Hudson Films

05/12/2024

Not every story needs polished perfection.

Meet Victoria.

She’s a Ukrainian refugee who fled Bucha—a town forever marked by tragedy in 2022. Now, she’s rebuilding her life in Israel.

When Victoria invited us into her home to share her story, I knew the visuals had to match the rawness of her journey.

Simple. Honest. Undistracted.

Her home became the backdrop—not the focus—so the spotlight stayed on her resilience, her emotions, and her strength.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do as a filmmaker is let the story speak for itself.

🎥 Every detail matters.

24/11/2024

Today, when you mention Matnat Chaim, almost everyone in schools in Israel knows: Kidney Donation.

But it wasn't always that way.

Judy was one of the first people in Israel to give a kidney altruistically, to someone she has never met before.

This is her story.

23/09/2024

How does style impact a film?

In every way imaginable.

It’s not just about fast music and quick cuts.

It’s about what you want to communicate.

Years back, I filmed a piece about a new accelerator for new .

We wanted to capture the hope, the newness, and the excitement for new immigrants here.

Could we have just showed up and filmed? Sure.

But that’s the difference between a videographer and a filmmaker.

It’s about intention, direction, and really making an impact.

22/09/2024

All videos should start with one thing: Your Goals.

It’s easy to be inspired by a concept, and think that this approach is the video you must make.

But unless you know WHY you’re creating what you are creating, and WHO you are speaking to - all your time and resources can go to waste.

When you have clarity on what you want from your next video campaign, you can create not only a truly powerful story, but one that actually solves your problems, and paves the way for you to focus on growing your organization.

Let’s discuss the 5 different goals I see most when working with non-profits, and which video approach will get you there.

Which one speaks to you?

10/06/2024

There's nothing like putting all your heart and soul into a fundraising campaign....only to have it flop.

Where did we go wrong? The message, the visuals and the timing was so spot on!

You can create the most powerful fundraising video, but if nobody sees it, it won't have an impact.

I've learned a lot from dozens of successful fundraising campaigns over the years, and it involves really shifting how we think about video, and how to actually use it to bring in donations.

Check out this week's video series and you tell me - how are you using video for your campaigns?

I'd love to hear your thoughts

03/06/2024

Am I sharing their story, or manipulating it?

If you create content for a non-profit, or share testimonials, chances are, you've struggled with this.

It's a complicated thing, sharing stories. And if we care about the work we are doing, it is so important to make sure that the stories that we are sharing are not only true, and honest, but also true to our values as an organization.

That is ethical filmmaking.

In this week's video, I go through what ethical storytelling is, how it effects how your organization shares stories, and what you can do to ensure that you are telling stories in the most ethical way possible.

Do you experience challenges with storytelling with your organization or work? Let me know below!

27/05/2024

10/04/2024

Recent controversies surrounding the documentary "Quiet on Set," shedding light on the challenges faced by Nickelodeon child stars, have sparked crucial conversations about storytelling ethics.

One particular incident has raised concerns: Marc Summers (anyone else remember him from Double Dare??) reportedly walked off mid-filming, feeling misled about the interview's intentions.

While I haven't personally viewed the film, this incident underscores a fundamental truth.

When individuals feel they've been misled, cooperation evaporates. It's a reminder that transparency is paramount in storytelling, especially when sharing sensitive narratives.

At times, even with the best intentions, we may falter in fully disclosing our plans to our subjects. Whether due to logistical uncertainties or apprehension about their reaction, it's essential to recognize the impact of incomplete communication.

Let's learn from this misstep. Let's commit to transparent, honest dialogue with those we ask to share their stories. Providing a clear understanding of how their narrative will be used and presented is not just ethical—it's imperative.

Avoid the pitfalls encountered by these filmmakers. Prioritize open communication and ensure your subjects have the full picture.

Together, let's uphold integrity in storytelling and honor the voices of those we represent.



Image credit: Screenshot from film

07/04/2024

When I started my business, I eased myself in.

I know - not so dramatic or exciting 🙃

I knew for a long time that my next step would be to work independently, but I wasn’t ready to jump ship.

Or, if I’m really honest with myself, I didn’t trust myself fully and the skills I had acquired over the past decade.

I began freelancing while working a salaried job, while also raising 2 toddlers at home 😬

As time progressed, I began seeing, wow, there really is a need for this. And I finally took the jump and went full time.

Just before Covid.

I don’t think any of us could have foreseen the way the world would change, and honestly still is, to this day, especially if you live in Israel.

But despite all of this, I actually thrived.

I started seeing the benefit of working project based as opposed to hourly.

I started to see the gap in the promotional film world, and how my documentary style films could really transform that.

I often look back and think, “ugh, if I only I started my business before kids, before Covid, before xyz...”

But the reality is, it may not have thrived in the way it did, had I played out this “what if.”

I think for all of us, the world has shifted, and continues to shifts in ways that leaves many of us wondering, what will be?

We have two choices.

We can get sucked in by the anxiety and unknown, and let it drag us down.

Or - we can step into it. And see how we can play into it, and continue to serve our people in the best way we know how.

Who knows, maybe it’s really this challenge that will give you the opportunity to thrive.

07/04/2024

When I started my business, I eased myself in.

I know - not so dramatic or exciting 🙃

I knew for a long time that my next step would be to work independently, but I wasn't ready to jump ship.

Or, if I'm really honest with myself, I didn't trust myself fully and the skills I had acquired over the past decade.

I began freelancing while working a salaried job, while also raising 2 toddlers at home 😬

As time progressed, I began seeing, wow, there really is a need for this. And I finally took the jump and went full time.

Just before Covid.

I don't think any of us could have foreseen the way the world would change, and honestly still is, to this day, especially if you live in Israel.

But despite all of this, I actually thrived.

I started seeing the benefit of working project based as opposed to hourly.

I started to see the gap in the promotional film world, and how my documentary style films could really transform that.

I often look back and think, "ugh, if I only I started my business before kids, before Covid, before xyz..."

But the reality is, it may not have thrived in the way it did, had I played out this "what if."

I think for all of us, the world has shifted, and continues to shifts in ways that leaves many of us wondering, what will be?

We have two choices.

We can get sucked in by the anxiety and unknown, and let it drag us down.

Or - we can step into it. And see how we can play into it, and continue to serve our people in the best way we know how.

Who knows, maybe it's really this challenge that will give you the opportunity to thrive.

03/04/2024

If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the film industry, it would be to not just figure out if film is what you love. Also understand what the lifestyle means, and if you truly love that too.

I find so often in business, we study the craft itself without really taking time to understand what the craft takes, lifestyle wise, and if that lifestyle truly suits us.

I remember touring my school when on a college tour of schools with my dad. A man approached us, incredibly intimidating, yet strangely inspiring, and told us (I’m paraphrasing) that this work will be the hardest work, potentially in our lives. But if we love it, and we give it our all, that we can have a part in this world of filmmaking. [[Anyone that went to Emerson will know exactly who I'm talking about]]

He’s not wrong. Depending on what you do in the “industry” as people call it, it can be disheartening, long hours with little to no reward, and one of the most challenging occupations in the world.

But it can also be incredible, to tell people’s stories, and give audiences that sense of connection that they seek.

For myself, I don’t really consider myself as part of the “industry.”

I went into documentaries, which in itself avoids the “Hollywood” world. I also create films for organizations, as opposed to general audiences. I am not at the whim of funders or critics that seem to have a say in what is considered “good and bad.”

But my words of advice ring true for everyone, not just filmmakers.

Don’t just select a career based on individual attributes like how it looks from the outside, or the experience on the good days.

Understand the hours and the work involved, the people you could work with, the amount you interact with people, the list goes on and on.

We spend so much of time on this earth working, it should be something that you truly enjoy.

I know I do.

03/04/2024

If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the film industry, it would be to not just figure out if film is what you love. Also understand what the lifestyle means, and if you truly love that too.

I find so often in business, we study the craft itself without really taking time to understand what the craft takes, lifestyle wise, and if that lifestyle truly suits us.

I remember touring my school when on a college tour of schools with my dad. A man approached us, incredibly intimidating, yet strangely inspiring, and told us (I’m paraphrasing) that this work will be the hardest work, potentially in our lives. But if we love it, and we give it our all, that we can have a part in this world of filmmaking. [[Anyone that went to Emerson will know exactly who I’m talking about]]

He’s not wrong. Depending on what you do in the “industry” as people call it, it can be disheartening, long hours with little to no reward, and one of the most challenging occupations in the world.

But it can also be incredible, to tell people’s stories, and give audiences that sense of connection that they seek.

For myself, I don’t really consider myself as part of the “industry.”

I went into documentaries, which in itself avoids the “Hollywood” world. I also create films for organizations, as opposed to general audiences. I am not at the whim of funders or critics that seem to have a say in what is considered “good and bad.”

But my words of advice ring true for everyone, not just filmmakers.

Don’t just select a career based on individual attributes like how it looks from the outside, or the experience on the good days.

Understand the hours and the work involved, the people you could work with, the amount you interact with people, the list goes on and on.

We spend so much of time on this earth working, it should be something that you truly enjoy.

I know I do.

Do you love what you do?

27/03/2024

When capturing raw human stories, authentic storytelling is non-negotiable.

As mission-driven organizations, your films aren't just marketing content - they are powerful narratives that inspire action and forge deep connections with your cause. But authentic storytelling requires the highest ethical standards.

What happens when someone feels regret over being on camera? Can that footage still be used? These are the moral dilemmas that separate professional filmmakers from amateurs.

Often, reluctance stems from understandable trepidations:
-Revealing intensely personal struggles
-Concerns over how they'll be portrayed
-Feeling pressured into participating

I've been in situations where non-profits eagerly try convincing hesitant individuals to go on camera. My response is always the same: A coerced or reluctant subject will never capture the raw, compelling emotion you're after.

It can be tempting to work with whoever is available. But creating those transcendent, heart-impact moments is already challenging enough without battling a subject's fundamental discomfort.

For organizations investing significant funds into philanthropic films, upholding rigorous ethical practices is paramount. Authentic storytelling necessitates an environment where participants freely choose to have their voices amplified.

That's why consent, trust, and prioritizing people over production schedules are non-negotiable.

Your film is a clarion call that will rally supporters and donors for years to come. Why risk undermining that by taking ethical shortcuts?

When you partner with an experienced team upholding the highest professional standards, you can create the influential, responsible narratives your cause deserves.

26/03/2024

Let’s talk about that time that I totally bombed at an interview.

I was working with an organization that had hand-picked the interviewees, and for some of them, I didn’t even speak to them in advance.

The organization was really “holding the keys” in this case, and while they did their homework as far as things that they were concerned about (the message they wanted to share etc) they didn’t select people based on things that translate well into video.

I prepared as well as I could in a situation where I was slightly removed.

The result?

A nervous interviewee that didn’t fully grasp what it would be like to be in camera, footage that didn’t fully cover what we needed, and a less than thrilled team, anxious about what would be with the final product.

The reality is, finding a character is not just about someone that says what you want, or the closest possible option.

It’s about this intersection of someone who is passionate about what you do, how you helped them, and is willing to share that story in an honest and truthful way.

By keeping a few key things in mind, you can actually remove that worry and anxiety of how to select the right person to tell your non-profit’s story, and move into your next campaign with ease.

I’ll be sharing all of this in more in a free webinar tomorrow night, and I hope you’ll join me!

If you work at a non-profit or work on fundraising campaigns, this one is for you. There will even be time for an open Q and A at the end.

Comment below, and I’ll send you the link directly.

Wednesday, March 27th, 8:30pm IL

07/03/2024

Whose job is it to get our people to open up?

100 percent on me.

Whether it’s you and your business, or testimonials or people you’re asking to give of their time, part of putting together the story is about facilitating an experience where people can actually open up.

And that’s on me.

It can be overwhelming to come on camera. Let’s not make it harder by putting more pressure on and expecting perfection from people in the process.

Trust the process - you may even have fun 😎

06/03/2024

What makes a compelling character?

This is the million dollar question.

Many times, people tend to go for the easiest or more accessible person willing to be on camera.

That’s a great start - but what if they tense up on camera? What if they aren’t actually passionate in the final version? Or what if it just comes out...okay?

Selecting a character to tell your stories can be one of the most vital things that make your story go from good to incredible.

So how can you do it?

🔷 Willingness
Do they like telling their story? Are they open and actually enjoyable to listen to?

🔷Uniqueness
Are they unique in some way? Nowadays, people have access to all types of stories. What about this person is unique?

🔷Passion
Do they have passion when they tell their story? Is there a chance they will get emotional? Can they express either excitement or sadness?

Don’t underestimate the power of not just WHAT story you tell but WHO tells it.

18/01/2024

We continue to fight in a war here we did not ask for.

And yet, many people are also fighting their own wars.

Fighting cancer - fighting for their lives.

Filming yesterday at Zichron Menachem, honored to tell the stories of those who are far too familiar with this horrific disease.

Full film coming soon.