For non-profits, charities and mission-driven organisations
Be confident that funders, clients, and stakeholders understand
why your work matters
Thoughtful video production for organisations doing human, complex work that can’t be properly explained through another report, social post or Canva graphic.
Whether you’re supporting a funding conversation, launching a campaign, sharing lived experience or explaining a complex service, we help uncover the humanity already inside your organisation and communicate it with clarity, honesty and care.
WATCH THis SHORT VIDEO BELOW
Tell us about your communication challenge:
What it's like
Working with us✦
✓ Helped clarify a complex communication challenge before filming ever began.
✓ Became an extension of the marketing team, not just another supplier.
✓ Created confidence before production, making filming and editing significantly easier.
The Path Home - Online Campaign and Cinema Screening
Emerging Leaders in Governance Program - Video Campaign
✓ Increased quality and volume of program applicants.
✓ Supported Community Partner engagement and funding.
✓ Helped interviewees feel comfortable sharing authentic stories.
ELGP - Extensive multi-video campaign
Want to discuss your communication challenge?
Our process
How we uncover what matters
and help other people see it:
01
Clarify the goal
We identify who the film needs to reach, what they need to understand and what action, decision or change the communication needs to support.
02
Find the story
We work with you to find the people and experiences that best reveal the work, and develop an interview approach that gives the story room to emerge naturally..
03
Film with care
We guide the production process in a way that feels calm, respectful and focused, especially when working with sensitive or lived experience stories.
04
Reveal
We shape the footage into clear, emotionally honest films that help other people recognise the value of your work. Each project can also be adapted into useful assets for campaigns, events, stakeholder conversations, websites, donor communications and social media.
More kind words
Trusted by orgs making a difference.
"Observation Studio took the time to listen and understand the tone, atmosphere and feel we wanted for the video. They were methodical checking who the audience was. Michael was super really happy to take suggestions for shots - but then lean into this expertise! On the day, it was really effortless. It helps he's a real "people person" and great at communicating with everyone, bringing out their best. It was a truly collaborative project, and we can't wait to work with Observation Studio again."
"Michael was a pleasure to work with. He actively listened to understand our requirements to develop a scope of works that delivered on exactly what was requested. We are delighted with the final product and the collateral developed is a great addition to our existing collateral to showcase the stories and impacts of the program directly from people involved. Michael and his team made all stakeholders feel comfortable, his approach to video sessions and environment he created allowed interviewees to be their natural authentic selves and open up share their experiences."
"Michael from Observation Studio put heart and professionalism into The Path Home project videos for Uniting WA - a series of mini documentaries featuring the path out of homelessness for seven West Australians and photographed by renowned photographer Jarrad Seng. Michael added value to our work with his insights and his over and above contributions. To top it all, he is just a supremely nice human being who is a pleasure to work with."
For organisations doing important work that can be difficult to explain from the outside
Community services
Disability Sector
Health and aged care
Youth and family services
Education and training
Government-funded programs
STILL NOT SURE?
Questions you might have
Do we need to know the exact story before enquiring?
No. Some organisations come to us with a clear participant or story already in mind. Others simply know there's something important they need people to understand. Part of our role is helping you work out what form that communication should take and where video can be most useful.
Can you help with sensitive lived experience stories?
Yes. This is a key part of our work. We take care with consent, participant preparation, interview pacing and the way each person’s experience is represented in the final film. Our aim is to create trust and space for people to speak honestly, without making them feel pressured to perform for the camera.
Can we use the video for more than one purpose?
Usually, yes. Many projects can be shaped so the main film supports a key communication goal, while shorter cutdowns or alternate edits can be used across social media, email, events, stakeholder meetings or internal communications.
Do you only work with not-for-profits?
No. We also work with community organisations, local governments, education providers, government-funded services and other organisations doing work with genuine human value. The common thread is that the work is important, often complex, and needs to be communicated with care.
Can you help us decide what kind of video we need?
Yes. In fact, that’s often where the best projects begin. We’d rather help you make the right film than rush into producing something that doesn’t serve the actual goal.
What if we don't have a budget yet?
Most projects sit somewhere between $8,000 and $30,000+, depending on their scope and complexity. But a smaller budget doesn’t necessarily mean an important story can’t be told—we’re open to exploring smaller scopes, funding opportunities or creative partnerships that could help make it possible. Tell us what you’re trying to achieve, and we can help you understand what might be realistic within your available budget.
MEET Our FOUNDER & Director
Hey, I'm Michael
Over the past 12 years, I’ve helped create hundreds of films for organisations across community services, disability, education, government, health and the arts.
My work is about helping organisations uncover what they’re really trying to say - combining deep listening, strategic clarity, and creative expression.
My work has taken me to Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, and India, but my greatest passion remains sharing the stories found here at home in Australia.
Board Member for Befriend (Community Not-For-Profit)
Worked in NFP Comms Management for 4+ years
Volunteered in Community Services for 10+ years
Husband and Father of two :)
www.observation.studio
© Observation Studio 2026