Months of content from one production.
All content is yours. No usage restrictions.
// how it works
01
Deep, personal conversations with the people in your story space. Not scripted interviews, but real, open dialogue to understand what's truly at the heart of your work.
02
Three creative milestones: keyword definitions to align on feeling and goal, character selection, and storyboarding. You're involved at every decision point.
03
2 to 4 shoot days, depending on scope. Cinematic visuals, natural sound, and the kind of unhurried conversations that reveal what matters.
04
Editing, colour grading, sound design. You receive the finished film plus all supporting assets, ready for your website, campaigns, events, and social channels.
Trusted by purpose-led organisations
“The documentary Lars created for The Shift was a game-changer. It helped us communicate our complex message in a way that's both accessible and deeply moving.”
Sofie Pierreux
THE SHIFT
// is this for you?
Short documentary films work best for purpose-driven teams who need to communicate complex messages in an emotionally resonant way.
// where the film goes to work
Open your next campaign with a story that sets the tone and moves people from the first frame.
Give donors a window into the human impact of their contribution. Real people, real change.
Replace the PDF nobody reads with a film people share, discuss, and remember.
Put a real story at the centre of your digital presence. First impressions that last.
Stand out with a cinematic story that demonstrates impact through human experience.
Show partners, boards, and investors the human face of your work.
// honest numbers
from 8,500 euro
Pre-production, 2-4 shoot days, full post-production.
Scope varies based on story complexity, number of shoot days, and travel. Each project gets a written proposal with exact scope and cost before you commit.
Every project starts with a free conversation. No commitment until you're ready.
// common questions
A minimum of 4 weeks from first conversation to final delivery. This includes story research, pre-production planning, filming, and post-production. Rushed timelines are possible for time-sensitive projects.
Through deep, personal conversations with the people in your story space. I talk to your team, your beneficiaries, the people whose lives your work touches. From these conversations, the story emerges. It's never forced or invented.
As involved as you'd like. I handle the production, but you're part of every key decision: story direction, character selection, tone. Most clients find the process surprisingly smooth.
Most organisations do. That's why the discovery call matters. We'll identify which story serves your current goals best. The others aren't lost; they can become future projects or supporting content.
Yes. Most of my work is international. I've filmed across 8+ countries. Travel is always scoped into the budget clearly and upfront.
Of course. The discovery call is free and there's no pressure. We'll talk about your goals, your audience, and whether a documentary film is the right tool. If it's not, I'll tell you honestly.
// explore more
Short documentaries are just one way I work. Here are two other approaches to documentary storytelling.
// let's explore your story
If your organisation is doing work that deserves a wider audience, I'd love to hear about it.
The call is free, takes about 20 minutes, and there's no pressure. We'll talk about your work, your audience, and whether a documentary film could help you reach more people.
01
You tell me about your work and what you're hoping a film will actually do.
02
I'll ask honest questions to understand whether film is the right tool for your goals.
03
If there's a fit, I'll outline a rough scope, timeline, and what it might cost.
04
No follow-up unless you want one. No sales emails.
Prefer email? lars@shiftvideoproductions.com
Lars Grote
Shift Videoproductions
// book a 20-minute call
“This isn't a sales call. It's a conversation about your work and whether a documentary film could help you move more people.”
Lars Grote · Shift Videoproductions