Documentary Storytelling for Good
You deserve more than a video.
For more than 15 years, I’ve specialized in helping mission-driven organizations capture stories that don’t just look beautiful on screen but actually move people to act. It’s not just about creating videos, it's about telling powerful stories that increase trust, funding, and impact.
Whether it's a feature length film or a fundraising video, my documentary filmmaking approach ensures that your videos convey real emotion and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
“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 will be harnessed for good and evil. To divide or to humanize. I believe everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to be seen, and 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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![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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![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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![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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![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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![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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![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 looking for the lowest price, I'm probably not the right fit. But 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 are a good fit, discuss your goals, and lay out our next steps.
Step 2: Film with Confidence
I’ll guide your team and interviewees through a comfortable, stress-free process
Step 3: Share Your Story
Launch your video and connect with donors, clients, and your community like never before
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.
