How It Started: A Camera, a Calling, and a Table Leg
I was 25, living in Philadelphia with my wife, when I heard a sermon that changed everything. The speaker’s name was Celestin. He was from Rwanda. His family had been slaughtered during the Rwandan genocide. But instead of revenge, he chose reconciliation. He made it his mission to bring healing across Africa.
That Sunday morning, Celestin spoke about the plight of the Sudanese. It wasn’t a story I hadn’t heard before—we’re often inundated with heartbreaking headlines—but something struck me differently. I thought, ‘What if I used what I was good at to serve others?’ That thought didn’t leave me. Later, I found it confirmed in Scripture: ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.’ (1 Peter 4:10)
I walked up to Celestin after the service and asked, “Could I go with you and help tell the stories of the Sudanese?” He didn’t hesitate. “Let’s go, brother.”
A few months later, we were puddle-jumping across Sudan (now South Sudan) in Cessna planes, walking cautiously around land mines. I had no real money, no crew, and no professional gear. I borrowed a friend’s camera, learned how to use it, and built a shoulder rig from a table leg and a 1×4 from Home Depot. It looked rough. But it worked. That trip marked the beginning of Nadus Films.
From the Bush to the Boardroom: Commercial Work That Connects
Since that first trip, Nadus Films has grown into an award-winning film production company with global reach. We’ve filmed in over 30 countries and 30 U.S. states, creating everything from feature-length documentaries and TV series to short-form commercial content, nonprofit campaigns, and brand films.
Today, we serve Fortune 500 brands, startups, and mission-driven organizations alike. Our client list includes some of the most recognized names in the world:
These companies come to us not just for beautiful footage—but for storytelling that moves the needle. Whether it’s launching a new product, elevating a legacy brand, or reaching a hard-to-impress audience, we approach commercial storytelling the same way we always have: with heart, clarity, and cinematic purpose.
We work on projects of every shape and size—from quick-turn social campaigns to multi-year docu-series and large-scale branded content.
Stories That Fund Movements and Fuel Brands
But we never left our roots. Our nonprofit arm still offers Give a Story Grants, providing high-impact fundraising video production to organizations that otherwise couldn’t afford it. We’ve awarded nearly $1 million in grants to over 17 nonprofits, helping them raise millions more.
One example: the Shai Fund. While filming in Iraq, we stayed in a war-torn city where we were the only people residing—until a truck full of ISIS fighters entered. And still, we stayed. The short film we created helped the Shai Fund raise 10x the production cost and supported families experiencing extreme religious persecution.
Another story: Leidy, a young woman featured in our film BBoy for Life. The film didn’t just document her world—it changed it. Leidy turned her life around and became a source of hope for others. Read Leidy’s story here (link to existing blog).
Whether we’re telling stories of corporate innovation or human transformation, we believe the most powerful content is rooted in empathy and driven by purpose.
20 Years of Purpose, One Frame at a Time
Two decades in, we’ve had Emmy wins, commercial success, global shoots, and headline partnerships. But the moments that stick with us aren’t always the ones on screen. It’s the refugee who sees themselves on film for the first time. The donor who realizes their gift went further. The client who finally feels understood.
We believe the story isn’t about us. It’s about those we serve. At Nadus Films, we’ve always been the guide—not the hero. The lens, not the spotlight.
Looking for a Storytelling Partner?
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader seeking powerful video storytelling, or a brand marketer looking to stand out—we’re here to help you tell the story that matters most.
Hire Nadus Films: We bring your mission—or your message—to life.
Support our Give a Story grants: Multiply the impact of donor dollars through storytelling.
Spread the Word: Help others find a video team that leads with heart and delivers with excellence.
The stories we’ve told could fill volumes. They’ve taken us from the streets of Guatemala to the boardrooms of billion-dollar brands. From the Sudanese bush to the backlot of a commercial shoot.
And we’re just getting started.
