Advanced PATHWAY
refine your documentay storytelling
Deepen your craft, refine your editing workflow, and shape films that connect with families at the heart level.
the transformation
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Master story-led editing
Adopt a proven storytelling workflow that removes overwhelm and strengthens decision-making, bringing structure, momentum and creative clarity to every project.
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Craft stories that connect
Move beyond documenting into intentional, resonant storytelling. Shape films through thoughtful sequences, pacing, and sound that connect with families at a heart level.
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Refine your artistic voice
Strengthen your ability to self-critique, troubleshoot and refine so your work feels consistent, recognisable and distinctly premium as a birth keepsake filmmaker.
experience value
Advanced Course Experience
1,200
Learning Supports & Resources
800+
Community & Studio Access
620+
Bonuses & Perks
400+
Advanced Experience Value (USD)
$3,000+
A supportive next step for storytellers ready to deepen their craft inside an evolving creative environment.
As confidence grows, curiosity deepens, shifting your focus from capturing moments to shaping stories with intention.
explore coursework inside advanced
Discover the curriculum, integrated storytelling project and creative development experiences that support filmmakers as they refine their documentary craft and create more intentional, story-driven films inside the SSBV Advanced apprenticeship pathway
the full advanced pathway experience
Focused education designed to refine your storytelling voice and strengthen your filmmaking workflow.
- 12+ hours of SSBV Advanced video lessons
- Integrated storytelling workbook (Advanced-aligned workflow)
- Practical assignments and case studies to deepen creative decision-making
- Opportunity to submit a film to the Soulful Storytellers Film Fest
Your creative development doesn't have to happen in isolation. Advanced includes access to a supportive community of filmmakers who understand the work, share their experiences and encourage one another along the way.
- Private community access
- Ongoing access to community chat for questions, conversation and encouragement
- Community announcements, events and replays (when available)
- Opportunities to connect and learn alongside fellow filmmakers
- Gentle accountability check-ins
The Soulful Storytellers Film Fest provides a dedicated space to bring your work into the world, share your storytelling projects and connect with other filmmakers through the creative process. It's an opportunity to exchange perspectives, reflect on creative decisions and learn through the stories and experiences of others.
- Opportunities to share your storytelling projects through the Film Fest
- Space for creative discussion, feedback and exchange around the films being shared
- Opportunities to view, reflect on and learn from the work of other filmmakers
- A shared experience of celebrating the stories, creative voices and filmmaking journeys within our community
Your development doesn't stop when you reach the end of the curriculum. Advanced gives you practical resources and a body of learning you can continue to return to as your filmmaking practice evolves.
- Advanced-aligned resources, assignments and templates
- Ongoing access to course materials
- Ongoing community support while you practice
- 40% add-on discounts on eligible creative support offerings
Inside advanced, each layer of the experience is designed to support your growth as you refine your craft and strengthen your storytelling voice.
your investment
Choose the pace that best supports your season of life and creative growth.
Pay in Full
$2,000 USD
Best overall value for storytellers who prefer a simple, one-time investment.
12-Month Plan
$180 USD
Designed for storytellers building sustainable growth alongside real life.
6-Month Plan
$345 USD
A faster payment window for those wanting strong momentum while moving through the pathway.
All payment options include full Advanced access and support. Continued growth available through Soulful Studio membership. Payment plans include a small convenience fee for extended scheduling.
part of a wider learning experience
Advanced is part of our annual guided apprenticeship intake, bringing together a community of filmmakers for a shared season of learning, creative development and connection.
Alongside your coursework and filmmaking projects, you'll have opportunities to share your work, exchange perspectives and connect through community conversations, shared events and the annual Soulful Storytellers Film Fest.
looking for further creative support?
Optional creative guidance and mentorship AVAILABLE beyond the Advanced PATHWAY
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private mentorship
Personalised one-to-one guidance to work through creative questions, refine your approach and gain fresh perspective.
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film critique
Dedicated feedback on your work, with thoughtful discussion around storytelling, craft and creative decisions.
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co-editing
Hands-on collaborative editing support to work through a film and explore new creative possibilities.
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soulful studio
An annual creative mentorship membership with monthly group mentorship, guest conversations and Studio Library access for the duration of your membership.
advanced is designed for storytellers who
Feel confident filming but want to strengthen the emotional impact of their films
Are ready to refine editing, pacing, and narrative structure
Want to move beyond documenting moments into crafting meaningful storytelling experiences
Are curious about research, conceptualisation, and intentional creative decisions
Value guided support while developing their own distinct creative voice
prerequisites
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creative experience
a solid grasp of photography and videography fundamentals such as filming quality audio and visuals.
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required hardware
DSLR / Mirrorless camera, video mic, laptop or desktop computer powerful enough to edit video.
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editing software
You're welcome to use your editing software of choice. We use the free version of DaVinci Resolve for our editing modules.
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optional equipment
Lav mics, tripod, gimbal, steady-cam, cage, monitor, video light, GoPro / action cam, drone.
associated distinction
ARTISAN Documentary FILMMAKER
Artists who complete the Signature or Advanced Pathways may be recognised with the Artisan Documentary Filmmaker distinction in honour of refined craftsmanship, emotional storytelling depth, and cinematic maturity.
Within Soulful Storytellers, the Artisan distinction represents a storyteller who has moved beyond technical filmmaking and into intentional, emotionally resonant documentary artistry.
what students are saying
HEIDI DANIELS — Washington DC, USA
“The course content was so in-depth, I knew it was the year I wanted to take my films to the next level. Now, when I’m filming a birth, I can see the story unfolding in my mind instead of just hoping I have enough footage. Switching to Resolve and streamlining my editing workflow has made tackling multiple films so much easier. This course has helped me transition from simple videos to truly cinematic storytelling.”
jennie Pyfferoen — Nashville, USA
"I'm not a beginner and already had a lot of filmmaking skills, so I was nervous about investing in the course because I wasn't sure I'd get much out of it. But I did! The parts I found most valuable were the advanced editing and storytelling lessons. I felt very supported and was given so much detailed instruction throughout. Courses are hard to teach online, but you all did an amazing job. SSBV Advanced has impacted my approach to filmmaking a lot and I can't wait to revisit the course when I craft my next birth to film."
because elevating your filmmaking is worth celebrating!
Join the festivities as we showcase the creative growth that has taken place within our community and honour SSBV graduates at our annual Film Fest!
looking for the complete apprenticeship experience?
Advanced is designed for storytellers who already feel comfortable filming and are ready to deepen their documentary storytelling skills.
For a more comprehensive pathway that includes both Foundations and Advanced, along with mentorship, community and ongoing support, explore SSBV Signature.
questions & clarity
Thoughtful answers to support your next step inside Soulful Storytellers.
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Advanced is designed for storytellers comfortable with filming basics who want to refine storytelling, editing flow, and creative voice.
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Foundations supports photographers stepping into filmmaking, Advanced deepens storytelling and editing refinement, and Signature offers the complete apprenticeship experience. Our pathways are designed for creatives at different starting points with unique storytelling goals. Creatives are encouraged to begin where the support feels most aligned with their current skills, confidence, and creative direction.
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Advanced includes documentary storytelling and editing refinement training, ongoing access to community chat, announcements, private members group, invitations to live events and Film Festival submission
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You receive ongoing access to the Advanced course content, private members group.
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Advanced includes access to our private community spaces, providing opportunities to connect with fellow storytellers, ask questions, and share your progress as you move through the curriculum.
Filmmakers seeking ongoing mentorship and deeper creative support may also choose to continue their journey inside Soulful Studio, our mentorship-supported storytelling community.
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Yes. One film festival submission is included. Additional submissions are available through Soulful Studio or as standalone purchases.
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A camera with manual controls, quality audio recording, and a computer capable of handling video editing workflows.
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Payment plans are available and processed automatically according to the selected option at checkout.
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Because of the digital nature of the program and protection of intellectual property, all sales are final and refunds are not offered.
explore advanced
Advanced is available through a range of payment options designed to support different stages of business and life.
other ways to learn
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ssbv signature
The complete apprenticeship experience combining structured learning, storytelling project development, mentorship support, and community connection.
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soulful studio
An ongoing mentorship and community experience designed to support creative growth through feedback conversations, shared learning, and meaningful connection.