Great stories
begin with
ONCE
Welcome to Once Films, a studio built by storytellers in the vibrant core of Saint Louis. Here, every frame matters and every cut speaks volumes. With a blend of striking visuals and thoughtful editing, we turn advertising into art and documentaries into dialogues.
Our approach is simple yet purposeful: create content that resonates, connects, and stays authentic—no matter the scope or scale. From quick commercials to expansive documentaries, from collaborations with Fortune 500 corporate giants to partnerships with grassroots non-profits, our films are designed to captivate and communicate, effortlessly.
Discover how we can bring your story to life.
How you share your story makes a difference.
We believe that the very best results come from creative team that looks at the big picture, so we take a holistic approach to video production. We’re dedicated to our craft and not a do-it-all agency. We do one thing, make videos, and we do it well.
We don’t always follow industry traditions when it comes to answering, “who directed this, or shot this, or edited this,” because at the end of the day, when we look at our work, we say, “We made this. Together.”
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At Once Films, we specialize in crafting bespoke Brand Films that not only showcase your company's essence but also connect emotionally with your audience. Our approach combines stunning natural cinematography with thoughtful editing to tell your unique story. Whether you're launching a new product or wanting to deepen brand loyalty, our films are designed to resonate and inspire. We work closely with you to ensure that every frame reflects your brand's values, vision, and mission, turning viewers into advocates.
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Our Nonprofit Awareness and Fundraising videos are created with a deep understanding of the power of storytelling to drive change. At Once Films, we harness this power to shine a light on your nonprofit's impact, engage the community, and inspire action. From compelling narratives that highlight your cause to dynamic fundraising appeals that drive donations, our films are crafted to amplify your message and mobilize support. Let us help you tell your story in a way that captures hearts and opens wallets.
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Civic & Community Storytelling is at the heart of what we do at Once Films. We believe in the power of film to foster connections, celebrate community achievements, and address social conversations. Our films serve as a bridge between civic organizations and the communities they serve, highlighting stories of innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Through authentic and relatable storytelling, we help civic leaders and community organizations inspire pride, promote engagement, and drive positive change.
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Once Films’ Commercial Production service blends award-winning cinematography with strategic storytelling to create compelling advertisements that capture attention and provoke action. Our team works closely with brands of all sizes to develop commercial content that not only stands out in today’s crowded media landscape but also deliver tangible results. From concept to completion, we focus on creating visually stunning and emotionally engaging content that resonates with your target audience, elevates your brand, and boosts your bottom line.
We help your story move it forward.
The next step is a simple conversation with our team.
You’re building something that matters.
Allen Edmonds Reserve Collection
A 30-second broadcast commercial showcasing the meticulous detail and well-honed craft behind these special American-made shoes.
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This 30-second commercial for Allen Edmonds’ Reserve Collection exudes luxury and craftsmanship, spotlighting a line of shoes that represents the pinnacle of American shoemaking. Featuring international supermodel Sean O’Pry, the video highlights the meticulous artistry that goes into every pair, crafted by skilled artisans in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Each shoe in the collection is a masterpiece, built from the finest leathers sourced from storied tanneries worldwide, and constructed using intricate, time-honored techniques. As O’Pry strides with confidence, he epitomizes the connoisseur who appreciates the unparalleled quality and enduring style of American-made footwear. The Reserve Collection is not just about shoes—it’s about an obsession with perfection, setting a new standard for American luxury.
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For this Allen Edmonds Reserve Collection project, we blended a loosely storyboarded approach with a carefully planned visual script, shot both at Pier 59 in New York City and in-studio in St. Louis. Our use of detailed product shots, innovative camera techniques, and agile lighting brought this 30-second commercial and accompanying social media content to life. This mix of precision and flexibility allowed us to capture the luxury and craftsmanship of the Reserve Collection in a visually striking and authentic way.
Tiny Superheroes: Super Nathaniel!
A heartwarming advertisement with a blend of narrative and documentary elements that creates a connection between the audience and this uplifting organization.
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This heartwarming video showcases the inspiring mission of Tiny Superheroes, a remarkable initiative that crafts custom superhero capes for children facing disabilities and illnesses. Through the simple, yet profound gesture of gifting a cape, Tiny Superheroes not only brings smiles to countless young faces but also champions a deeper message: every child is filled with potential, deserving of love, and inherently worthy.
The film captures the essence of Tiny Superheroes' vision to alter societal perceptions of disability and illness, advocating for a world where differences are celebrated as strengths. Witness the joy these capes deliver to children and families, highlighting the transformative power of embracing our unique qualities.
As the founder reflects on the journey of spreading empowerment across the globe, the video reveals the ambition to reach even more kids, proving that the impact of Tiny Superheroes stretches far beyond the fabric of the capes. It's a call to recognize the superhero in every child, challenging us to see the world through a lens of inclusion, compassion, and understanding.
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For this Tiny Superheroes video, Once Films employed a meticulously planned storyboard and visual script, ensuring a smooth, efficient filming day. This structured approach was seamlessly blended with a unscripted, documentary-style interview of Robyn to capture genuine moments of authenticity. This hybrid method allowed us to create a comfortable environment for Nathaniel, who, despite not being a professional actor, took direction like a champ! The result is a compelling narrative that balances crafted cinematography with the raw, emotional depth of a real-life example, showcasing our approach that resonates and inspires.
Who We Are - Animal Protection Agency (APA)
A documentary-style fundraising and nonprofit awareness film that explains the APA’s mission of animal advocacy.
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For over a century, the APA has been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to fostering the bond between people and pets. Through touching stories and insights, we explore the unconditional love and support pets provide, and how the APA works tirelessly to keep this bond strong. From thousands of adoptions each year to comprehensive wellness and education programs, learn how the APA is not just about finding homes for cats and dogs, but also about creating lifelong companionships. Dive into our mission and see the difference we make in the lives of pets and their humans.
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For the Animal Protection Agency (APA) video, we embraced a true documentary approach, capturing unscripted and candid moments to authentically represent the mission and impact of the APA. Working with animals introduced an element of unpredictability, adding an interesting layer to the storytelling process. Our team navigated these challenges, ensuring that the genuine interactions between animals and their caregivers were captured. This method allowed us to create a engaging and fun video that reflects the spontaneity and heartfelt moments of working with animals, demonstrating our ability to adapt and capture the essence of the APA’s vital work.
Bringing Health Care to the Homeless
A documentary-style fundraising and nonprofit and cause awareness film, that brings attention to two innovative approaches to health care for the unhomed.
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This powerful documentary follows the compassionate efforts of the Mt. Carmel (Columbus, OH) and Mercy Care (Atlanta, GA) Street Medicine Teams, part of Trinity Health’s mission to care for the poor and vulnerable. These dedicated teams deliver vital healthcare services directly to homeless populations, meeting them where they are—on the streets. The film, recognized with the Catholic Health Association’s Achievement Citation Award in 2019, captures the innovation, perseverance, and heart that define this groundbreaking approach to community care.
Shot in an intimate, documentary style, the film blends real-life, unscripted moments with interviews from healthcare professionals and patients. Through a combination of on-the-ground footage and heartfelt stories, it brings attention to the immense challenges of providing medical care to those without stable housing, while highlighting the hope and dignity that these street medicine teams bring to their patients. Filmed in both Columbus and Atlanta, the documentary also underscores the program’s replicability, aiming to inspire similar initiatives across the country.
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Filming this project required agility, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the subjects. We worked within the constraints of healthcare regulations and unpredictable environments, always mindful of the dignity of those we filmed. Before turning on the cameras, we took time to build trust through soft introductions, fully explaining our project and listening to each individual’s story. Though this approach slowed the process, it was essential to ensure that every person felt comfortable and respected throughout.
With no way to predict what we might encounter, we remained flexible and adaptive, conducting 19 interviews—well beyond our planned 8—to give voice to every caregiver we met. The story evolved as we filmed, shifting the focus from the healthcare delivery itself to the caregivers’ personal motivations, resilience, and their role in pushing communities forward.
In post-production, we took special care to weave together these diverse stories into a cohesive narrative. This project demanded thoughtful editing, where we aimed to reflect not only the challenges but also the profound sense of dignity and humanity shared by the people involved.
All in all, this was a project that required extreme sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to capturing the true essence of what it means to care for those in need.
No one sees
ST. LOUIS
like we do.
We’re Founding Members of the STLMade movement and Greater St. Louis Inc, we’ve produced the decade-running Spotlight Series®, and started our own nonprofit arm with STL.org, home of St. Louis Design Week. We haven’t just made hundreds of videos about this city — we live, eat, and breath it.
Efficiency Meets Excellence
We're singularly focused on video production, and we’ve had a lot of practice: boasting over 3200 projects that showcase our dedication and expertise. Our modern approach is designed to simplify your experience while ensuring unmatched service quality. Our team, the heartbeat of our operations, is complemented by a seamless, in-house process that keeps us agile, engaged, and entirely focused on bringing your vision to life.
Equipped with the latest technology and housed under one roof, we offer a cohesive production experience that's both efficient and effective. Our internal team of Producers and Coordinators ensures your project receives daily attention, fostering a collaborative environment that’s all about progress and passion.
We're not just creating videos; we're crafting experiences that are enjoyable, inclusive, and, above all, exceptional. Our commitment? To produce work that we, and you, are unequivocally proud of.
6 National ADDY Awards for Cinematography and Editing
5 Saint Louis Regional “Best Of” and “Judges Citation” ADDYs
More than 80 ADDY wins across all competitions
4 Awards of Excellence for Photography and Advertising
“The most prestigious juried competition in visual communications.”
32 NATAS Mid-America Emmy Awards
Editing / Photography/Direction
CLIO Health Award
plus dozens of Telly, Hermes, AVA, Applied Arts, AIGA Awards
Amplified Impact
Founded in 2010, Once Films is dedicated to sharing the stories of those making a difference.
Our award-winning journey is deeply rooted in the St. Louis community, where we’ve transformed a century-old building into a modern, solar-powered studio—a symbol of our commitment to creativity and sustainability.
Our work, recognized by Entrepreneur’s Quarterly and the St. Louis Business Journal with the Building 2020 Award, reflects our dedication to revitalization and environmental stewardship. We were certified as a Climate Neutral company, and ensure our stories are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Celebrated with 6 National ADDY Awards, 4 Communication Arts Awards, 30 Mid-America Emmy Awards, and a Clio Award, our greatest achievement lies in aiding non-profit organizations to raise over a billion dollars in charitable contributions. At Once Films, we’re not just telling stories—we’re making a tangible difference in our community and beyond.
We ❤️ Home Games, but Play Great on the Road
A great thing about living in the center of the United States, is that it’s an easy trip to nearly anywhere in the nation. There’s a running joke amongst our partners that our luggage remains perpetually packed — ready anytime, and anywhere, its needed. From large-scale productions to backpack-light travel, we’ve got it dialed.
We’ve worked in 47 of 50 states*, throughout all of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. There’s so few places we haven’t been, we may offer a sweet deal to send us there!
In all seriousness, we know how to maintain consistent quality and seamless logistics anywhere in the world, wherever the story may take us.
*we know you’re curious, it’s Maine, Vermont, and Hawaii.
Every single week, since 2015, we make a video about our adventures. It’s part video diary, part experiment, part no one will ever believe this…
