Turning missions into movements through storytelling.
"Being a good human being is good business," said Paul Hawken. But doing good isn't good enough, the world needs to hear your story. Brands utilizing impact storytelling are not only capturing people's hearts but also catalyzing growth: In 2025, 80%+ of consumers made purchases based on their values. Why impact stories represent untapped potential for brands doing good.
Moving pictures. moving people
Curtis Birch was founded by award-winning writer, producer and director, Richard Yelland. The Southern California-based shop is a 2x Emmy-nominated, Webby Award-winning creative agency & production boutique that's been a trailblazer in impact storytelling since 2000. Curtis Birch’s passion is what moves audiences—offering the highest level creative product from development and production through editorial and post. For our brand partners, we sell "good"–creating and producing strategic, purpose-driven campaigns alongside feature length documentaries, broadcast specials & brand storytelling content. We effectively engage and motivate viewers for the best brands in the world, with excellent case studies and ROI for the likes of: NIKE, Sambazon, Outside Television, We Are Ocean, The Bumble Bee Seafood Company, Numi Organic Tea, Toyota USA, Life Rolls On Foundation, Hot Wheels/Mattel, LEGO, Lysol, Surfrider Foundation,Visit Lake Tahoe, The Nature Conservancy, and HISTORY, and others.
The LOUPE impact storytelling method
We have a unique storytelling process, incorporating three proprietary steps— making it easier to tell your story in the most compelling way, and to make a measurable impact.
Step 1 : Research – "L"ooking; "O"bserving; "U"nderstanding. Stakeholder Workshop; Tonality Study; Impact Strategy; Story Framing; Budgeting; Production Recommends; Ongoing Investigation. Deliver: A Mission-Inspired Selling Point (MISP); and the Impact Story
Step 2: Production informed by story. Execute on the Impact Story across channels for integrated communications; Storytelling and movement building—leveraging in-house teams and engaging external partners (i.e.non-profits), as needed.
Step 3: Elevate and evolve. Timelines, deliverable lists and project goals guide best possible outcomes, and high ROI; Years 1-3 have “legs.” The story evolves and budgets have more impact. IMPACT STORYTELLING = GROWTH.
Stories made from the heart can change the world
Curtis Birch is a purpose-driven creative agency & production boutique motivated by the idea that stories made from the heart can change the world. Founded in 2000, Emmy® Award-nominated and Webby Award-winning Curtis Birch has found that passion is what moves audiences–offering the highest level creative product from development and production through editorial and post.
Missions, when embraced and amplified by a larger community, can create lasting change, and growth, on a scale that individual efforts alone cannot achieve.
What is an impact story?
A powerful IMPACT STORY can lead the transformation of an organization’s goals, or "mission," into broader societal or community-wide efforts—this what's known as a “movement”; or, if it's one of our films, you might call it "moviement."
What our partners have to say about us
An Inspiring Session by Richard: Marketing Meets Storytelling
I highly recommend Richard as a marketer and storyteller. His dynamic presentation to my Marketing and Communications for Social Impact class was nothing short of inspiring. With his captivating storytelling skills and strategic marketing insights, he inspires innovative thinking which allows for optimized impact. He left a lasting impression on students and inspired them all.
A Storytelling Visionary: My Experience with Richard Yelland
Richard has a creative spark and enduring positive energy. He always goes “above and beyond” to listen and understand his clients. I’m deeply grateful for the privilege of working with him. His heart for the planet and people is inspiring!
