The short documentary specialists.
We are an award winning documentary film team who crafts innovative short documentaries that honor the story subjects and grow empathy with your audience.
Tell Stories, Move Hearts, Secure Support.
Here’s what we hope for: Story subjects are honored. Audiences grow in empathy. Hear from the Director of Innovatory and learn more about how and why we bring your stories to life.
FILMS | DOCUMENTARIES | TESTIMONIALS
Investment and Case Studies
We like to make our pricing and services as transparent as possible so you know what you’re getting into.
Watch some shorts!
We put a handful of our projects in bitesize form to get a sense of what we do. Jump over to the FILMS page to watch full videos.
GETTING STARTED WITH STORIES?
New Book!
The world is now dominated by video content. At every turn, brands and organizations are faced with the challenge of telling their story in a way that cuts through the noise and drives action. This short field guide will give the filmmaker and the organization the inspiration and know-how to get started with capturing stories of impact. The how and the wow. The art and the science.
(Send us an email if you would like the e-book for free!)
Impact Unleashed:
WHITE PAPER: Turbocharging Nonprofit Fundraising with Compelling Video Testimonies
This white paper explores the value of video testimonies for nonprofits seeking to raise funds, demonstrating how these stories can emotionally engage donors, create relatability, and establish authenticity.
“The videos were the highlight for sure!”
Katie, non-profit fundraising director
OUTCOME: $200,000 RAISED
Meet the Team
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Joe Porter
Founder / Director
Uncovers the stories, builds relationships, leads the creative process, chases adventure.
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PJ Donahoe
Director of Photography / Editor
Brings visual concepts to life, crafts the story through editing, finds superheroes.
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Christina Russell
Story Producer / Project Manager
Develops the story, gives structure and depth, creates order, reveals beauty.
“Whatever is true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”
— Phil 4:8
Our Values
Tell Real Stories
Ultimate Care for Story Subjects
Measured Risk Takers
Take Responsibility
Dedication with Boundaries
Process Driven
Efficient and Creative
Love Form and Function
Our Purpose
Wow, you’re still reading? That’s a good sign. We usually like to show more than tell. But here it is:
We’re here for the real stories—the kind that make you feel something. The kind that honors real people, their struggles and their triumphs. At Innovatory, we help mission-driven organizations craft short documentaries that go beyond informing to moving hearts and rallying support for causes that matter.
For us, great storytelling is a mix of art and purpose. Form and function. We create films that look stunning and make an impact—because what’s the point of beautiful work if it doesn’t do some good in the world? We apply the same principles of storytelling of the big budget documentaries we all love. Most importantly, we let the real heroes shine - the people our organizations impact. Our secret sauce is how we interview and even minister to our story subjects, unlocking the emotion.
Authentic. Innovative. Heartfelt. That’s how we tell stories. That’s why we exist.
Donate to help fund the next great story.
Not all stories that need to be told have a budget. But with your support, you can bring those documentaries to life in partnership with Cincinnati Filmmakers. Learn more or donate.
