I still see that soft golden glow of dawn in the jungles of Brazil—2005, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Xavante people as they heard the New Testament in their own language for the very first time. In that single, historic moment, I felt the weight of responsibility (and the wonder of possibility) that comes with capturing someone’s story on film. From that day on, being a storyteller became more than a dream—it became my mission.
Over the last two decades, I’ve worked as a staff member of nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, and now I want to partner with yours. Listening to your dreams, celebrating your victories, and feeling the weight of the challenges you face. I remember a 2014 storytelling workshop—Storytelling With Heart—that changed everything for me. It wasn’t just about picking the right lens or nailing the perfect shot; it was about understanding how each deliberate choice, from the way we frame a subject to the pauses we leave between words, deepens empathy and brings real human connection to the surface.
At Illuminate, we live and breathe three promises:
Story First: Every frame, every edit, every cut is in service of your narrative.
Authenticity: We don’t stage moments; we honor them. Real people, real emotions, real impact.
Excellence: Your film should look stunning—and feel purposeful, too.
When we step onto your campus, into your community center, or beside a family’s front porch, it’s not as “vendors” but as partners. We dig in—learning who you are, what gets you out of bed in the morning, and how your work changes lives. Then we craft a film that doesn’t just show what you do, but why it matters.
Imagine, golden light spilling across faces, a quiet moment that speaks volumes, a flourish of music that carries a message home. That’s the cinematic promise I bring to every project—a promise born from that dawn in Brazil and refined through years of listening, learning, and loving every story I get to tell.
Your mission matters. And it deserves more than a slick promotional video—it deserves a film that carries hope, sparks empathy, and moves hearts to action. Let’s have a conversation. Let’s explore how we can shine a light on your work in a way that’s honest, powerful, and unmistakably you.
Because at the end of the day, nothing is more fulfilling than knowing your story is out there—seen, felt, and remembered. Let’s illuminate it together.
Phil Spreadbury, Founder
PS. Here's that video from my trip to Brazil. By today's standards this video is quite poor, super long, and way before I knew how to develop a story! However, it's interesting to watch and imagine the impact the New Testament has had on this people group. Maybe it's time to go back for a follow up?
