craft bespoke birth films clients treasure without spending years at film school
Fast track your birth filmmaking career with unparalleled training by industry leading birth videographer Dania Lauren
SSBV Course Bundles
Select from our course membership bundles to tailor an SSBV experience to suit your learning style and budget
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SSBV Course Elevate Membership | Sold Out—January Intake Waitlist Open!
BundleMaximise the SSBV experience with exclusive mentorship + ongoing resource library access. Designed for audacious filmmakers, this power-packed bundle is all you need to fast track your filmmaking career and ELEVATE your Storytelling prowess!
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SSBV Course Plus Membership
BundleEnjoy SSBV course content PLUS the support and accountability of monthly group mentorship sessions. This relationship focused bundle is ideal for storytellers hungry to hone their storytelling craft and synergise with fellow creatives along the way!
$3,700
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SSBV Course Core Membership
BundleDelve into course content and community at the CORE of the SSBV experience. Beginner or pro—this blend of theoretical, inspirational and hands-on learning is ideal for self motivated learners keen to take their storytelling craft to the next level!
$2,800
create engaging films with confidence
Want to elevate your storytelling and deliver birth films that match the quality of your photography?
The rise in popularity of video due to social media channels has made filmmaking an essential skill for business. Many birth photographers see the potential of audio-visual storytelling. They may have the tools and know how to pick up the basics, but gaining the same level mastery in filmmaking they are used to as photographers can take years—but it doesn't have too!
In our comprehensive online course ‘Soulful Storytelling for Birth Videographers’ (SSBV) we tackle the typical technical challenges filmmakers face in the birth space—but perhaps more importantly we do a deep dive into the art of soulful storytelling.
Drawing from over 30 years of combined experience in documentary filmmaking as well as years of experience training and mentoring up and coming filmmakers we introduce students to a production process that unlocks a world of creative possibilities and guide students step-by-step through our storytelling workflow. This project based learning provides students with the opportunity to develop their technical skills, explore their own creative expression and put into practice techniques, strategies and problem solving skills learnt throughout the course.
If you want to craft bespoke birth films you’ll be proud to deliver to your clients without spending years at film school—SSBV is the course for you! But don't just take our word for it, check out what students are saying about their SSBV experience!
In our comprehensive online course ‘Soulful Storytelling for Birth Videographers’ (SSBV) we tackle the typical technical challenges filmmakers face in the birth space—but perhaps more importantly we do a deep dive into the art of soulful storytelling.
Drawing from over 30 years of combined experience in documentary filmmaking as well as years of experience training and mentoring up and coming filmmakers we introduce students to a production process that unlocks a world of creative possibilities and guide students step-by-step through our storytelling workflow. This project based learning provides students with the opportunity to develop their technical skills, explore their own creative expression and put into practice techniques, strategies and problem solving skills learnt throughout the course.
If you want to craft bespoke birth films you’ll be proud to deliver to your clients without spending years at film school—SSBV is the course for you! But don't just take our word for it, check out what students are saying about their SSBV experience!
Heidi Daniels
DC Birth Photography
Thank you for such a great course. It was so thorough and the content you created was so in-depth, but also your availability to us throughout to talk over whatever questions came up. That level of availability, I don't think I've ever had with any other online course, and I've done a lot. So I feel like that was a big differentiator.
I knew that this was the year I wanted to take my films to the next level. My husband watched something of mine just recently, and he was like, "Wow, this is so different than it used to be like a year ago—you've really done it. You've accomplished your goal of moving to this new level." And I feel that way too. I feel like I know, as I'm filming, how I'm going to be putting this story together. Instead of just hoping that I get enough footage to make a cohesive story later—now I see it unfolding in my mind.
My organisation and editing process is much more streamlined now, which is great because I have four films in my queue. And I feel like I can get through them and I know what I'm doing. It's all really exciting. So thank you!
I knew that this was the year I wanted to take my films to the next level. My husband watched something of mine just recently, and he was like, "Wow, this is so different than it used to be like a year ago—you've really done it. You've accomplished your goal of moving to this new level." And I feel that way too. I feel like I know, as I'm filming, how I'm going to be putting this story together. Instead of just hoping that I get enough footage to make a cohesive story later—now I see it unfolding in my mind.
My organisation and editing process is much more streamlined now, which is great because I have four films in my queue. And I feel like I can get through them and I know what I'm doing. It's all really exciting. So thank you!
Meet the instructors
[Dania] Lauren+ [Andrew] Douglas
Hi, we're Dania and Andrew and we're a husband and wife team with over 30 years of combined experience in the field of documentary filmmaking and storytelling. Our core business 'Lauren + Douglas' offers artisan brand and lifestyle storytelling however crafting bespoke documentary-style birth films is our speciality.
Dania is the woman behind the lens when it comes to all things birth and is a multi-award winning photographer and videographer, recognised as one of the most influential birth videographers in Australia and worldwide. When he’s not wrangling our 4 kiddos you’ll find Andrew spearheading the development of the SSBV course and Soulful Storytellers community.
We’re both passionate about provoking a reimagining of birth films and are excited about helping fellow creatives elevate their storytelling craft in the process!
Dania is the woman behind the lens when it comes to all things birth and is a multi-award winning photographer and videographer, recognised as one of the most influential birth videographers in Australia and worldwide. When he’s not wrangling our 4 kiddos you’ll find Andrew spearheading the development of the SSBV course and Soulful Storytellers community.
We’re both passionate about provoking a reimagining of birth films and are excited about helping fellow creatives elevate their storytelling craft in the process!
Birth Videographer of the Year Awards 2022
Dania Lauren — Lauren + Douglas Photography and Films
SSBV course preview
Click on the headings below to preview topics covered in each module
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Welcome Video and Important Info
FREE PREVIEW -
How to Use This Course—Navigating Your Course Player
FREE PREVIEW -
What to Expect—Learning Supports, Storytelling Project and Film Fest
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Project Workbook Preview—Sneak Peek of our Integrated Workbook
FREE PREVIEW -
Monthly Group Mentorship—Accountability / Q&A Sessions
FREE PREVIEW -
Schedule—Recommended Weekly Timeline
FREE PREVIEW -
Healthy Mindsets—Limiting Beliefs To Avoid and Principles Of Success To AdoptNew Lesson
FREE PREVIEW -
Facebook Community—Connect and Reimagine Birth Filmmaking With Like Minded Creatives
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Before We Begin...
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Introduction to Storytelling Overview
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Video Production—What Sets Videography Apart from Photography?
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The Role of the Storyteller—What Does It Take To Communicate Effectively?
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Anatomy of a Story—What Makes a Good Story?
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Creating Stories With Depth—Helpful Analogies and Frameworks
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Storytelling Workflow—Navigating the Documentary Filmmaking Creative Process
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Getting Started with Your Storytelling Project
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Project Workbook: Define Your Story
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Test Your Learning—Content Review
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Get to Know Your Equipment Overview
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Camera Equipment—Birth Filmmakers Kit Essentials
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Audio Equipment—Optimise the Quality of Your Audio Recording
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Camera Operation—Video Related Camera Settings
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Lighting Solutions—Filming in Low Light and Fixing Banding
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Test Your Learning—Content Review
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The Importance of Conducting Research
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Taking Stock—Fostering a Curiosity to Learn More About Your Story
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Strategic Research—Optimising Your Workflow
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Frame Your Research—Covering the Full Depth of the Story
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Scouting Locations—Opportunities For a Creative and Organisational Edge
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Storytelling Project—Next Steps
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Project Workbook: Conducting Research
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Project Workbook: Frame Your Research
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Test Your Learning—Content Review
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Conceptualisation Pt.1 Overview
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What is a Birth Film?—Provoking a Reimagining of the Birth Filmmaking Craft
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Documentary Formats—Inspiration From Mainstream Cinema
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Themes & Threads—Reinforcing the Heart of the Story
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Establishing Your Style / Look & Feel—Infusing Films With Personality and Creativity
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Next Steps—Identify Formats, Themes, Threads and Style in Case Studies
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Course includes:
- 125 lessons
- 18+ hours of training videos
- Integrated storytelling project/workbook
- Downloadable resources
SSBV elevate—sold out!
Fast track your birth filmmaking career with the full SSBV experience. Includes exclusive mentorship credit with industry leading birth videographer Dania Lauren.
5 Seat limit per intake.
| Course Content | |
|---|---|
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Lessons (includes 18+ hours of training videos) |
$2000 |
| Case studies, assignments & resources | $200 |
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Integrated storytelling project workbook (based on our tried and tested storytelling workflow) |
$600 |
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Mentorship | |
|---|---|
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Monthly group mentorship sessions (initial 6 months) |
$900 |
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Exclusive mentorship Credit—2 hours (2 x 60 min project critique sessions or 1 x 2 hour co-edit session) |
$1200 |
| Bonuses (for early adopters) | |
|---|---|
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Course + Facebook community (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $250) |
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Monthly group mentorship sessions (ongoing access after initial 6 months) |
FREE (Worth $150/month) |
|
Live orientation + Film Fest invitation links (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $200+) |
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Resource library (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $1200) |
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Film Fest submission (one film) |
FREE (Worth $50) |
SSBV plus
Enjoy SSBV Core course content and online community plus ongoing access to our monthly group mentorship sessions and resource library
| Course Content | |
|---|---|
|
Lessons (includes 18+ hours of training videos) |
$2000 |
| Case studies, assignments & resources | $200 |
|
Integrated storytelling project workbook (based on our tried and tested storytelling workflow) |
$600 |
| Mentorship | |
|---|---|
|
Monthly group mentorship sessions (initial 6 months) |
$900 |
| Bonuses (for early adopters) | |
|---|---|
|
Course + Facebook community (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $250) |
|
Monthly group mentorship sessions (ongoing access after initial 6 months) |
FREE (Worth $150/month) |
|
Live orientation + Film Fest invitation links (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $200+) |
|
Resource library (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $1200) |
|
Film Fest submission (one film) |
FREE (Worth $50) |
SSBV Core
Delve into SSBV Core course content complete with storytelling project and online community
| Course Content | |
|---|---|
|
Lessons (includes 18+ hours of training videos) |
$2000 |
| Case studies, assignments & downloadable resources | $200 |
|
Integrated storytelling project workbook (based on our tried and tested storytelling workflow) |
$600 |
| Bonuses (for early adopters) | |
|---|---|
|
Course & Facebook community (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $250) |
|
Live orientation + Film Fest invitation links (ongoing access) |
FREE (Worth $200+) |
|
Film Fest submission (one film) |
FREE (Worth $50) |
FAQs
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How much time will I need to complete the course lessons and assignments?
We would recommend allocating at least 60 hours to ensure you get the most out of the SSBV experience.
Pre-recorded lessons range from 1-2 hours/ module (roughly 18 hours).
Integrated case studies, camerawork assignments and storytelling project require an additional 1-2 hours/module for the first 8 modules (roughly 10 hours).
After module 8 the storytelling project transitions into filming and editing which naturally becomes more time intensive. As a guide you could expect to spend 2-5 hours during production and up to 20-30 hours during post-production (roughly 30 hours). -
What if the group mentorship sessions are scheduled for a time that doesn't work with my schedule or I miss a session?
All of our live sessions will be recorded and replays with any links/resources related to that session will be archived on your course player (within 72 hours) giving you access to the session content at a time that suits you.
If you have specific questions you can alway post those in our Soulful Storytellers Facebook community group. -
Is the course all about Storytelling or do you cover the technical aspect of filmmaking as well?
YES, we cover the technical basics of filmmaking (camera settings, codecs, LOG, gear, audio, lighting, Camera angles and more) AND we also tie the technical basics into how it affects your storytelling!
Did you know that you tell a story with the settings you use? What are you communicating with the frame rate you shoot with, with camera angles and shot movements that you choose to use? EVERY single technical choice and camera movement you make in your filmmaking either adds to your story or distracts from it and we talk a lot about how to minimise distractions so your story can shine :) -
I’m pretty all over my settings but get overwhelmed with editing, do you cover editing and colour grading in the course?
Yes, Maybe we’re a bit story crazed, but our whole course tells a story! It has a beginning a middle and an end and walks you through pre-production, production and post production. In the last third of the course we cover the all the basics of editing, sound design and colour grading that you would need to effectively create a birth film (hands up anyone who struggles with picking music?? We are going to do a whole hour on this in one of our upcoming live sessions!).
To add to this if you snag an Elevate membership you also receive 2hrs worth of one on one mentoring with us that you can use HOWEVER you want, got questions about things we haven’t covered in the course? We can answer them personally. Want me to jump on your current edit and get my hands on it and show you what I would do? YES! we can do a virtual co-edit (man, I love technology!!). Want us to watch something you’ve edited and give you detailed feedback with timecode? We can do that too! with our 50% off sale It’s crazy value at the moment, and I think this is where the Elevate membership really shines! -
How is this course different to other birth filmmaking courses out there (Ok I admit no one actually asked this, but I wanted to highlight something ;P)
It’s hands down the storytelling project. EVERY step of the course walks you through your very own storytelling project - this is not a high pressure thing, this is a chance for you to stretch your creative wings, make mistakes and try new things. If you follow the course chronologically you will be guided through the beautiful process of creating your own production while solidifying what you’ve been learning by putting it into practice.
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Do I need to sign up to the Elevate bundle to get something out of the course?
The Elevate bundle has been our most popular membership for good reason. It’s the most hands on for us and we get to track your progress closely, so selfishly we love this membership and highly recommend it because we know first hand how much focus it takes to complete a course and the Elevate membership gives us the freedom to doula you through the process! However, the Plus membership still gives you access to the monthly live sessions so it gives you a chance to check in with us face to face once a month and verbalise any roadblocks you might be encountering and simply just to synergise with other like minded creatives! Our Core membership is for people who know they’re self motivated and will be able to work through the course without the accountability that the Plus and Elevate bundles provide. The Core membership still gives you access to our Facebook community and chat group though (also included in Plus and Elevate), so you still have access to all the extra tips, tricks and tuts we post on there including camera specific YouTube tuts that augment our settings section of the course and any discussions we have around the course content or real world scenarios you guys might be encountering!