Brian brings a wealth of practical resources and experience, with insightful perspectives on everything from visual editing and ethical transparency to multimedia techniques that extend well beyond video. His session offered real tools and inspiration for storytellers of all kinds. — Renée Deemer, Independent visual storyteller and The Kalish workshop alum

Brian has been in the business for 30 years in big media industries and as the leader of an innovative media company. Being open to change to the business environment is the key to success in an ever changing media environment. I took the class to keep the spirit of life long learning and innovation alive and Brian delivered. He was open and generous with his thoughts and life lessons and demonstrated new tools that he is developing that are an excellent example of innovation in the media field. — Max Becherer, Washington DC

MediaStorm's Workshop is a deep dive into the art of storytelling. The stories are created on a basis of respect and professionalism, which is a pleasure to be a part of. Brian's learning methodology and personal training inspire and give the confidence needed by any audiovisual lover.

— Rúben Neves

MediaStorm's workshop was really informative, helpful and interesting. I liked being Brian Storm's student for a day, and enjoyed the conversation as well as the film clips. We got to essentially go backstage and witness the process behind the product of a documentary. We all surely benefited from his knowledge, and we all appreciated him sharing his experience. It was great how he incorporated stories, back stories, explanations of why his team makes the choices they make whether about edits, music, audio, equipment, text, visuals - they stay focused on telling the story. Every decision is in service to that. It's very authentic. We also got a glimpse of MediaStorm's new innovative platform to aggregate and showcase all sorts of elements related to a story beyond the finished product of a film itself. It's proving to be a game changer in the field, whether for individual filmmakers or corporate clients, and for students and newbies with stories to share. May they continue to tell stories with heart that hit home, and may I do the same thanks in part to their help. I was inspired and motivated to keep going, to tell my dog's story as a tribute to him, when the workshop ended."

— Zannah Mass, Animal Advocate, Producer, Community Builder

"A day spent with Brian will fill you with inspiration. His passion for storytelling is contagious and the framework he has developed to set storytellers up for success is unparalleled. Brian is refreshingly humble and candid and his eagerness to share his knowledge is a gift to us all.

—

J

ocelyn Filley

,

photographer (& co-founder of a yet to be named and very tiny media company;)

"So many valuable lessons learned in a day. Brian brings his heart to his work and doesn’t spare it when it comes to educating. His style is transparent, thorough, and refreshingly humble, coupled with a lifetime of rich experience and deep connection to documentary makers who want to go deeper into their hearts of the participants and amplify their voices. His specific approach of speaking to photographers pivoting to video is invaluable for that audience. Several points were made on how photographers tend to approach film, and what specific things we need to do to honor the art of cinematography and storytelling in the moving image format. Because of Brian’s class, I left not only inspired but armed with a handful of specific tools and techniques to bring my documentary filmmaking to a more professional level. I feel so grateful for Brian’s candor and feel like I finally I have someone I can ask questions to while navigating this new journey of making meaningful films that will have an impact on the greater good."

—

R

obyn Twomey

, Photographer

"This workshop left me feeling more confident, inspired and committed to storytelling with a deep sense of purpose. Brian is a phenomenal teacher and a generous one-- in addition to sharing his decades of experience in business, his personal perspective and practice in the craft of storytelling, he works to make each workshop participant feel that they belong and that their voice matters. I deeply appreciated Brian's unpacking of the journalistic ethos that informs all MediaStorm productions. Brian gets to the heart of why storytelling matters and why it is so important today-- powerful storytelling can change hearts and minds. In his words, if we can tell stories that show what binds us together and not what is tearing us apart, we can have an impact on the world around us. Prepare to walk away from this workshop with a robust set of tools for making work that matters, great insight into the mechanics of storytelling, a framework of ethical considerations to live and work by and some all-around valuable lessons on how to be a good human."

—

Indaia Whitcombe | Folklorist & Visual Storyteller

“A workshop worth traveling 4,899 miles! Attending the 

One

Day Master Class

 was an experience well worth traveling from Maui to Brooklyn. I set out to learn as much possible, refine my skills and gain insight to help me create better multimedia projects. Since my education at UNC-Chapel Hill, I have continued to learn and be inspired by MediaStorm projects produced throughout the years. I finally had the opportunity to learn from Brian Storm and his storytelling techniques. There was so much to take in during this crash course, including how to think about the editing process, engaging with your subject and what to look for in the field. Not all information was technical, however; there was also discussion on various topics brought up by the group, including why “creating stories you want to make” is so powerful and the importance of working with a team. I came back motivated and eager to apply what I learned. More importantly, I left with a sense of community. I enjoyed meeting all the talented people connected by the passion to create great stories. I was taken away by Brian’s sincere willingness to share his expertise to help each of us become better storytellers. This was a great occasion for networking, teambuilding and gaining an outlet for guidance and support. I feel better equipped to work on my current project knowing what I know now."

—

Selket Kaufman, Visual Communications Specialist, Pacific Whale Foundation

“The One Day Master Class is eye-opening to anyone interested in producing or filming documentaries. From the technical and business aspects to learning how to develop human connections, this workshop is fundamental for anyone who wants to use visual storytelling to help others raise their voice. Brian Storm is such an empathic person and it shows not only in his personality but also in the way he shares his experience so others can do better. You will feel inspired after taking this workshop.” 

— Gr

eta Díaz, graduate journalism student at The University of North Texas

"As a journalist and writer by trade, I've struggled to translate my storytelling skills to video. This workshop provided invaluable insights into how to master the video interview and effectively apply narrative concepts through film. I gained confidence and also inspiration to use this powerful medium more effectively."

— Ja

mie Hansen, Science Storyteller, Higher Education

"The Masterclass was absolutely brilliant! Brian’s work is so good, it is my aspiration that my skills will become as good as his and his team's. Brian’s vast knowledge of the industry and especially of what makes a great story are so valuable; to be in the room and participate in the conversation is a filmmaker’s dream come true. Brian went into the nitty gritty of breaking down projects scene by scene in lots of detail; sharing why some choices were made, and why some choices worked really well and others did not. I also found it interesting to hear about conflict between team members - and how those were resolved.

MediaStorm’s stories are inspiring, heart wrenching at times and touch your soul. They can make you laugh out loud and cry all during the same film (which happened to me during the Workshop!). If only every filmmaker had Brian’s ethics at heart, and his vision.

I recommend this Workshop to anyone who wants to become the best storyteller possible. You will learn so much and be inspired to pick up your pen and camera and improve all your skills with the knowledge you’ve gained!"

— J

asmine Embrechts, filmmaker

"I have attended Brian's workshops on multiple occasions over the years and love the wealth of information and tools he shares with the attendees. His casual approach allows for productive discussions. I appreciate Brian's effective teaching style that is easy to follow. I've been able to add new skills and approaches to my work after attending each of his workshops."

 —

Jana Ašenbrennerová, photojournalist

“This workshop gives you the inside look at the techniques in filming, production, and business handling in an industry that almost feels lonely to navigate. As a still-life photographer, I feel like this workshop was created just for creatives like me who are trying to transition into documentary filmmaking. Learned that our eye as a still-photographer can amplify the power of a documentary while learning to trust team environments and that everyone has a role to have a film come to completion in all its glory. Brian is a spectacular teacher that gives you real-world advice, with humor compassion, and patience. You can tell that he wants every student to win. I'm definitely telling my filmmaker friends to take this workshop and you should too!” 

—

Eva Woolridge, Award-Winning Photographer & Filmmaker based in Brooklyn NY. 

"The MediaStorm Master Class is an incredible resource for both early and mid-career visual storytellers who are looking for ways to maximize their projects' reach and potential. From a scene-by-scene analysis of visual and editorial choices made during past MediaStorm projects to interview techniques backed by anecdotes from Brian's rich history as a storytelling professional, the workshop was packed with practical information delivered with Brian's signature wit and sense of humor. What makes this curriculum unique is that it helps still photographers like myself think beyond their skill set and weave audio and movement into their projects in a meaningful way. A heartfelt thank you to Brian for teaching us how to develop rich narratives that go beyond "taking a picture" and for reminding us that there

is

a future in long-form documentary work, even if the changing media landscape tells us otherwise."

—

Haruka Sakaguchi, Freelance Photographer

“The One Day Master Class is eye-opening to anyone interested in producing or filming documentaries. From the technical and business aspects to learning how to develop human connections this workshop is fundamental for anyone who wants to use visual storytelling to help others raise their voice. Brian Storm is such an empathic person and it shows not only in his personality but also in the way he shares his experience so others can do better. You will feel inspired after taking this workshop.”

— Gr

eta Díaz graduate journalism student at The University of North Texas

“I truly enjoyed the webinar on Saturday. It was very informative. I especially appreciate the breakdown of the processes you and your MediaStorm team used to develop and create those fantastic stories. Your experience and knowledge of this industry is uncanny! Since I am a visual learner, this style is perfect for me. I believe in lifelong learning, as I am always seeking new knowledge. I would highly recommend this webinar to both new and experienced filmmakers. This class is priceless.”

— Leon

ard Smith III, Owner LS3 Studios, LLC

”It’s such a great experience and it’s completely catered to the desires of the class. You’ll learn generally about the documentary world but you’re also given endless opportunities to ask questions and you’ll receive very thoughtful responses.”

— Liam M

ays, Film and Journalism student at the University of Kansas

”I highly recommend this incredible workshop. Brian taps into his deep history as a storyteller to offer massively useful, tangible strategies for documentary filmmakers. The day involves broad strokes (“every edit should have a rationale and philosophy”), and detailed ones (how to interview; how to plan visuals). Everything is useful and inspiring if telling stories is something you love doing. As a person relatively new to filmmaking, the day offered me many different ways that I can improve my work.”

— Michael

Berman, photographer/doc filmmaker

”The MediaStorm one-day masterclass is an eye-opener for the depth and intention that should be considered when making a documentary. From the building blocks of filming to the nuances of visual sequencing, Brian shares how important these decisions are to building and keeping the integrity of the story. He is generous with his experience and knowledge and truly wants to help his students find a way to integrate media storytelling into their business model. I also appreciated his honesty with the challenges that are involved in this work. Thank you for the wealth of information that you shared with us that day!”

— Felicia Ch

ang, Freelance Photographer

”The MediaStorm one-day masterclass was an informative and inspiring experience. We were taken behind the scenes to dive into how MediaStorm find their stories, how they are pieced together and the process of running a media business. I’d recommend this to anyone starting out in the industry.”

— Kristine Nyb

org, Photographer

”The MediaStorm masterclass was an educational and interactive experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in working professionally with multimedia. Brian taught me a lot about the thought process needed to create a meaningful, successful video, using many examples from MediaStorm. If you're a student who wants some insight on how to create quality multimedia projects, then the MediaStorm masterclass is perfect for you.”

— Julia Martins

de Sa, Ohio University

”The Master Class with MediaStorm was an incredible experience! This class opened my eyes in a way I didn't know I needed, to find my niche and jump back into the career I fell in love with. I appreciated how this master class gave me the opportunity to look further into journalism from a realistic, in the moment point of view. Whereas my background came from product placement, advertisement, and marketing. This class had its challenging moments of decision-making, questioning the work we were exposed to and was in many ways intuitively well-structured and easy to relate and follow along with. This class also gave me the opportunity to network with other creatives who had different yet similar experiences as I have had in my career; I appreciated the opportunity to learn from people who have 'been there done that' and also state my point of view in moments they questioned. I am excited to apply the learned methods from this master class in my own work and also connect my students with the opportunity of growth that MediaStorm has to offer. Brian Storm has a way of connecting his teams together and creating an exceptional learning experience.”

— Trishia Ybarrech

e, Options For All: Film & Media Job Developer

"Always something new to learn! This was a very engaging, focused and well directed workshop. A lot was covered but everything was presented with clear analogies and personal experiences. This was my second workshop (first one in person pre Covid), this time was a little different. It’s always more engaging in person, but the online workshop did allow for fellow classmates to partake from different locations around the world. The process was organic, and we were introduced to many amazing storytellers and network opportunities. A greater sense of collaboration was bestowed with the virtual platform, allowing me to feel more integrated in this ever-evolving field of visual communication. Thank you, Brian, for all that you do and all you share!”

— Selket Kaufman

”MediaStorm's intensive one-day masterclass was an immersive experience into visual storytelling. It was a treat to be able to watch and deconstruct some of the powerful work produced by MediaStorm with Brian, and to have a more extensive look at the business end of things. As someone who works independently in the field, workshops such as these are integral to feeling a part of the larger community, and helps to keep up to date with an ever-evolving industry. Brian's insight was invaluable and left me feeling more confident navigating my own projects and career. I would highly recommend it.”

— Jess Obert / Freelan

ce visual journalist and filmmaker

”I would recommend the MediaStorm Master Class to anyone who is pursuing a career in documentary filmmaking. Brian is a one-of-a-kind storyteller with incredibly useful knowledge to share. He fits many different important aspects of storytelling into the session, such as the various ways as a filmmaker you can make income. He shares the secrets of what truly makes MediaStorm so successful. He is passionate about this field of work and encourages others to enter the space. The class also connects you with other creators in the industry that are at the top of their game! Once again, I'd highly recommend this class.”

— Mackenzie Behm, Indep

endent documentary filmmaker

”It is a most energizing experience to attend a MediaStorm workshop whether it is virtual or in person. In his critically acclaimed book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell chronicles in great detail the time and effort it takes to achieve skill mastery. Gladwell’s exhaustive research discovered that it takes a minimum of 10,000 hours to achieve mastery in a person’s chosen profession or passion. Gladwell’s two stellar examples of people who have achieved skill mastery are Bill Gates and the NBA legend Michael Jordan. Brian Storm and his company MediaStorm have also achieved mastery. In his workshops, he is very candid that his own personal journey to achieve mastery has been very challenging and filled with potholes and it takes a lot of commitment and hard work. In MediaStorm’s in depth workshops you will learn how to weave audio, video and interactive graphics to create compelling stories that actually get noticed. These workshops contain many inspiring nuggets for everyone….beginner or seasoned professional. Highly recommended!”

— Joe Cowell, Consultant a

nd documentary filmmaker

”The work that MediaStorm produces is exceptional and getting to hear firsthand from Brian Storm why they do the work they do was very inspiring. A special note on the current online format due to Covid-19: I was a little nervous about spending an entire day on video chat, but I was happily surprised at how engaging Brian was and how much I learned and felt included in the workshop despite the online format. If you need a boost right now, take this workshop and spend the day with other dedicated storytellers. I was so glad I did!”

— Katie Sunku Wood, Freelanc

e Video Creator

”Inspiring, thought provoking, and a great resource overall! The Covid-19 Zoom edition was intense but engaging. Brian is a wonderful speaker with so much knowledge to share and hungry for questions. As a young storyteller having a first hand look at MediaStorm's workflow sheds light on navigating the storytelling and film industry to produce powerful projects while making the work sustainable financially. I'm humbled to know that there are spaces like MediaStorm and people like Brian that are open to share their hard learned lessons and open doors for upcoming visual storytellers. I'd recommend this MasterClass for anyone interested in visual storytelling, particularly film!”

— Gabriella N. Báez, Documenta

ry Photographer and Photojournalist

”I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is interested in learning more about visual storytelling. It can be a very daunting experience trying to navigate through the video world, but this workshop has given me tools that make me feel more confident. It’s also shown me how many people are out there that are just as curious and hungry to learn. I’ve made connections with people from around the world because of this workshop and that has given me a feeling of community that I hadn’t felt before.”

— Gillian McClees, Freelance Vid

eo Editor

”MediaStorm's master class was both incredibly informative and equally inspiring. Brian led the workshop in a way that made myself and the other 11 strangers on the zoom call feel like longtime friends by the end of the session. His passion for his work; telling and producing the stories that wouldn't normally get coverage, connecting people all over the globe and teaching other like minded individuals how to do the same, made for a very special and valuable experience. By the end I felt affirmed and eager to continue to tackle my own projects in a more efficient and effective way. I'd absolutely recommend taking his workshop especially if you are someone with a story you're just burning to tell, but are having fears or doubts about where to start or what to expect from this seemingly daunting industry.”

— Stella Estrella, Writer/Director

”It was enlightening to learn MediaStorm’s process to create great storytelling and the philosophy behind its successful approach. I was also pleasantly surprised at how generously Brian shared MediaStorm's hard-earned lessons – something rare in this competitive business.”

— Oscar Durand, photojournalist and

video producer

”It was a great day getting to know Brian and appreciate how he is building a truly innovative company within the visual storytelling space. Coming from a film tradition, I have always been dissatisfied with traditional distribution models including the 'festival run'. I was excited to learn how the new MediaStorm platform provides a cinematic, comprehensive, and substantive web package for NGOs, activists and foundations. It was refreshing to hear how Brian has rethought and rebuilt this distribution platform for storytellers and how he is reimagining the future of publication, installation, and sales. I left the class, buoyed by the fact that with MediaStorm forging the way, there will be more and better opportunities for visual storytellers to get their work out into the world and for that work to have much broader consequence.”

— Karin Stellwagen - Visual Journalism

and Documentary Film Faculty, Brooks Institute (ret.), Documentary Film Producer and Editor, Daughters of Femicide

”Brian Storm's one day master class was exactly what I needed at this point in my career. I am currently transitioning from a staff position at a newspaper to the world of an independent visual journalism. About six years ago, when my interest in video began, I had made good use of his online training videos and they greatly informed my best work since then. Having many questions regarding starting my new business I immediately looked to MediaStorm's training and made the investment. I'm so glad I did. The workshop was jam packed with pearls of hard earned wisdom that clearly took years to develop. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from Brian's experience and put it into my own business right now. I came out of it feeling more firm about the good things in my business plan and having clear ideas on how to improve areas of my business plan that were lacking. Brian Storm is a rare resource that welcomes others to draw from him. We are lucky to have him available to us.”

— Autumn Payne, Independent Visual Journ

alist

”Inspiring, insightful and informative. As a sucker for thoughtful and motivated visual storytelling, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Brian breaking down a film scene by scene. His instructions are very detail-oriented and effective, which will benefit both early-career journalists and seasoned professionals looking to add more storytelling techniques to their arsenal. The class also offers a clear insight into the structure and business operations of MediaStorm. I had learned a lot from MediaStorm’s online training resources prior to attending this class, and it was particularly beneficial for me to go behind-the-scene and discover more about how MediaStorm handles production and distribution, developing new toolsets and providing online training in a way that is sustainable. Also by participating in this class, you will be surrounded by intelligent and skillful storytellers from various backgrounds who are passionate about the craft. Highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in documentary, video and multimedia production no matter what level you are at in your career.”

— Yutao Chen - Multimedia editor at the Ar

kansas Democrat-Gazette

”Despite having twenty five years of storytelling experience, the information and insight I received from Brian with MediaStorm was invaluable. He was willing to share all his trade tips and secrets, with full transparency, to enable me to be the best storyteller I can be. From content creation to the importance of marketing your projects, what I learned from MediaStorm will help me take my business to places I didn't know how to reach.”

— Doug Legore, 2000 NPPA Photographer of the

Year and owner/operator of Doug Legore Media, LLC

”I would highly recommend MediaStorm's Master Class. Brian was extremely insightful, thorough and transparent about their workflow and creative process. This is a class for any storyteller, looking to enhance their skills in the craft of filmmaking.”

— Ben Rountree, Cinematographer

”Brian’s one day workshop was incredibly helpful to deconstruct some of MediaStorm’s films and understand the business model. As someone who is early in their career, I find it incredibly encouraging to hear Brian’s honesty behind his experiences. It was a privilege to be alongside so many talented people and it makes me eager to delve into this work. I feel like I walked away with pages of notes and a hunger to create meaningful storytelling.”

— Emily Hunt, Visual Journalist

”If you are looking for a great film maker giving you all his secrets without reservation interestingly and engagingly you should definitely join the workshop, you are in for a treat.”

— Gladys Campero, Visual Storyteller at 33Visual

”I really got a lot out of the day. I wanted to attend the class to get an infusion of new ideas about ways to approach some of the video work that I both oversee and produce myself. And I came away with new ideas in spades. The dissection of the Danny Wilcox Fraiser piece was probably the most helpful, just seeing how you all approached that story and the techniques you used when it came to shooting, interviewing, sequencing the shots, etc. The idea that every shot must have a reason for being there. "Do less, better." Making stuff that matters, and be compelling. Story trumps technique. With limitation comes creativity. These are the main themes I took away from that. It was great to go "under the hood" on some of the other pieces you shared to hear how everything came together, there were plenty of lessons that I will be apply to apply to my own work moving forward. And actually just seeing pieces like Snowbound (I went back later and watched the whole thing) expanded my mind to ways of putting things together. Not that I would every really use that format in the corporate work I do, but the way some of the shots were paired together, and transition into other shots, and how the music was used, these concepts are useful when it comes to thinking about new approaches. Same goes for the piece in Laos, and how they built up tension before the detonation. Great stuff.”

— Joe Jaszewski, Visual Communication Team Leader, I

daho Power Company

”The workshop with Brian Storm was an amazing skill builder. I learned a ton of new approaches to filmmaking and business. From being in control of your data to maintaining distribution and packaging through a platform that has your best interest. I would highly recommend this online course.”

— Tylar Campbell Reporter Peninsula Press

”This was an inspiring and insightful master class. I thoroughly enjoyed Brian’s teachings, dissecting short-documentaries, frame by frame. It definitely gave me a better understanding of visual storytelling and I’ll use these tips in the foreseeable future. In addition, he gave great tips on how to set up a media company and how, with great content, one could compete with major platforms. Whether someone has years of experience working for legacy media or has just started as a freelancer, this workshop has everything one needs to take their work to the next level. Highly recommended!”

— Serginho Roosblad, documentary filmmaker

”The MediaStorm master class was one hell of a day. In one day, Brian shared MediaStorm’s stories, success, and innovation. It was exactly what I needed to turbocharge my creativity and reassess my freelance business venture. Brian’s master class has something for everybody who cares about quality storytelling: visual deconstruction, business pro tips, and new technology, to name a few. As a visual journalist and storyteller, I have worked with and studied under many MediaStorm disciples in the past decade. It was such a treat to learn from Brian himself and see how deeply the MediaStorm storytelling ethos has permeated the documentary storytelling industry; 25 years in and the message is more relevant than ever: Make the stories you want to be hired to make. I appreciated Brian’s candor and willingness to crack his business wide open and show all the nitty-gritty details of creating and sustaining a successful storytelling company. It was a wonderful opportunity to pause from my day-to-day, learn a lot, and be inspired. I feel recharged and ready to get back to work.”

— Sarah Nathan

”Even though I’m a seasoned filmmaker and photojournalist, I knew Brian was a world-class visual storyteller and filmmaker so I was expecting some helpful tips. Brian didn’t disappoint. He guided us step-by-step through several of MediaStorm’s projects offering salient principals with each work. One especially insightful interview tip — sometimes silence spurs the best quotes. But what I really loved about the class was that it showed us how a boutique media company like MediaStorm is sustained by cultivating different income streams and by not relying solely on client production work. He gets into the gritty details of how he partners with photographers and filmmakers, and gives tips on working with clients including how much to charge and advice like “don’t oversell.” Brian also gave us a preview of a new platform MediaStorm developed to help content creators exhibit and profit from their work. Some really amazing stuff here.”

— LiPo Ching, Photojournalist and Filmmaker

”MediaStorm's class broke down storytelling theory in a way that challenged me to think about my past projects and better prepared me for those that I am currently working on. Brian is a charismatic instructor who loves sharing the knowledge he has gathered with anyone willing to learn. His anecdotes and projects serve as his syllabus and he teaches with an authenticity that cannot be faked.”

— McArdle Hankin, Co-Founder 

Back Pocket

”Brian's one-day masterclass was very inspirational. I have known Brian for many years, but I never realized how much his dedication to top quality storytelling was interconnected with his pioneering and successful business models. Trained as a reporter in print, I enjoyed learning about the visual storytelling and editing processes in the morning. I got a lot of ideas for a movie for my non-profit organization. Now I need to find ways to make them happen!”

— Delphine Halgand-Mishra, Executive Director, 

The Signals Network

”Thank you Brian for putting together a very thoughtful workshop that was also a deep mediation on what it means to be a creative professional in a constantly evolving modern landscape, I really appreciated your candor during the day. I especially enjoyed seeing the thought process, planning, shooting techniques, and editing choices that went into creating some of MediaStorm's most iconic pieces, I would have loved this to have continued into another day at least. I also appreciated your frankness in discussing some of your issues dealing with clients, as it was eye-opening to see this struggle goes on for creative professionals no-matter what the level one is operating at. It was a pleasure to meet everyone in this workshop, it was a really eclectic group of extremely interesting individuals, and I really enjoyed meeting all of you and hearing all of your stories, I definitely did not want the day to end.”

— Shawn Read, Media Producer, Teaching and Learning Lab, Harvard

Graduate School of Education

”A heartfelt message of gratitude for sharing that Saturday. It was inspiring! Brian, thanks for having me and I was surprised how much I learned about good editing and shooting. It will stick with me! It was valuable to me. It made me think that someday soon I could mentor one of our kids! Loved meeting all of the other participants and hearing about their journeys and remarkable work.”

— Holly Carter, Founder and Executive Director, BYkids

”Brian's one day masterclass is extremely insightful, as it focuses both on the creative aspects of documentary filmmaking and the business aspect. As someone who has more of a background in photography then film, I was inspired by Brian's belief in how a photographic eye can be applied to filmmaking. Brian is a great speaker, and also a great listener. Beyond the quality of the presentation, a big part of the experience is interacting with the others from the group where everyone has fascinating stories to bring to the table.”

— Claire Debost, Freelance Journalist

”As a journalist and educator I strive to stay relevant in this ever changing world of media and reporting. To stand out above the noise of Social Media is critical. What Brian is doing with his business and workshops is admirable. He shares his creative insight into conveying honesty in storytelling and aiming for those authentic moments. His knowledge is vast, and passion contagious. I recommend his workshop to anyone working in the news or documentary film industries looking to sharpen their techniques.”

— Keli Moore, Journalist, College Professor Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

”Brian Storm’s Master Class, held last Saturday in DUMBO, represents MediaStorm’s flagship storytelling intensive. As words and pictures become blurred into one seamless medium--cross-pollination of skills is essential. Brian helped clarify a genre still in its infancy: journalists, photographers & filmmakers working together to produce engaging, relevant and highly personalized films--often under 30min. In Saturday’s seminar, Brian went out of his way to unselfishly “give away all the secrets.” I left with much more than I expected and his supportive approach to sharing his hard-won knowledge of the process, inspired me to reinvent the way I think of my own words & pictures. It was terrific meeting you, and thanks again for the heartfelt wisdom you shared. More Yoda than Poindexter.”

— Will Rhyins

”As a longtime reporter and editor looking to start a new media venture, I found Brian’s one-day master class both practical and inspirational. In an age of click-bait “journalism,” Brian’s unwavering commitment to quality storytelling resonated with me deeply, and has motivated to keep pursuing my entrepreneurial journey. Brian used the first portion of the day to show several MediaStorm film projects and explain the technical details that made them work. Watching these films and hearing the stories behind them was powerful and emotional. As a journalist who has been mainly focused on print, I learned many new visual storytelling techniques that I can use to immediately improve my own work and help guide and critique the work of others. I’m eager to get out in the field and start putting them into practice. The second half of the seminar was devoted to how to build a business around this kind of storytelling. I was truly amazed at how thoroughly Brian has thought about different opportunities to scale his business — including publishing, syndication and licensing, technology and training. Even more astounding is that Brian is willing to share so openly the lessons that he’s learned over 20 years. Most entrepreneurs would guard this hard-won knowledge as if their lives depended on it, but Brian puts it all out there and shares it. I came away with at least a dozen ideas to consider as I start my own venture. I recommend Brian’s workshop to anyone who is thinking about delving into this meaningful but economically challenging field. I really hope to take a five-day session with him soon!

— Julie Makinen

JSK Stanford Fellow

“Brian's workshop was a great blend of inspiring experiences and business insights, creating a great atmosphere for learning. He opened up his business and shared the core and true concepts behind MediaStorm. His one day well rounded workshop is a great overview of MediaStorm decision making process. I can't wait to do the full five days. Thanks Brian Storm, you are an inspiration and a master storyteller!

— Clara Gonzalez Sueyro /

JSK Stanford Fellow

“I know next to nothing about video or how to tell stories via video, but I had a vague understanding that Brian knows, so I happily signed up for this workshop. The first impression was that Brian really cares about people and storytelling, and that all of the really important things that go with that don't add up to shit without that genuine commitment to people and persons and craft. Brian's workshop might take you from 5 to 8 on the Spinal Tap scale, if you only care about the (institutional/academic?) function of filmmaking and storytelling. That's not where Brian comes from. His craft is inseparable from his head and his heart. His heart is human, and it takes him/audiences to profound places. Not exclusive places, but profound in the sense that the stories connect with viewers in a rare, common space. He's a good fucking storyteller, and he cares about craft, and he is an innovator because he had to figure that stuff out. And he's very generous about sharing his experience. I feel in debt to people like Brian, and I'm inspired to take on his commitment to craft, which includes teaching others what you know.”

— Dustin S. Bleizeffer /

JSK Stanford Fellow

“Brian Storm's one day master class offers a good balance of inspiring content and technical overview. He took the class step by step through his journey of starting MediaStorm, what stories they are most proud of and some basics to improve our own visual storytelling. The entire class is 8 hours, but it does not feel that long because the day is well organized and filled with interesting content. I am currently a graduate student, but worked in the journalism and photography industries for several years prior to school; and the thing I appreciated most about Brian's instruction was his honesty. There are a lot of people that paint a very soft and pretty picture of what it will be like in the field and Brian tells it to you straight. He gave candid examples of tricky relationships with clients and things he would have done differently now looking back on starting MediaStorm. The other added benefit of this master class is meeting the other inspiring people who attend, all in all it was a very inspiring experience.”

— Mary Newman / visual journalist

There is a big difference between content and photography (multimedia). Most of what we see is content, imagery that crosses the eyes but never connects with the brain, so when you see quality photography/multimedia it stands out as a reminder that great things are being done. I learned a long time ago that I if I wanted quality all I had to do was look at MediaStorm. I signed up for this workshop with both a specific need and an open mind, and both items were addressed and then some. Seeing individual films broken down minute-by-minute, even second-by-second, was eye opening, strategic and motivational. Brian delivers in a refreshingly honest way, something we should all appreciate. From creation to syndication and tech, the workshop covered all angles. Well worth the time and effort.

— Daniel Milnor / Creative Evangelist,

 Blurb Inc.

It is clear from the workshop the passion and integrity with which MediaStorm approaches filmmaking. I came away feeling as though I have a clear understanding on how visuals can be used to create narrative arc. There is a vocabulary to filmmaking that was unlocked for me which was high on my list of goals for the workshop.

— Adriana García /

JSK Stanford Fellow

“As someone who is more comfortable in text than in any other medium, I found the MediaStorm One Day Masterclass to be both an accessible introduction to visual storytelling and a revelation about the power of multiplatform video.” —

Stacy-Marie Ishmael /

JSK Stanford Fellow

“ Brian has developed a truly incredible and engaging body of work and speaks directly from his experience. When he walks you through the decision making process involved in each example of his work he breaks down storytelling with clear contextualized examples of what went into all the elements of a scene or a project. This helps you learn tremendously about what works and why in filmmaking, and challenges you to find the skill and craft you need to tell those engaging stories. Brian also has a very humanistic approach to getting those projects made. It's inspiring and validating to see that when you take on a project and engage your subjects with authenticity and respect that's when great work emerges.”

— Alex Reiter, Filmmaker, Relevant Media

”As a photographer with a background in legacy media, I’ve found the familiar way I’ve told stories in the past was limiting, and the result, often disappointing. I came to MediaStorm’s one day workshop because I love the quality of MediaStorm’s work and wanted to figure out ways to make a project I’m starting the best it could be. I also came with a deep prejudice against using video. I bet you can guess the end of this story. I left with more questions than answers - a good thing. I also left with a deep appreciation of the power of video and an even deeper appreciation of Brian Storm’s generosity in sharing what he knows; the depth of his love for and knowledge about storytelling; and gratitude that somehow, despite figuratively dragging myself kicking and screaming, I saw the light…the light that video can throw.” —

Michele McDonald / Freelance photographer

”This workshop was a rich introduction to MediaStorm’s work and methodology, spanning an incredibly broad range of topics in a single day. Brian did a great job of navigating between illuminating the factors that drive him and his team to create such powerful work and addressing the practical challenges of developing a sustainable business model to make that work possible. I especially appreciated how Brian lifted the curtain on the story behind the story and deconstructed partnerships with artists and clients, from the evolution of those relationships to the nitty gritty of nuanced editing choices. Brian’s dedication to the power of good storytelling and commitment to growing the industry is a real gift to aspiring producers and entrepreneurs in the field.”

— Kelly Creedon / Independent Producer

”Just want to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop yesterday. For me it was off-the-charts great. I love the way you deconstruct the storytelling process. And the information about your business model was awesome. To do the kind of inspiring work you're doing and actually make money at it is nothing short of amazing.”

— Barbara Kornreich / Independent Film Producer and Editor

”I became a storyteller to change the world. It wasn’t until I got older, more mature, that I realized I’d become a storyteller to help people connect. I believe it’s in that connection that we truly change our world. That’s why I’m so impressed with the work MediaStorm does. On technical skills alone, the MediaStorm team can easily produce a beautiful film. What makes them so special—and I never got this until I took their storytelling workshop—is that they bring human connection into the process. They emphasize the power of emotion in a way you don’t often hear. They bring a level of grace and dignity to the work that results in the most elegant stories about humans. They have inspired me to no longer settle for mediocrity, but to elevate my storytelling in a way that honors the people I feature.”

— Michelle Zelsman / Director, Marketing and Communications at 

National Breast Cancer Coalition

”As a print photojournalist, I went into MediaStorm's workshop with a skeptical eye. Two days later both my notebook and my brain were filled with the new ideas and opportunities being offered by the medium of web-based visual journalism. Two months later, I am still processing what I learned. This stuff isn't the future. It is now. I am convinced there has never been a better time to be a visual journalist. And there may be no person better suited to show you the way into this new medium than Brian Storm.”

— David Hobby / Staff Photojournalist at the Baltimore Sun, Founder of 

Strobist.com

”I learned more in a couple days with Brian than I could learn in several months any other way. I still refer to my notes from his workshop. Even more than the technical information I picked up, Brian's enthusiasm directly lead to a new vision for multimedia in our department. “

— Wes Pope / Multimedia Producer at 

The Rocky Mountain News

”So many papers are trying to rub sticks together to start a fire when all they need is a match. Brian's training with the Tribune Company helped focus the debate for what's important - good pictures and stories well told. Then he backed up his evangelizing with solid primers on technique.

— Tom Van Dyke / Multimedia Journalist at the 

Chicago Tribune

”Having Brian spend time with the photo directors and editors help set the tone for the direction we take in multimedia. The workshop opened up the possibilities that have gone mostly untested in the newspaper industry. As we move forward, these lessons learned will increase The Morning Call's audience especially when we tell stories with beautiful imagery and voices to create the complete narrative.

— Naomi Halperin / Director of Photography at 

The Morning Call

The MediaStorm One Day Master Class provides a general, yet precise, overview of documentary video and multimedia storytelling approaches. MediaStorm founder Brian Storm will walk you through specific examples as well as proven tips to improve your interviewing, editing and distribution techniques.

These are the upcoming one day workshop dates:

• Saturday, August 30, 2025
• Saturday, October 25, 2025

The MediaStorm Methodology Master Class gives participants a chance to look inside the workings of a successful film and interactive production company, while taking them step-by-step through both the creative and business aspects of digital storytelling.

Founder Brian Storm will share MediaStorm’s workflow and storytelling methods and discuss essential elements of project organization and storytelling concepts.

You can attend the workshop in Los Gatos, CA in person or online via Zoom.

Upcoming date:

• December 12 - 14, 2025 - (Deadline to apply is Nov 1)

The MediaStorm Platform is an advanced video platform that extends the user experience beyond linear video to include the interactive capabilities of the Internet. 

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