Your impact,
told authentically.
Don't make videos — tell stories.
Your audience doesn’t connect with processes or polished jargon — they connect with real stories. When told with authenticity and cinematic quality, people feel them on a deeper level.
That’s when trust is built, relationships strengthen, and audiences move from passive viewers to active believers — investing their time, attention, and loyalty.
I help you do that through story-driven filmmaking — working lean, with a small footprint, so the focus stays on people, not production.
Recent stories
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Hello...
I’m Andy Hirst, a story-driven filmmaker based between Manchester, Oxford, and London. I’ve worked in video and photography for two decades. I specialise in story-driven films for businesses, charities, and cultural organisations — films that show why you matter, not just what you do.
Working with me is professional and focused, without being stiff or formal. I’ll help you zoom out to see your impact and bring it to life with craft, clarity, and a bit of humour. The result is films that build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a lasting bond with your audience — made with intention, not just for attention.
More impact, less corporate blah.
hello@andyhirst.com
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You're guide through filmmaking
FAQs, answered straight.
Why do you keep banging on about story?
Because a polished video that says nothing is useless. Story is where the real value lies — it’s what makes people care, what they remember, and what moves them. That’s always where I start.
Aren’t slick shots enough to impress?
They’ll turn heads, sure. But visuals alone don’t move people — substance does. The story is what sticks, what connects, and what makes people act. That’s always the focus.
Can you adapt on the fly?
Absolutely. Every project throws up the unexpected, and that’s where I thrive. I’m quick to problem-solve, adapt, and find creative solutions in the moment. That’s the difference between craft and a button push.
Is your process going to be a headache?
Nope. We start with a conversation, then move through plan → film → edit → deliver. My process is robust but efficient — it keeps us centred on the story without drowning you in endless meetings. You’ll always know what’s happening, without it taking over your day.
How fast can you really deliver?
A single film can be ready in as little as a few days to a couple of weeks. A series takes longer to capture properly. I’ve built my career on delivering in short timeframes without losing quality — but good storytelling still takes the time it needs.
So… what’s this going to set me back?
I don’t do cookie-cutter packages. To give you an idea: a single story-driven film starts from £3,000, while a three-film series starts from £6,500. Series are better value — more content, more momentum, more impact. You’ll always get a clear quote up front, no hidden extras.
Can we tweak it once we’ve seen it?
Of course. You’ll always get a round of revisions. I’ll advise on what changes strengthen the story and keep us focused on the goal of the film. The aim is to refine, not lose sight of the impact we set out to make.
Do we just throw you the keys and hope for the best?
Not a chance. Co-production isn’t optional, it’s essential. Partnering with your team is the best way to uncover stories that feel real and land with impact. This isn’t me disappearing with a camera — it’s a genuine creative collaboration.
What do we actually walk away with?
Files ready for where they’ll live — socials, website, presentations. Correct formats, stress-free, no wrestling with tech.
Can we have all the raw stuff too?
Yes, if you really want it. But raw footage isn’t a film — it’s hours of unsorted clips. The story lives in the edit, and that’s where the value is unlocked.
Why should we trust you with our story?
I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, working with everyone from young people in schools to CEOs in global companies. I carry public liability insurance, I’m safeguarding trained, and I hold an advanced DBS check. Experience, professionalism, and reliability are non-negotiable.I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, working with everyone from young people in schools to CEOs in global companies. I carry public liability insurance, I’m safeguarding trained, and I hold an advanced DBS check. Experience, professionalism, and reliability are non-negotiable.
What about travel?
I go where the story is. I split my time between Manchester and Oxford, which means I can easily cover the North West, Oxfordshire, and London. Local mileage is covered; trains, flights, and hotels further afield are charged at cost. Simple and transparent. (Though if you’ve got a story that needs filming in Tuscany, I won’t complain.)