The Executive Documentary

Transform your research into a powerful, cinematic film - blending expert interviews, fieldwork footage, and compelling visuals. Your very own TED Talk!

Communicate Insight with Impact

  • Engage leaders and stakeholders.
  • Communicate insights with clarity.
  • Create lasting impact beyond the report.

Who is it for?

Researchers | Agencies | Insight Departments

Why it works?

  • Synthesizes research findings and data into a memorable, persuasive and shareable format.

Human Insights Conference 2025

From Presentation to Documentary: A New Frontier for Insight Communication Nick Agafonoff presented at the Human Insights Conference in Melbourne (2025), where he made the case that the research industry has reached a tipping point in how we communicate insights. Traditional PowerPoint presentations are struggling to make an impact—so let's explore a bold alternative: the documentary format. To make the presentation accessible, Authentic Video has turned my presentation into a short explainer video. Since the conference, Nick has developed a toolkit and creative process for teams interested in making their own docu-findings. If you'd like Nick to share this with your team, feel free to get in touch.

A glimpse at some Executive Documentaries for a range of budgets...

*Access to video granted on request.
  • Documentary script containing research approach, key themes and insights, conclusions and recommendations
  • Voice of Authority (voice over)
  • Expert comments from researchers & consultants
  • Real video interviews and observations from fieldwork research
  • Integrated infographics and quantitative data
  • Use of stock footage and music to create engagement
  • Tailored to budgets

Key Benefits

An Executive Documentary is an insight storytelling device designed for impact, but it also iterates into a range of other formats and value-adds.

  • Executive Summary Video

    • Condensed version highlighting key findings and actionable insights.
    • Ideal for board meetings, senior leadership briefings, or inter-departmental updates.

  • Expert Explainers

    • Short, powerful video explainers from researchers or field experts.
    • Reusable in presentations, internal communications, or stakeholder briefings.

  • Data-Driven Visuals & Infographics

    • Animated charts, maps, or graphs derived from the documentary content.
    • Supports reports, slide decks, and decision-making tools.

  • PowerPoint Integration

    • Break the documentary into thematic chapters or modules as part of more in-depth PowerPoint presentation.
    • Provide coherency and structure to a bigger insight story.

  • Policy & Strategy Briefs

    • Video excerpts and visuals can be embedded in reports or policy documents.
    • Makes complex research findings accessible to non-specialist stakeholders

  • Conferences & Events

    • Short or full-length films for symposiums, research showcases, or public briefings.
    • Engages audiences and brings findings to life beyond the written report.

  • Internal Knowledge Library

    • Easy access and distribution via a linked and password protected online archive.
    • Allows for community responses and discussion within and beyond a team.

Let's start a conversation.

Every insight deserves to be seen and understood. If you’re ready to bring your research to life through an Executive Documentary, we’d love to explore how we can help. Let’s discuss how your findings can reach the audiences that matter most.