Documentary Storytelling for Good
You deserve more than a video.
For more than 15 years, I've partnered with mission-driven organizations to do more than create beautiful videos. Together, we clarify your message, tell powerful stories that invite people in, and build the kind of donor relationships that last. Because true impact comes from making people feel like they're part of something that matters.
“Working with Kelsey was so powerful because she gets it, she gets that stories matter… while other videographers need guidance, Kelsey is an expert filmmaker who takes the lead so that I can focus on what I do best” -Madelyn Ridgeway, 24/7 BLAC
More Donors
More Trust
More Impact
Their words say it best ↓
Press play to hear what it’s like to work with me, straight from my nonprofit and mission-driven partners.
A partner who understand your world
When I was 18, I applied for a scholarship to study media production. I wrote: "Video combines storytelling, visuals, and music to convey real human emotion. Its power can be harnessed to divide or to humanize and I believe everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to be seen. I want to contribute to the greater good."
Ever since then, I've partnered with amazing nonprofits who make our communities a better place. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
My Midwest upbringing taught me to work hard and be humble, so I feel uncomfortable listing my accomplishments. I tell my friends they need to stop being modest because they are amazing women who deserve to be seen. Therefore, I’m reluctantly taking my own advice and listing a few of them here.
15+ years of Experience
Emmy Award-Winner
Edward R. Murrow Award-Winner
20 under 40 Award Recipient
Best Woman Filmmaker Award
Best Iowa Film Award
Best Documentary- Brooklyn Film Festival
Blue and Gold NSPRA Awards
What my clients are saying
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![Sally Hollis McElroy Trust Lanehaven farms leader]()
"Kelsey is truly the best of the best! From start to finish, she makes the entire process easy and enjoyable. She brings such a thoughtful, artistic eye to everything she does. You can tell how passionate she is about her work, and it shows in the final product. I can’t recommend Kelsey Hammer Productions highly enough!"
Sally Hollis, Trustee
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“We are a long-term client of Kelsey’s and it’s just the best investment we make every year. We literally could not do our annual event without her.”
Megan McKenzie, Executive Director
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![Hannah Luce Executive Director Waterloo Schools Foundation]()
"Kelsey has such an incredible gift for storytelling. Her work reaches beyond the norm to always move you, your emotions, and see an impact on something more than yourself. She is timely, always compliments your vision, and brings the best work to life!"
Hannah Luce, Executive Director
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![Katie Hinders Program Officer, Nonprofit Funder]()
"I worked with Kelsey on our Gold Star Teacher Award videos and ceremony, where we highlight teachers in Black Hawk County, and she knocked it out of the park! I am amazed at Kelsey's thoughtfulness and ability to get each teacher to open up to her! Her storytelling skills are unmatched. Everyone who watched the videos were deeply moved, and many commented how they add so much to the event."
Katie Hinders, Program Officer
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![Emily Hanson, Executive Director at Black Hawk County Gaming Association Large Metro Founder Iowa]()
“Kelsey has the unique ability to really bring out the best in people she works with, making everyone comfortable and confident. The high quality work she has done for our organization has taken us to the next level. We are incredibly appreciative for her expertise.”
Emily Hanson, Executive Director
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![Sarah Helleso Co-Founder at Try Pie Waterloo youth development nonprofit]()
“Kelsey is incredible! She created a video for our nonprofit that perfectly captured the voice of our students and the impact of our program. She worked quickly, professionally, and personably and we couldn't be happier with the result. We're so excited for a tool to share the work we do and invite others into joining our mission.”
Sarah Helleso, Co-Founder/ Co-Director
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![Paige Price, Program Manager at Waterloo Community Foundation]()
“Kelsey helped our organization create a branding video. She is not only an excellent videographer, but an incredible storyteller! Her marketing expertise allowed us to create something that amplifies and shares our story in a simple way. Everyone involved throughout the process raved about how easy she was to work with and we couldn't agree more!”
Paige Price, Program Director
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![Beth Strike, Director of Creative Services and Marketing at Central Rivers AEA]()
“I've worked with Kelsey extensively and she is incredibly thorough, professional and skilled at storytelling. Her reputation for excellence is well established.”
Beth Strike, Director of Creative Services and Marketing
Let's Talk About Cost
I get it. Budgets are tight, and every dollar matters when you're doing mission-critical work.
Here's what I've learned after 15 years: The organizations that see the biggest impact aren't the ones looking for the cheapest option. They're the ones who invest strategically.
When you work with me, you're not just getting a one-off video. You're getting a strategic partner who understands mission-driven organizations and knows how to craft stories that build trust and move donors to give.
The truth is, my services cost more than you might expect. But my clients consistently tell me it's the best investment they make each year because the right videos don't just look good, they generate results.
If you're ready to invest in storytelling that actually works, let's talk.
A simple plan to multiply your impact
Step 1: Reach Out
We'll schedule a discovery call to see if we're a good fit, discuss your goals, and explore how we can partner together to build your storytelling strategy over time.
Step 2: Create Together
I'll guide your team and participants through a comfortable, stress-free process that captures authentic stories of your impact.
Step 3: Put It to Work
Launch your first video and start connecting in more powerful ways. Our long-term partnership gives you a toolkit of videos you can pull from for any occasion: galas, donor meetings, grants and more.
With the right videos you can….
Share a consistent, powerful story every time across events, campaigns, and online platforms.
Build confidence with donors, volunteers, employees, and your community
Capture authentic voices from every perspective so your message always feels human and true.
In the age of AI and fake news, there has never been a more important time to connect with people through genuine human emotion. Let’s humanize those who deserve to be seen and heard.
