We have the largest network of short-form, narrative storytellers in the universe
Telling stories around campfires is as old as, well, fire. Humans, being the social creatures we are, don’t just want to be talked to — we seek a connection and want to relate to each other’s stories. No matter what you’re pushing, if it involves people doing anything, there’s a story there to relate to. The short form documentary is not about exploiting who you are, it’s about bringing out the humanity in what you do.
Stories about people
It’s a bit early in the cycle, but we promise: if reality television is any indication, the so-called mini documentary is growing in popularity. At the end of the day, stories about people, told by the ones living them, is what make people work so hard to buy all these media devices. It’s all about connecting with each other.
The backbone of our community
Short form narrative documentary is the backbone of our community. It won us the Obama campaign, brought many of us together at Current TV — the first network to let so many people outside their building produce nothing but short form narrative documentaries — and it’s what makes us happy when you call. This is our domain, our area of expertise, and we do it worldwide.
Girl Scouts of America:
Storytellers — Maj. Tammy Duckworth
The Girl Scouts of America wanted to tell stories of inspiring women in different markets throughout the country. IB5k made four professional quality profiles, documenting the subjects in their own words in their natural surroundings, like this one of Maj. Tammy Duckworth.
The Alliance for Climate Protection wanted to find a way to show that supporting their cause is not just about a cleaner environment, it also creates jobs. Using IB5k’s network, we were able to shoot an Akron Wind Turbine owner in his factory in Ohio and during his trip to Washington, DC without the expense of traveling a crew.
As explained in our larger case study, Bank of America wanted to tell stories of how they are helping small business owners realize their dreams. IB5k shot mini documentaries in 7 major markets across the country, set up a 24/7 post production facility and produced over 40 different variations of these mini documentaries, which aired inside bank branches, on television and on a special website designed around opportunities.
We chose Charles Meets Barack because it exemplifies the best of what came out of Obama’s historic 2008 campaign. This video was more about Charles than about a presidential candidate, and through humanizing Charles, we were able to make Barack Obama more approachable as well.
Features
Our Worldwide network uniquely offers:
depth of talent
cost savings from reduced travel
better storytelling with local producers who know their communities
We found our voice at Current, the only 24-hour cable network dedicated to short form, narrative documentary
We found our audience on Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign
