What Is a Video Storyteller? Story-Led Video Production That’s Worth Remembering
- Curious Spirit Pictures
- Jan 26
- 5 min read
Video stories that get you: because great stories are worth remembering
In a world full of videos, very few are truly remembered.
We scroll. We watch. We move on.
Yet every now and then, a film stops us. Not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it gets us. It feels human. Honest. Purposeful.
That’s the difference between video production and video storytelling — and it’s why I describe myself not just as a filmmaker, but as a Video Storyteller working in story-led video production..
So, what does that actually mean?
This isn’t a textbook definition.It’s a definition shaped by people, purpose, and practice.
A Video Storyteller shaped by curiosity, not convention
I’m a Video Storyteller based in Essex, UK — though I never set out with that title in mind.
My creative journey began over 20 years ago when I studied film and video at the International Film School of Wales in Newport. Like many students, I imagined a future as a director or editor working within the industry. But while studying, I teamed up with another creative, a screenwriter, and together we gravitated toward stories that didn’t quite fit the expected mould.
We weren’t chasing art-house abstraction.We weren’t chasing mainstream formulas.
Instead, we explored character-led stories that were entertaining and meaningful. Science fiction, horror, drama; genres that allowed us to explore ideas, emotions, and questions about being human.
Those films often stood out, sometimes uncomfortably. But they taught me something early on: storytelling isn’t about fitting in — it’s about resonance.
When story became essential, not optional
Later, I moved into education as a drama, media, and film specialist. Teaching gave me a deeper understanding of how people engage with information — how attention works, how emotion supports learning, and how meaning sticks long after the lesson ends.
I developed approaches that helped people connect, remember, and feel confident with complex ideas. Story became a teaching tool — not decoration, but structure.
Then life changed.
When my creative partner passed away, I found myself needing to step fully into the writing and storytelling side of our work. I returned to the fundamentals: story structure, purpose, character, and emotional truth.
That curiosity grew into a passion.
It shaped my teaching practice, informed workshops I now deliver for other educators, and even led to the publication of a children’s book. Eventually, it became the foundation of Curious Spirit Pictures — where storytelling sits at the heart of every video production decision.
What is video storytelling in video production?
For me, video storytelling is where video production meets human understanding.
It’s not about listing features or explaining services.It’s about helping people feel why something matters.
As a Video Storyteller, my work sits at the intersection of:
Filmmaking — bringing a cinematic, crafted approach to video production
Education — understanding how people absorb, remember, and connect with ideas
Story — using narrative to communicate meaning, emotion, and purpose
A strong video story doesn’t just show what you do.It helps people understand who you are and why you exist.
Video storytelling in practice: real video production case studies
One of the clearest examples of this approach is a film I created for the Essex Shed Network — a charity supporting community workshop spaces that help reduce social isolation.
Rather than explaining the organisation, the film focused on the people. Their stories.Their reasons for attending.The impact the community had on their lives.
By listening first and shaping the film around lived experience, the video created a genuine emotional connection to the charity’s purpose. Years later, it’s still being used as their primary promotional film — a reminder that meaningful video production creates long-term value, not just short-term attention.
Another example comes from my work with a local college. After auditing their existing videos, I proposed a different approach to subject promotion: student-led storytelling.
No staff interviews. No scripted sales messages. Just learners sharing their experiences in their own words.
The result were a collection of authentic films that focused on experience, not persuasion. Since being introduced, those videos have supported increased course intake — proof that story-led video production builds trust where traditional marketing often struggles.
The misunderstanding: story vs “content”
One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that video storytelling is just another form of content creation.
It isn’t.
Content fills space.Stories create meaning. Content often aims for immediate attention.Stories aim for emotional connection and memory.
This is why I never describe my work as “content”. I create video stories, films, and videos designed to last, not disappear with the next trend.
If you’d like to explore this idea further, I’ve written more about it in our guide on how to create a promotional video that actually works, where I look at why purpose-led storytelling outperforms gimmicks every time.
How I approach video production as a Video Storyteller
Every project begins with one question: Why? Not just what you do, but why you do it.
Understanding purpose shapes the story, the structure, and the emotional journey of a film.
From there, I tend to work within three broad types of video stories:
Challenge stories:
where people face and overcome obstacles
Connection stories:
focused on relationships, trust, and belonging
Aspire stories:
designed to inspire action, belief, or change
But no two films are ever the same. I don’t paint by numbers. There’s no fixed formula. Every video production deserves its own creative response — shaped by the people, the message, and the outcome it needs to achieve.
For a wider look at how story-led video production supports business growth, you may also find our article on how video marketing can help your business grow helpful.
Who video storytelling is for (and why it works long-term)
Video storytelling is for everyone that prides themselves on their why and purpose, but in particular in business it is for SME founders, business owners, and marketing leaders who want more than just visibility.
It’s for organisations investing in video production as a long-term asset — something that builds understanding, trust, and emotional connection over time.
I work with clients to craft video stories that are clear, engaging, and memorable. Stories that feel human. Stories that stand out not by shouting louder, but by speaking more honestly.
If you’re curious about the philosophy behind Curious Spirit and why storytelling sits at the centre of everything we do, you can read more about that in why we’re called Curious Spirit.
Because great stories are worth remembering. And the right Video Storyteller doesn’t just create videos — they help people feel understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Video Storyteller do?
A Video Storyteller combines filmmaking, narrative structure, and human insight to create video production that emotionally connects and is remembered long after it’s watched.
What’s the difference between video production and video storytelling?
Video production focuses on how a film is made. Video storytelling focuses on why it exists and how it connects emotionally with an audience.
Is video storytelling right for business marketing?
Yes — story-led video production helps businesses build trust, clarity, and long-term connection rather than relying on short-term attention.
Comments