Examples of great brand documentary films

In a world dominated by social media likes and AI generated content, your customers are asking the question – where’s the authenticity? What’s real and who do I trust?

Queue the brand documentary. While traditional marketing focuses on selling product features and benefits, brand documentaries, focus on the stories of people that live your brand. The ones you help, heal, transform, benefit and inspire. The proof is in the research. Nielsen surveys show that word of mouth is the most trusted form of communication - with 92% of people trusting recommendations from friends and family, yet given this, surprisingly, brand documentaries are seldom used to inform potential customers about what you stand for, so aspire to be more than just a tagline.

Brand documentaries focus on your mission. The essence of your purpose. By connecting the impact you have to your cause, they help establish you as a leader, not just a name. By shining a light on the people, you help and campaigning for the issue you care about, you differentiate yourself from the competition.

WHAT IS A BRAND DOCUMENTARY

A brand documentary is just that, a documentary. It can range from a couple of minutes through to a feature length depending on the topic. Overall, brand documentaries are organic and non-promotional. It’s a story about your mission, values and cause told by the people you impact. Delve deeper with a video campaign or series to highlight different characters and viewpoints within a broader theme.

WHY DO BRAND FILMS WORK?

Brand documentaries tap into something deeper. We’re not talking about the stuff you watched at school - boring statistics, a bland narrator and archival pictures, we’re talking about watching characters overcome challenges in real time, relative to your mission or the cause you care about. They create emotional resonance, build trust, and leave lasting impressions, here's what makes them so powerful:

1. Something different – We switch off when we see traditional commercials and marketing content. Brand documentaries showcase a fresh, new perspective, told by those you impact.
   

2. Emotional Connection – Moving pictures, great stories and a cinematic journey create an emotional connection to your mission and cause. Move beyond a tag line and live your brand.
   

3. Long-Term Impact and ROI– Unlike short-lived ad campaigns, brand documentaries have enduring relevance, giving your content a longer shelf life and continued engagement. It can also be shaped into different stories, platforms and lengths giving you maximum ROI.
   

4. Artistry & Craftsmanship – A well-crafted brand documentary isn’t just informative; it’s visually stunning and emotionally gripping, just like the stories we tell at Ambitious Engine.

STANDOUT EXAMPLES

The best brand films don’t just inform; they inspire. They often start with a directors/ brand question. Here's four great examples.

Microsoft - Make what’s next

Why haven’t we heard more about women inventors and all they’ve contributed to science? This brand film shines a light on the need to inspire more great inventors. Microsoft is living one of their brand values, inspiring everyone to make an impact.

Redbull - I jumped from space

What does it feel like to skydive from the edge of space? 2012 Felix Baumgartner took a helium balloon into the stratosphere and skydived back to earth in a specially made space suit. Whilst in freefall he broke the speed of sound and entered a spin which threatened the entire Red Bull Stratos mission... Felix reflects on his achievement and shares what it really felt like to jump from the edge of space.

Dove – ‘Real Beauty Sketches’

Dove’s iconic campaign took an emotional approach, highlighting the gap between how women perceive themselves versus how others see them. The result? A viral success that cemented Dove’s commitment to self-esteem and authenticity.

Mailchimp – ‘Second Act’

What happens when you quit your job and follow your passion? Hear the inspirational stories behind how they've chosen—and navigated—their new paths. And discover how they've redefined success in their professional and personal lives. This series explores entrepreneurs who pivot into new careers, this documentary aligns with Mailchimp’s message of creativity, adaptability, and reinvention.

https://mailchimp.com/presents/second-act/

Let’s Tell Your Story

A brand documentary isn’t just content—it’s a movement. It’s a way to connect, inspire, and build something that lasts. If you’re ready to create a film that captures the heart of your brand, let’s make it happen.

Email us at joe@ambitiousengine.com or call (929) 242-9246. www.ambitiousengine.com