Motivo Media

24/07/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that "The Art of Inflation", an original production from the Moving Picture Institute and produced in association with Motivo Media, has been officially selected for the Oscar®-qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in Indianapolis!

Filmed outside of Bogotá, Colombia, this piece was a huge labor of love and incredible learning experience, which makes it all the more rewarding to receive this recognition.

Tickets are now available at www.IndyShorts.org to watch "The Art of Inflation" virtually or to join us in person THIS SATURDAY, July 26th at 1pm at Living Room Theaters for a special screening and filmmaker Q&A with Director Brett Wietecha and Producer/Motivo CEO Tim Hedberg.

01/07/2025

FRIENDS OF MOTIVO — WE NEED YOUR VOICE

Motivo Media is producing a short-form social experiment video for a respected Washington State nonprofit, and we’re looking for thoughtful, open-minded individuals to help bring it to life.

We need 15 to 20 Washington residents, ages 18 and up, from all walks of life who care deeply about the world around them and are willing to engage in a sincere, on-camera conversation.

Filming Date: Saturday, August 2nd
Location: Seattle (U-District)
Time Commitment: Just 30 minutes
Perks: Free parking and snacks provided

This is a chance to help create something honest, human, and meaningful — and to be part of a conversation that matters.
If that sounds like you, fill out this quick form to sign up:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3MhfkyVLNCmhAGpo_g6IsVPe3RL_nR2TnoqLJkUs6f54v9A/viewform?usp=header

Know someone who’d be perfect? Share this with them — we’d love to hear from them too.

Thank you for your interest in being involved in our short documentary. We are looking for Washington residents over the age of 18, who care deeply about the world around them and are willing to have on- camera conversations about their thoughts on WA policy issues. If this is you, please fill out t...

12/06/2025

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴?

For us, it’s when it has the potential to shift how we see ourselves and each other. That’s exactly what we set out to create with our feature documentary 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘬𝘺.

And starting June 13th through the 18th, we're giving you the first look.

Click the link below to sign up for a sneak peek of the first 15 minutes for a $5 donation. All proceeds go toward completing the film and sharing it with the world.

Please watch, share, and help us bring 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘬𝘺 to life!

https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/touchingthesky

06/06/2025

Take a look at the trailer from our short documentary on DEI, which delves into the origins and evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Featuring insights from legal scholars, civil rights attorneys, and policy experts across the ideological spectrum, this film examines the ideas and perspectives shaping discussions around creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

Click the link below to watch the full documentary.

https://vimeo.com/1070435881?share=copy

23/05/2025

We recently spent the day filming at Boston Dynamics, a robotics design company, for an upcoming short documentary about the future of AI, and we're excited to share a few behind-the-scenes moments.

From in-depth interviews to an inside look at their incredible robots, it was an inspiring shoot all around. More to come soon!

14/05/2025

Our team is thrilled to invite you to an online sneak peek of "Touching The Sky," a Motivo Media Original Production.

Four years in the making, this feature-length documentary explores the world of AcroYoga, showing how acrobatic movement, play, and human connection can help heal and enrich our lives.

The first 15 minutes of the film will be available to stream on June 13th. Click the link below to save your spot so you don't miss out!

https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/touchingthesky

08/05/2025

Sometimes, as filmmakers and creatives, our work requires a lot of time spent sedentary behind a screen, so we’ve gathered this collection of moments from recent projects of ours as a reminder to pause, listen to your body, and move in whatever way feels good in this moment.

Whether it’s a long walk in nature, a gentle stretch in the sunlight, or even a brief dance in your living room, remember that every bit counts – not only for our physical well-being but also for our mental health.

01/05/2025

Did you know that regardless of where you're filming, there are often local initiatives available to help filmmakers?

Our latest blog post highlights one such opportunity: the Small Budget Production Initiative in Washington State. This program is specifically designed to provide funding to get small-scale productions off the ground.

Click the link below to read our blog post and learn more about how the initiative works and where to apply.

When building a production plan one of the most important resources can often be the support of the location that you are filming in. State production incentives, and tax rebates and credits should always be considered when putting the financial picture of a project together.

23/04/2025

What makes a great interview?

Motivo Co-founder and CEO Tim Hedberg reflects on what he's learned from interviewing hundreds of subjects—from celebrities to government officials to philosophers to everyday people with extraordinary stories—and shares his top tips for not just getting the soundbites you need, but for creating the space for others to truly open up.

When you lead with care and curiosity, your subject doesn’t just answer questions—they invite you into their world.

Do you have any tips that work for you? Tell us in the comments.

09/04/2025

Earlier this year, a seasoned filmmaker came to us with a story rooted in Seattle and a big dream to get it made. What he needed was a clear, professional production plan to bring to investors—one that could turn an idea into something tangible. That’s where we came in.

In our latest blog, we walk through how we approach building production plans—from breaking down scripts and crafting budgets to mapping out schedules that protect creative vision and investor dollars.

It’s not just paperwork—it’s the foundation for making meaningful films possible. If you’re an independent filmmaker looking to get your project off the ground, this one’s for you.

Read the full blog post at the link below.

https://motivo.me/blog/2025/4/3/how-to-build-a-production-plan

28/03/2025

What makes an interview truly meaningful?

In his latest blog post, Motivo Media CEO Tim Hedberg shares a thoughtful perspective on the art of interviewing—why listening deeply matters more than sticking to the script, and how presence, empathy, and curiosity can unlock powerful, honest stories.

It's a great reminder for anyone who wants to create conversations that resonate. Give it a read at the link below.

Interviews are one of the most powerful tools in storytelling. Guiding a meaningful one is about creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to share something real.

20/03/2025

What does it take to unlock genius?

Our latest case study dives into Genius Code, an ambitious educational pilot hosted by neuroscientist and educator Jared Cooney Horvath - PhD, MEd. Motivo worked closely with Jared to elevate his vision—reimagining the production with an Unreal Engine LED stage, dynamic VFX, and immersive storytelling.

From script development to final distribution strategy, we brought cutting-edge science to life in a way that captivates and inspires.

Click the link below to learn about how we helped turn an idea into a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.

This is a case study for the pilot of an educational science show, created and hosted by Jared Cooney Horvath, that explores the nature of genius.