• Craft: Exploring the intersection of artistry and execution to help creators master the mechanics of world-class storytelling.

  • Business: Navigating the complex economics of digital media through a lens of strategic growth and operational excellence.

  • Truth: Grounding the glamour of filmmaking in rigorous research and uncompromising, evidence-based reporting.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission: To demystify the business of entertainment by providing filmmakers with the unvarnished data and professional insights needed to move their projects from concept to audience.

Our Vision: A more equitable entertainment industry where success is driven by informed creators who understand the mechanics of their craft, the economics of their market, and the reality of their distribution.

Community-Driven Filmmaking

Our films aren’t made in a vacuum. We partner closely with each participant and the communities where these stories take place, building relationships and continuing the legacy of friendship depicted in our films.Our work is funded by our donors, Patreon members, and volunteers who give time and energy to move these projects forward. This is a group effort and we’re so grateful for your support!

Announcing Our Partnership with Iron Soldiers Coffee Company!

This special Dany’s D-Day Blend French Roast honors the incredible story of Dany Patrix, a young French girl whose life was forever changed by the arrival of American soldiers on D-Day.

As shared in The Girl Who Wore Freedom by Documentary First, Dany’s gratitude and friendship became a symbol of the enduring bond between the French people and their liberators.

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How to Support a Project


Documentary First is proudly fiscally sponsored by Living Stories Ltd, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting meaningful storytelling. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support one of our films, please visit their website and designate your contribution to "Documentary First" or through the projects respective page.

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