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The right story can make all the difference

Show the world what you stand for through better video storytelling.

  • well crafted, well told

    Journeyman Film Company has been my go-to video storyteller on work in both community development and clean energy. Professional, creative, thorough — they won’t let you do the hackneyed and over-done. They respectfully push you to tell the most impactful story you can. 

    —Sean Kelly
    Lead Consultant, SKC (Sean Kelly Communications)
  • you made us look like superstars!

    I wanted to pass along my appreciation again to you and your team for making ENSC look like super stars at our conference. The sizzler and the award videos were the highlight of the conference! 

    —Natalie Irwin
    Marketing Specialist, Efficiency Nova Scotia
  • surprise, emotion, connection

    ... a thoughtful, creative process that balanced care, sensitivity, and trust with exceptional storytelling skill. They took a complex, layered subject — proximal health — and gave it meaning... The reaction was immediate: surprise, emotion, and connection. 

    —Dr. Paul Uhlig
    Proximal Health Innovation & Research Group, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita
  • innovative and brilliant

    If you have a serious goal and a need for a strong narrative, there is no better company to partner with. I can't wait for our next project. Mathew and his team take care of everything and instill the confidence that the final project will exceed expectations. Every. Single. Time. 

    —Wendy Walters
    Director of Medical Affairs, Nova Scotia Health
  • seamless process

    The Journeyman team was a breath of fresh air to work with, and ensured a straightforward, seamless process from start to finish. Mathew's openness to working on the script details more diligently up front helped ensure a smooth process to completing the final products. 

    —Sarah Morris
    Senior Communications Advisor, Property Valuation Services Corporation
  • we are moved by its power

    There was an element of risk on our part if you had missed the mark. But you did not. You hit it. Hit it so directly, that even we, who work with this subject all the time, are moved by its power and its ability to create discussion. 

    —Population Health Working Group
    Nova Scotia Health
  • proud of award-winning series

    Journeyman masters the art of storytelling and capturing the essence of people and places. We are very proud of the award-winning Canada’s Ocean City film series... 

    —Krista Juurlink
    Director of Marketing Communications, Halifax Partnership
  • more than we could have asked for

    The quality of work of the final product is more than we could have asked for and will be an asset as we work to promote future developments with outside partners. We would like to thank all of the staff at Journeyman Film... and we look forward to future collaborations.

    —Chief and Council
    First Nation leadership, Pictou Landing First Nation

So, you're thinking about video

Are these hurdles getting in your way?

Sample video work for non-profits

Purpose-driven video stories

  • Genome Family Curse 2

    Medical mystery solved with genetics

    Genome Canada

    A deadly genetic disorder, an Newfoundland author's life changed by research, and a story that shows the human impact of investing in genomic science.

  • Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan2

    Growing food sustainability

    Aga Khan Foundation

    In the rugged mountain landscapes of Afghanistan, documentary-style video storytelling clearly shows how support programs are helping communities grow more nutritious crops to eat and sell.

  • NS Nature Trust Rogues Roost

    A mission to preserve special places

    Nova Scotia Nature Trust

    When you see and feel this special protected area through a beautiful doc-style promo video, you can't help but get behind this client's purpose-driven mission to protect our wilderness.

  • Tidal Energy Tom Knox 2

    Tinkering with tidal power

    Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia

    In the wild tides of the Bay of Fundy, an engineer in Nova Scotia turns a workshop prototype into cutting-edge ocean tech with global potential.

  • ISANS Canada our home

    Canada, our new home

    Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

    Through heartfelt video storytelling, we feel the courage of newcomers starting over. The video helps our client show the value of newcomer services, and why that support can change everything.

  • IESO Electricity Market animation 5

    How does the electricity market work?

    IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

    Electricity markets are complex and invisible. This animated explainer turns technical jargon into clear, relatable information. We help Ontarians understand how power gets to their homes, and why it matters.

  • NS Health Ola Babatolu

    Recruiting UK doctors to Nova Scotia

    Nova Scotia Health

    Using documentary storytelling, we follow two UK doctors and their children's big move to Nova Scotia. Their journey shows an honest telling of ups and downs. A realistic story that builds trust in the sales pitch for Nova Scotia.

    Video Case Study

  • Aga Khan Foundation Tajikistan Vafo

    Strong mentorship, strong village

    Aga Khan Foundation

    This impact video helps us relate to people in far off places like Tajikistan and makes the AKF's work tangible and real. Mentorship transforms Vafo from addict to community builder.

  • ISANS Refugee Welcome 1

    Not a refugee anymore

    Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)

    This incredibly moving, simply filmed, talking-head testimony from a diverse group of refugees helps newcomers and Canadians alike appreciate Canada as a home and refuge.

  • Telus Arthritis girls 1

    When kids understand each other

    The Arthritis Society

    At camp, two girls with juvenile arthritis form a lasting bond. A collaboration with TELUS and the Arthritis Society, this heartfelt branded content builds awareness and connection.

  • First Fuel Commercial

    Reframing efficiency as a "first fuel"

    Efficiency Nova Scotia

    *ICE Award Winner! A bold 30-second tv commercial that flips the script on energy efficiency, re-framing it as the quiet powerhouse cutting emissions and costs across Nova Scotia. 

  • Aga Khan Foundation Zahida 1

    Leading a culture change in care

    Aga Khan Foundation

    Zahida never had access to proper care when she was pregnant — so she became a midwife. Now she runs a clinic in rural Pakistan, challenging the cultural norms that put women's health at risk.

  • Xara Choral Theatre Shine Soar

    Transformation through song

    Xara Choral Theatre

    This organization brings women together for more than performance. The promo video uses song and visuals alone for a story of transformation of a young woman finding her voice.

  • Destination Halifax I heart bikes 2

    Two wheels on the waterfront

    Destination Halifax

    Sarah shares her passion for Halifax and convinces us there's more to see, feel and discover when you explore on two wheels.

  • Efficiency NS Capital Health David

    Saving energy for saving lives

    Efficiency Nova Scotia

    In a hospital that runs 24/7, one energy manager is determined to prove his expertise and uncovers nearly $600,000 in savings — just by listening, digging, and working alongside staff.

  • ISANS and IRCC SOPA settlement 2

    Helping them arrive prepared

    Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada

    In this federal partnership with ISANS, this video shows how online tools can empower newcomers with confidence, skills, and hope — turning uncertainty into opportunity.

  • CUSO El Centro Peru Jackie

    Jackie's quest for employment

    CUSO

    Our client had filmed participant stories in Peru, and we helped shape his footage into short documentary videos showing the power of youth employment work aided by volunteers.

  • Bicyle NS Blue Route

    Sharing the love of two wheels

    Blue Route (Bicycle Nova Scotia)

    Ben and his team at BNS need more people to discover and enjoy the Blue Route, 3000 kms of connected bike routes to encourage active transport and recreation on two wheels.

  • Tidal Energy Tom Knox 3

    Promoting Canada's Ocean City

    Halifax Partnership

    In Halifax, the ocean is the force behind the century old promise of "wealth from the sea." This promo dives into the science, tech, and spirit driving innovation in Canada’s Ocean City.

  • Screenshot 2025 06 16 at 8 21 36 PM

    The power of a simple question

    IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

    One employee’s question sparked millions in energy savings. This story-driven video combines expert insight and simple animation to show how real change happens, often from the smallest spark.

What do you get when you hire Journeyman?

Hi, I'm Mathew Welsh

Founder,  Producer,  Director

I started Journeyman in 2008 after a decade in documentary film and TV. I saw the power of real human stories and how often organizations missed that in their video storytelling.

If you work in communications, I can appreciate how tough the job can be: competing priorities, tight budgets, big responsibility for reputation. On top of that, you hope to make video content that gets attention. With so much pressure to get it right, it’s understandable to default to something safe or predictable and more "corporate" than human.

The human lens

During my documentary years, I made a film called Breakaway: A Tale of Two Survivors. It follows two brain injury survivors: Robert, determined to prove anyone can recover, and Doug, still finding his way back. Their story is raw, emotional, and often surprising. It is about brain injury, but really it's about two very different people and their unlikely relationship. The film aired to millions on TV and at festivals around the world, winning awards at the Geminis and Hot Docs and others. What I learned from that project still shapes how we work today: the best way into a subject is through the human experience of that subject.

After delivering content to more than 200 client teams, we've learned that people relate to people being real on camera. That’s why we turn "messages" into human stories. In a world that can feel increasingly divided, better video storytelling helps us reconnect. 

Let’s put video storytelling to work for you.

Free download for communication teams

24 tips to make people comfortable on camera

We’ve interviewed over a thousand people on camera since 2008 — and learned a lot.

We share those insights in one handy guide. These tips will help you deliver more authentic and powerful video content.

Thinking strategically

How can you get more from your video project?

Stretch your content further 

When you invest in research, concept development, logistics, and filming, it’s smart to make the most of that effort. We help you get more value from your project by thinking ahead to re-cuts and versions formatted for social media.

 

MW and Mr Chaw Gambia location

Journeyman by the numbers

17 +
years in business
1000 +
videos delivered
200 +
clients
1000 +
real people on camera
Countless hearts and minds won.

FAQs

Some things to think about for non-profit videos

IESO BTS location greenhouse BTS Wolfert and MW film in woods BTS NS Health Babatolu kitchen BTS2 BTS Matt and Josh Saunders camera Lawrencetown Oren mics Abbie Mr Chaw Gambia Health centre nurse on location

Journeyman vision for non-profit storytelling

To build prosperity and understanding through the art of video storytelling.

Making the world a better place is the main driver for non-profits. We really believe that better video storytelling is a powerful tool to help you do it.

Over 17 years of telling human-first stories, we’ve worked with community groups, healthcare foundations, environmental orgs, and everything in between.

1. Why video works for non-profits

Video is the most powerful way to turn your mission statement into a human feeling. It gives your audience a real connection to the people and stories behind the cause — helping drive donations, engagement, and long-term support. 

Many folks in marketing and PR agree that "emotional storytelling" is the way to go. Journeyman will help you go further, and guide you to be super rational and clear-eyed in thinking about strategy. It's that combination that can really benefit a non-profit campaign. 

Our Journeyman specialty is taking storytelling to a new level and giving real strategic structure to your story, so it resonates with the audience you most need to connect with.

2. What kind of video might work for your non-profit campaign?

When you're planning to invest in a video campaign, you might want to think about these types of promo content:

  • Fundraising Films
  • Mission-Driven Brand Videos
  • Awareness Campaigns
  • Donor Thank-You Videos
  • Testimonial & Case Study Stories
  • Educational & Explainer Videos
  • Social Media Cutdowns with follow up Calls to Action
  • and Animation

3. How do you like to work?

This approach might work for you:

  • Help us understand your mission, audience, and goals, so we can partner with you from concept through delivery.
  • Brainstorm with us to find the heart of the story and think strategically how to shape that story for your audience.
  • Decide what aspects of production might be fun for you to be more hands on, and what elements you prefer to completely hand over to us. We'll take you through scripting, filming, editing, and distribution-ready formatting.

4. Remember, strategy is super important for non-profits

We’ve seen organizations lean on emotional stories, expecting the donor wallets to spring open simply because the video subject is a real tear-jerker. But that doesn't always happen. We'll help you get focused on the strategy needed to really take the audience where you need them to go.