Tennison Films

You don't need more content. You need a human story people can't forget.
We've been refining our story architecture process for over a decade with hundreds of real people in real situations. We have one goal: to make your audience feel something that moves them.

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

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 a bit of an anomaly. He's an author, artist, musician, business fixer, philosopher, human behavior expert and owner of a downtown Los Angeles private library. 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 grown exponentially since launch, with over 8,000 hours of art lessons sold, 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

2x

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

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 →