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The Video Consortium is a global network that supports nonfiction video creators to inform and inspire audiences everywhere.


The Gap We Fill

The visual stories we consume profoundly influence how we treat each other, how policy is built, how ideas are shaped, and how we see the world around us. And the people behind these stories — creatives working at the intersection of journalism, documentary film, and social media — play a more vital role in our society than ever before.

As old paradigms dissolve to reveal new modes of producing and distributing nonfiction content, there’s an urgent need for a cohesive support network; the Video Consortium fills this industry void.

As the world’s premier nonfiction video community, we support an ever-growing, diverse body of thousands of nonfiction creators, all striving to find innovative and inclusive ways to push inspiring stories forward — and positively impact audiences along the way.

What We Do

VC is working to democratize and diversify the field, to ensure that all nonfiction video professionals are holistically equipped to produce and release compelling, impactful stories. We see visual storytelling as a collaborative process, not as a club.

Guided by three focus areas, what we do reflects this ethos:

Why "Nonfiction Video"?

To represent the evolving direction of our field, we use “nonfiction video” as an umbrella term to describe the interconnected sectors of documentary filmmaking, visual journalism, and social [fact-based] media— all forms that serve the urgent need for truth in this new age of misinformation.

Community Values

TRUTH: We seek to amplify stories that authentically capture truth with nuance and integrity.

COLLABORATION: We believe that generosity and kindness are foundational to successful collaboration, and that reaching back to lift up those who come after us is crucial to the storytelling process and to our industry.

COMPASSION: We endeavor to meet people where they are, to be fully present for those we’re with, and to work towards an empathetic media culture in which storytellers can thrive and story participants are treated with dignity.

EQUITY: We strive to amplify and empower underrepresented voices and perspectives in all programs and content; after all, diverse crews and newsrooms, uniting varying perspectives and cultures, tell the most accurate and wholly better stories.

HUMILITY: Attitude and intention are equally important to technical skill and craft. Awards and accomplishments aside, we believe that a humble, seeking spirit is what drives excellent reportage and a pathway to social progress.

REPRESENTATION: As an international media organization that actively works to make space for storytellers everywhere, we seek to view the world through the perspectives of those most proximate to the issues being documented.

EXPERIMENTATION: We believe that mistakes are blessings, and that innovative, out-of-the-box experimentation is what drives us towards a better future.

AWARENESS: When we’re truly willing, present, and open to being swept up by the serendipity of the stories we’re following, we enter new worlds and can truly, authentically capture what’s happening before our eyes — and strongly regard this practice of conscious, deeply aware storytelling as vital to good journalism.

Continued reading: the Video Consortium's Community Code of Conduct.

How Can I Get Involved?

Membership: Whether you're a student, mid-career, or an established storyteller, all nonfiction creators are encouraged to join VC's global membership. Please note, applicants must provide at least one example of nonfiction experience when applying.

Newsrooms and Media Organizations: Are you on staff or regularly contract with newsrooms and media organizations? Check out our Newsroom Collective, established to support nonfiction professionals elevate their video production skills. Ask us about our upcoming Newsroom sessions.

Universities and Academic Institutions: Our University Initiative collaborates with educators looking to provide practical experience and direct industry connections for their students to successfully transition into the workplace post-graduation. Email our team to learn more.

Partnership: Interested in collaborating with the Video Consortium? Send us a note. We partner with companies and organizations, large and small, across the world to create programming, resources, and opportunities for nonfiction creatives.

Allyship: Perhaps you're not a nonfiction storyteller yourself, but feel inspired by bold stories and wish to support the field. Inquire about our Producer's Circle. Attend gatherings in a city near you and hear directly from storytellers about why and how they made their films. And as always, you can support our nonprofit efforts as we continue to shape the present and future of nonfiction storytelling!

From seed to screen

Our History

VC was born during a time of monumental industry change, from visual journalist Sky Dylan-Robbins. Sitting at her desk at The New Yorker magazine in 2015, she craved community in the siloed journalism industry and collaboration within the then-burgeoning digital video scene. Imagining how empowering it would be to connect with the industry’s growing number of video journalists, Sky emailed new hires at Vox, The New York Times, TIME, and a handful of indie documentary filmmakers. A week later, on a wintry evening at the back of an East Village bar in New York City, this small group of camera-wielding creatives sat together, clinking glasses, trading video secrets, and inspiring each other with their hopes for the industry’s future.

After a handful of local hub launches, hundreds of industry gatherings, thousands of connections and friendships forged, innumerable jobs filled and films made, and with the integral help of journalists and filmmakers around the world, VC incorporated as a nonprofit in 2016 and began its transformation into the global media organization it is today.

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Join our nonfiction video family.

Become part of VC's growing global network of talented nonfiction video storytellers.

VISUALS CREDITS

Trailer by VCers Sam Vladimirsky and Sky Dylan-Robbins, featuring gorgeous VC member footage by Victoria Rivera and Soren Nielsen, Mike Shum, Mac Premo, Souki Mehdaoui, Nico Muñoz, Alex Clark, Sam Wanjohi, and Martin Awano; and stunning photography by VC members Bellyfire Productions, Oresti Tsonopoulos, Chase Collum, Frank Sun, and Leslye Davis.

Photos featured by VC members and visual storytellers Jake Winsett and Michelle Pomeroy of Bellyfire Productions, Oresti Tsonopoulos, Chase Collum, and Leslye Davis.