Case Study · Catalyst Northwest
He sat down to review the film. He ended up crying at his desk.
Shawn Mitchell wondered whether professional films were worth the cost. Today, Catalyst uses them to support fundraising and invite people into its work.
Mission Films & Fundraising · Portland Metro, OR
Their in-house videos weren't connecting with viewers
Catalyst Partnerships NW brings volunteers and local partners together to provide free, critical home repairs for neighbors in the Portland area. Shawn Mitchell, its executive director, wanted people to see that work and know how to get involved.
The team had tried making videos in-house. They ran into limits with technical skills and storyboarding, and the stories weren't connecting the way Shawn hoped. As he put it: "The early videos we made in-house didn't have much impact."
He was concerned about the cost
Shawn wasn't immediately sure hiring a film team was the right use of their money. "The cost was a concern for me. It made me stop and wonder if our previous in-house videos were good enough."
He decided to hire Kolstad Media. Looking back, he says, "It was so worth it!"
Using the films to raise funds and invite people to help
We've made multiple project films together, including the Davis and Namba stories. The films show viewers who Catalyst helps and what its home repair projects involve.
Shawn says Catalyst uses the films as visual aids in its fundraising efforts and to inspire people to get involved. He also describes a response he sees often: people cry while watching. He credits both the meaningful stories and the care with which the films are made.
His own most memorable reaction came while previewing the latest project film for final edits. He felt transported back into the moment. Sitting at his desk, he started crying.
“On our most recent project video, my most memorable moment was when I was previewing the video for final edits, and I felt so transported into the moment that I literally started crying at my desk”
Shawn Mitchell
Executive Director, Catalyst Partnerships NW
Watch the work
Catalyst Namba Project
Catalyst Davis Project
The fundraising behind the home repairs
Catalyst publishes fundraising totals from its Golf Marathon, which supports its home repair work. These figures cover the entire event.
2025 Golf Marathon
$190,538
Raised and counting, as reported by Catalyst after its May 3, 2025 event.
Catalyst's 2025 report2026 Golf Marathon
$227,000
Total pledges and growing, as reported in Catalyst's May 2026 recap.
Catalyst's 2026 reportThese totals reflect the work of Catalyst's fundraisers, donors, sponsors, and team. They do not measure revenue attributable to Kolstad Media's films. Shawn confirmed that the films support fundraising; he did not assign a dollar amount to their contribution.
“It's worth the investment”
Shawn Mitchell
His advice to another director deciding whether to hire a film team
Tell us the story you want people to see
Bring your next project or fundraising event to a free discovery call. We'll talk through where a film could help and what it would take to make it.