Sustainable Video Storytelling

Ron Watermon • November 8, 2022

Reduce Reuse & Recycle When Sharing Your Story

St. Louis, MO – November 8, 2022 – I remember that I literally laughed out loud when the President of the St. Louis Cardinals, my boss at the time, asked me if we would have enough stories to tell to sustain our production of a weekly television show.

Yes, no worries there at all Bill. We will never run out of stories ,” I told him at the time.

It was true. How could a business with such a history and rich tradition like the St. Louis Cardinals ever run out of stories?

The ballpark itself was like a little city filled with stories. If we just wanted to focus storytelling on our event staff or our fans, we could come up with enough to fill 22 minutes of a weekly half hour magazine TV show.

That is without focusing on our players! Each player had their own unique story we could tell too! We focused our storytelling primarily on our players, supplementing the show with a little bit of history and telling stories from around the ballpark. It was easily sustainable. We never ran out of ideas.

Anyway, you get the idea. We wouldn’t run out of stories if we made the commitment to begin sharing our stories with video. We actually started with simple videos online, not with a TV show. We started our video storytelling with a commitment to our fans to begin sharing stories through social media and our website.

Early on, we did stories using a “flip cam”. Then the iPhone. Then we graduated to having a reporter go do package style news stories for the website. That eventually grew into us taking over a TV show called Cardinals Nation and rebranding it to Cardinals Insider.

Now I ask you if you could invest in sustainable video storytelling too?

What do I mean by sustainable?

As you have probably deduced by now, I’m not really talking about saving the planet or hugging a tree. Not directly at least. But in a way, I am. Efficiency matters. Avoiding excess matters. Using less electricity matters.

That said, when we say “sustainability” in video storytelling, we are talking about the marathon you will run when it comes to sharing your brand story. It isn’t a wind sprint. It is a marathon.

I am a firm believer that you need to be smart about investing in storytelling. You need to be strategic and intentional about the stories you tell to support your brand. We all connect through story. It is innately human.

Every business has a story. Successful brands invest in their story and make their customer part of the story. Truthfully, the customer is the hero of their own story and the brand is a guide who helps them overcome a challenge or solve a problem on their quest for better life or personal transformation.

We are building a video storytelling company on the foundational principal of sustainability. We don’t believe in one and done when it comes to brand storytelling. No. It is about building an audience and sustaining your storytelling over time. It isn’t a sprint; it is a marathon. You are in it to win it for the long haul.

Our startup was born of the belief that there is a better way to do it – a more sustainable – efficient way to tell your story. A smarter way.

We live in a world where people are consuming massive amounts of media every day, online and otherwise. Social media and the internet empower brands to be their own media outlet serving up content daily.

How do you do sustain it?

It is a big commitment to feed the beast of digital and social media. Bill DeWitt’s question to me was very legitimate.

What he was really asking is if we commit to doing the video storytelling, can we sustain it?

I’d go a step further and say sustain it in a high-quality way.

The answer is yes, if you are smart about reducing, reusing and recycling.

When I talk about reducing, I’m looking at the production model of video storytelling. Do you need ten people to produce a video or can you do it with one or two? If you want to produce a kick-ass Super Bowl commercial you might need a massive crew of people to produce that video. But if you are just doing an authentic video for your online blog, you probably don’t. A one-person band with a cell phone can tell a great story if they know what they are doing.

We all know that cell phone in your pocket can shoot great video right?

We have the technology to do it, but the trick comes in knowing how to shoot a video and tell a story.

I’ve been doing a lot of market research lately for an accelerator program that STORYSMART is involved with and one thing that is jumping out to me is how much of a struggle video is for agency professionals like PR people to do sustainable storytelling with video.

One person told me of the struggles they had just trying to get the large file off their phone and onto their computer.

My point to you is that if you know what you are doing, you can reduce your storytelling to a single person if they have the right skillset and talent.

You can also reuse stories and segments of stories to tell more stories. You can recycle content as well. You can literally repost the same video a couple of times.

Now some social media gurus will tell you that you should always come up with new stuff, but that is complete BS. You don’t need to do that all the time. You can take a sustainable approach to your storytelling.

We do it with the work we do for clients. One of our popular video storytelling value packages is a “six pack” – where for one price a client gets six professional videos “per story”. This value driven approach is built on this idea of sustainability.

As part of the package, a journalist prepares a beautiful story for a client after conducting a series of interviews and a shoot on location. That story includes narration, music, graphics and all the things you expect from us. It is a high-quality story that connects authentically with the client’s target audience. But here is the thing. As part of preparing that story, the reporter may have interviewed three people on location. Each interview lasted 10 to 15 minutes. Only a portion of that interview makes that final story. So we take interview clips (recycling or reusing) to produce a social media short video that can be easily shared.

We don’t throw away the raw footage. We use it. And reuse it. This video content is so important for the clients we help with social media. We are able to use and reuse the footage from our video storytelling to help them connect authentically with their target audience.

It is both a smart and sustainable example of video storytelling that you can use too when you invest in telling your own story with video storytelling.

About STORYSMART

You have a story to tell, but don't have the time or resources to do it yourself. Telling your story well with video can be hard. And let’s be brutally honest. No app will turn you into a great filmmaker. Few people are capable of producing a do-it-yourself (DIY) video or film we actually want to watch, much less remember.

To do justice to your story on screen, you need the right skills and equipment, not to mention time, money and talent.

That is why STORYSMART developed our premium video storytelling as a service. We are here to help clients tell their story in the amazing way they deserve with a proprietary done-for-you video storytelling service unlike any other.

STORYSMART provides a nationwide premium video storytelling service that empowers individuals, families, celebrities, small businesses and other organizations to have their stories told professionally while still retaining their intellectual property rights.

STORYSMART provides clients an experienced television reporter or journalist filmmaker to help them tell their story following our proprietary high-integrity brand journalism system. Our transparently priced premium services for businesses and families ensures that each client gets an authentic, high-quality story they own the intellectual property rights on forever.

About Ron Watermon

Ron Watermon is the founder and CEO of STORYSMART, a premium video storytelling technology startup that empowers anyone to have their stories told professionally while ensuring they retain the intellectual property rights on their productions.

A creative and innovative communications leader with nearly three decades of experience, prior to founding STORYSMART to provide Storytelling for all, Ron Watermon was responsible for modernizing the St. Louis Cardinals communications by leading the team’s investment in video storytelling, brand journalism, fan engagement and social media.

By Ron Watermon October 21, 2025
When Deadline first reported that Bruce Springsteen’s Deliver Me From Nowhere was headed for the screen, I expected it would be more than another typical music biopic because it was based on a book that focused on a sliver of Springsteen’s life. That “sliver” was a singular defining period of Springsteen’s life. When I wrote my book, I took note of the fact that when Hollywood came calling, they first reached out to Warren Zanes who wrote the book and not Springsteen himself. I was trying to make the point about the importance of securing storytelling source material. The real work in telling a story is that of the author. Writing a great story isn’t easy. When it happens, someone in Hollywood is bound to notice. What I didn’t fully appreciate until now is that Springsteen’s story to screen journey is a masterclass in focus — a case study in how a single defining period, a writer who truly understands his subject, and a team of champions can move a story from the page to the screen in record time. Zane’s book was published 2023. A little more than two years later, the film is being released. That is amazing in of itself, but the approach to the story told is also instructive. Most people think you need your whole life story to make a film. Springsteen — and Warren Zanes — show us you don’t. It can be a sliver. The story behind this storytelling is a Boss lesson in storytelling that help you deliver your story from nowhere. 
By Ron Watermon October 13, 2025
Your Clear Eyes, Full Rights, Can't Lose Playbook.  If you’ve ever watched Friday Night Lights, you know the phrase: Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. It’s the mantra Coach Taylor preached to his team. But when I look at the 35-year storytelling journey of Friday Night Lights—from a reporter’s notebook to a bestselling book, then a film, a beloved series, and now talk of a reboot—I see a slightly different mantra: Clear eyes, full rights, can’t lose. Because underneath the inspirational football story is a lesson we can draw from in how one journalist’s immersive reporting became a durable, multi-platform franchise. And for me, it’s a perfect demonstration of a pathway we advocate for at STORYSMART®. It all starts with investing in good clear-eyed journalism. It is the single most important investment you can make in developing a true story. When you take control of your source material to tell a true story and develop your story properly, your story can live on for years far beyond the page. I’m a big proponent for adopting a story franchise mindset when approaching storytelling projects. That is why I tell clients to think like a studio executive by adopting a media mogul mindset. When you open your mind to that, it opens the doors of possibilities. The storytelling journey of Friday Night Lights helps illustrate what is possible, as well as offer other lessons on what to do and not do in designing your own professional storytelling path. How a reporter’s notebook became a franchise In 1990, journalist Buzz Bissinger published Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream. It wasn’t just another sports book. He moved his family to Texas to immerse himself in this story. Bissinger spent a year in Odessa, Texas, embedded with the Permian High School Panthers, capturing the obsession, pressure, and community identity that revolved around high school football. He conducted hundreds of hours of interviews and built his narrative from a deep archive of source material. Every interview he conducted is his work product, what I often refer to as copyright protected storytelling source material. Make note of that. That depth of Buzz’s reporting gave the book credibility. It also gave it power as intellectual property. It was a fantastic book that was a hit.
By Ron Watermon October 3, 2025
The NCAA just approved new guidance on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals — and while the headlines mostly talk about money, what’s really at stake here is storytelling. Starting this past August, athletes have had to disclose NIL agreements over $600. Schools will help monitor and even facilitate opportunities, and standardized contracts are being promoted to protect athletes. Meanwhile, new rules for collectives are meant to stop disguised pay-for-play deals while still allowing legitimate business arrangements. ( Full NCAA release here )​ On the surface, this might sound like dry compliance policy. But here’s the STORYSMART® takeaway: Transparency is power. The clearer your contracts and disclosures, the harder it is for someone else to hijack your story or exploit your image. Standardization levels the playing field. Whether you’re a star quarterback or a swimmer at a smaller program, having clear terms makes it easier to protect your rights. Your story is the real asset. NIL isn’t just about a jersey deal or an autograph session. It’s about controlling your narrative — the way your life, your legacy, and your values are presented to the world. ​ This guidance is another reminder that athletes — like families, public figures, and estates — need to see their story as intellectual property. The athletes who win aren’t just the ones who score on the field; they’re the ones who invest in how their story is told off the field. ​ STORYSMART® Rule of Thumb: Don’t just cash a check. Build a story that grows in value over time.
By Ron Watermon October 1, 2025
At it's heart, STORYSMART® is about democratizing access to elite-level professional storytelling. Storytelling has been controlled by gatekeepers for far too long.
By Ron Watermon September 24, 2025
The Studio offers a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos of Hollywood, but there are lessons about what the industry gets right & wrong about storytelling.
By Ron Watermon September 14, 2025
Storytelling for ALL™ LinkedIn Newsletter Vol. 3
By Ron Watermon September 14, 2025
Storytelling for ALL™ LinkedIn Newsletter Vol. 2
By Ron Watermon September 14, 2025
Storytelling for ALL ™ LinkedIn Newsletter Vol. 1
By Ron Watermon July 21, 2025
July 22, 2025, St. Louis, MO - There’s a line in Jerry Maguire that has always stuck with me. Young Ray asks his mom, “What’s wrong, Mom?” And she replies: “ First class is what’s wrong, honey. It used to be a better meal. Now it’s a better life. ” That line hits hard. Because access—access to opportunity, tools, and professionals—changes everything. And when it comes to storytelling, access has long been unequal. For decades, only a small group of insiders had the power to tell stories at the highest level. If you weren’t already in Hollywood or publishing, your story stayed in coach—often ignored, misrepresented, or lost. I wrote STORYSMART® Storytelling for ALL to change that. This book is a roadmap. It’s designed to give you—whether you’re a public figure, entrepreneur, athlete, or someone with a life story worth telling—the same tools used by insiders. The same strategies that power studios, presidents, billion-dollar production companies, and bestselling memoirs. It’s also deeply personal. I’ve seen too many remarkable true stories disappear because people didn’t know how to protect them—or worse, were taken advantage of. I’ve felt like an outsider myself. And I know what it means to want your story told right. That’s why I developed the STORYSMART® Framework. To empower people with meaningful stories to protect their rights, preserve their vision, and share it with the world—on their own terms. I’m making the Author’s Note from the book available as a free PDF download as part of this post. And if you’ve got 90 seconds, I invite you to watch the short video message from me below. This is your story. Let’s tell it the right way. About The Book In a world hungry for authentic narratives, STORYSMART® Storytelling for ALL™ : How to Take Control, Own Your True Story and Profit Like a Hollywood Insider delivers a rare insider’s guide to turning a true story into a cultural and financial asset while maintaining control. Designed for public figures, entrepreneurs, and individuals with powerful life stories, the book introduces the STORYSMART® Way, a step-by-step framework to organize, preserve, and professionally develop your story for books, film, and television. The book pulls back the curtain on how stories move through publishing, Hollywood, and streaming—and empowers readers to navigate the process like seasoned insiders. Topics include copyright and licensing, collaborating with elite-level professional filmmakers and ghostwriters, developing a pitch-ready treatment, and monetizing true stories through publishing, streaming, and merchandising. STORYSMART Storytelling for ALL is available currently as both a paperback and e-book. It will be available soon be in hardcover and audiobook formats. About the Author Ron Watermon is the founder of STORYSMART®, a cinematic storytelling consulting service and story development film studio. A lawyer, filmmaker, and Emmy-nominated television producer and writer, Ron’s led strategic communications for an MLB team, advised high-profile clients, and has produced both film and television productions. Ron lives in St. Louis with his family. Learn more about Ron at storysmart.net and ronwatermon.com #STORYSMART #StorytellingForAll #NewBook #MediaRights #TrueStories #BookLaunch
By Ron Watermon April 24, 2025
We are honored to share some big news. Our documentary, A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis: The Dr. Arturo Taca Story, has been selected as one of five projects to receive funding from the St. Louis Film Project , a collaboration between the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis and Continuity . This recognition comes from a highly competitive pool of 115 applicants. The grant—up to $100,000—represents a decisive vote of confidence in our story and our approach to telling it. It also offers meaningful momentum as we enter the next phase of production. Most importantly, it reinforces what we believe: Dr. Arturo Taca’s story matters and deserves to be told. A Story Rooted in St. Louis — and Felt Across the World “A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis” is a documentary rooted in the unlikely convergence of midwestern Americana and Filipino resistance. It follows the story of Dr. Arturo M. Taca, a Filipino surgeon and political exile who made St. Louis his home while taking a stand against Ferdinand Marcos's brutal dictatorship. Before terms like “fake news” and “disinformation” became common in American discourse, Dr. Taca uncovered the truth behind the Philippine president's fraudulent war record. That investigation began here—in dusty archives just outside of St. Louis—and set off a chain of events that toppled a brutal dictator. Our film uses a hybrid storytelling format, combining animated reenactments, interviews, and archival research to tell this story in an emotionally resonant and visually striking way. The Grant That Helps Make It Possible The St. Louis Film Project grant, funded through RAC and administered by Continuity, is part of an initiative to uplift the film community in St. Louis. RAC’s press release states that the fund was created to “support local filmmakers and organizations to tell stories rooted in St. Louis.” The evaluation process was rigorous. “Choosing five projects from over 100 submissions was no easy feat," said Vanessa Cooksey, President of RAC. "The talent and stories presented were incredible.” That’s why being one of the five chosen is more than just a financial boost—it affirms this story’s value and connection to our community. It means much to us, and we don’t take it lightly. A Delayed Start But a Firm Deadline While the grant announcement arrived months later than initially expected, we’ve been working behind the scenes to be ready to go once we receive funding. With this grant officially in place, we’re full steam ahead. The grant contractually obligates us to deliver the completed film by January 2026. That’s a fast turnaround in documentary filmmaking, especially for a story with historical depth, international relevance, and a visual style that blends live action with animation. That means every day counts. While the grant covers significant production costs, it also comes with essential parameters: 75% of funds must be spent within the City of St. Louis. We’re proud of that requirement—it aligns with our belief in investing locally and elevating regional talent. But it also means we must be innovative, strategic, and resourceful with every dollar we spend. We have our entire team in place, minus one critical position. We need a gifted DP to join our elite team. We are eager to work with a tremendous city-based production company or cinematographer who calls St. Louis home. If you know a great cinematographer who would like to join us, please have them email me at ron@storysmart.net. Why We’re Still Seeking Donor Support Even with the RAC grant, bringing this film to life in the way it deserves will take more. Animation, archival licensing, original score composition, color grading, distribution planning—it all adds up. And some of this can't be sourced in a way that fits grant guidelines. And because of the ambitious deadline, we’ll need to scale quickly without cutting corners. That’s where you come in. We’re seeking additional donor support to help us: Expand our animation sequences and visual storytelling capacity. Secure the rights to key archival materials that deepen the film’s historical accuracy. Shoot at least a couple of interviews with key individuals who live outside our region, including the Philippines. Invest in editorial and post-production tools that allow us to move efficiently without sacrificing quality. Ensure the finished film reaches the broadest possible audience, from film festivals to classrooms to international broadcast platforms. Your contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure that Dr. Taca’s story is told with the care, accuracy, and cinematic impact it deserves. If you believe in the power of truth-telling… if you value stories that connect communities and illuminate buried history… we hope you’ll consider becoming a supporter. Click here to donate Learn more about our film at steakguerrilla.com A Final Word: Why This Story Matters Now We often think history is distant, locked away in textbooks or museums. But A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis reminds us that history is constantly being rediscovered—sometimes in our backyard. It’s a reminder that exile doesn’t silence the truth, that one person in one city can stand up to a dictator and change the course of a narrative written in lies, and that the work of defending democracy happens quietly, persistently, and often without recognition. Now, it’s time to give that recognition. With this grant—and with your support—we’re going to finish the film. And when we do, we’ll bring a hidden chapter of St. Louis history that reverberates far beyond our city limits. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, and a special thanks to each member of our talented filmmaking team. I'm grateful for your willingness to work to bring this story to the screen, your patience through this process, and your unselfish (uncompensated) work to make it happen. I have no doubt it will all be worth it! --Ron Watermon, Executive Producer & Director, A Steak Guerrilla in St. Louis: The Dr. Arturo M. Taca Story
Show More