Welcome, fine person.
You hear it everywhere... Stories are powerful.
They connect us.
They invite us on journeys of discovery and shared experience.
Stories are the most memorable way to communicate a brand promise,
to share how your products and services help people – even spread joy.
But how do you find the right stories to tell?
How do you make them engaging?
And how to you send your stories into the world to have a meaningful impact? I'd love to help you navigate these questions.
Story Creative partners with brands... to help people help people. As a studio of one, with a network of specialists, I look forward to building relationships and making connections that last.
– Heidi Segal, Principal
Every brand has a unique story, personality, and purpose. I ensure each message is emotionally authentic and impacts the daily lives of real people.
From agencies to in-house teams, I manage projects from concept to completion. Every project is delivered on time, on budget, and on target.
Does your message need classic video, 2D or 3D animation, actors or voice actors? We'll explore video styles and trends to find the perfect fit.
The online landscape is ever-changing. But one standard remains the same: beautiful, user-centered design promises user-joy.
Great work is pioneered by great talent. I assemble creative teams tailored to each project – because great chemistry achieves stellar results.
Providing a framework for people to flourish delivers the highest caliber of work. I create a strategy and trust skilled experts to surpass expectations.
Click the images to learn more.
I've worn many hats over the years – creative director, video and web producer, writer, development editor, designer, animator, video editor, and sound designer. Developing skills in various disciplines has given me a holistic perspective on branding and creative communications. Here are some projects that reflect this journey.
I selected a handful of Chesterton quotes and interesting facts to illuminate details about his life and personality. He was a philosopher of his time, whose writings remain relevant, today. Georges Bizet's "Carillion" seemed the perfect score for a witty, intelligent, pipe-smoking GK Chesterton. And I designed the imagery to maintain the branding scheme set by the Chesterton bookcover illustrations.
Thomas Nelson introduced a campaign to help fight hunger and disease in struggling communities worldwide. In my research for this project, I discovered many campaigns list statistics that can be overwhelming and often discouraging. I tried to create an inspirational piece filled with children’s faces and childlike illustrations, focusing on the main objective: act.
Producer, Director, Writer, Designer, Animator, Editor. Voice actor - Cam Brainard. Footage provided by World Vision.
Tyndale was murdered for translating the Bible into English. At that point in history, English was considered a vulgar tongue. Ruling powers deemed Latin the only suitable language for Holy Writ and vigilantly squelched any opposition. Tyndale spent most of his life on the run, meticulously and artfully translating original Hebrew and Greek text into a new wave of poetical English.
Producer, Director, Writer, Designer, Animator. Voice Actor - Henry O. Arnold.
Humbled to work on a story that has moved so many, I wanted to create an inspiring overview of Bonhoeffer's life. Bonhoeffer was at the heart of the Nazi conflict. He became a conscience for his culture and, today, his story of sacrifice causes us to examine our own roles in community life.
The commercial has been translated into German, Spanish and Ukrainian.
I worked with Daceandmohr.com on seven mini-documentaries highlighting World Vision's work and impact throughout the world. Carving strong narrative arcs from transcripts, I clarified and strengthened the brand message.
Story Development (Producer - April Dace, DP & Video Editor - Dave Ogle)
The author of "Majestie" has a background in music, which gives him a very rhythmical writing style. I plucked descriptive phrases from various parts of his book, inserted a sentence of my own, and sculpted a poem to convey the wildly diverse character traits of King James I (the Jacobean King). The various portraits of the King are meant to represent the complexities of his personality.
Producer, Director, Writer, Designer, Sound Designer, Animator. Voice actor - Byron Warner.
For the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, Thomas Nelson released a multi-biography about the brave, selfless musicians who played music as the ship sank. There is still debate over what song was played, so I asked a talented composer to create a score that would combine all three: Nearer My God to Thee, Autumn Hymn, and the waltz, Songe d'Automne. Andrew Bissell's stunning blend of all three tunes harmonized with the script and the narrator's voice perfectly.
Only a few images of Jane Austen exist. And only one is authentic: a naive watercolor made by her sister, Cassandra. I was grateful to find stylistically similar portraits of Austen and Dickens to create the intro for this project. The motif is an admixture of old paper and Georgian architecture accented by symbolic imagery of birds, keys, and sky.
Producer, Director, Designer, Animator.
Contractor Roy Hallums recounts the harrowing ten months he was held captive by Iraqi insurgents, the heroic rescue by American troops, and the faith that helped him survive. I shot live action video and stylized it with filters to create a collage of the abduction experience. I added some intense breathing to heighten the moment, and created a few 3D scenes to add depth for the script. But it goes without saying that the actual rescue footage made this video.
Producer, Director, Writer, Designer, Videographer, Editor, Animator.
Partnering with Daceandmohr.com, I developed a script to express the emotional core and mission of Stearn's book. Animator Jonathan Richter interpreted the mission with an unfolding image of love and connection.
Script Development and Writing (Producer - April Dace, Animator - Jonathan Richter, Voice Actor - Dave Ogle)
This is an inspiring story of a boy who survived a harrowing foster care environment. I was given interview footage and asked to create a branding intro and setting. I took a few poetic phrases from the book and placed them on ripped pieces of paper. The pieces of paper float in front of a mirror to convey the loneliness and disconnection Pemberton felt as a child. He would often escape to a cluttered basement, find an empty cardboard box, and read by flashlight. I added a cardboard backdrop and flashlight circles in honor of this creative outlet.
Producer, Director, Designer, Animator.Keep learning and never give up.
With experience in both creative management and hands-on execution, I've learned every project is a fresh opportunity to ask better questions and explore new territory. Taking time to ask incisive questions uncovers the most innovative solutions.
People love stories because stories are about people. We follow characters through plots, not the other way around. Memorable brands have well-developed character qualities. Does your brand have tangible and intangible qualities that are captivating, inspiring and relatable? What are the character qualities of your audience?
Strong characters have well-defined goals and obstacles, hopes and fears. Understanding character motivations will help you craft memorable messages that invite your audience on a journey. If you share your heart, your audience will share theirs – honest, passionate characters are admired and remembered.
Stories take many forms. The most effective format for your brand stories may differ from project to project. Whether video or web, email or print, each message is unique and requires a tailored approach. Choosing the best mediums and styles for your projects and the right talent to bring them to life will ensure your message is compelling.
Inspiring stories often end with goals achieved and characters transformed. But when one story ends, we hope another begins. A continuous cycle of brand stories will keep people engaged and develop long-lasting relationships. With each project, you'll better understand who your audience is and how to effectively connect.
Encouragement along the way...
Michael HyattCEO, Thomas Nelson
You took the project to another level. I am glad you are working with Thomas Nelson.
Allen ArnoldThomas Nelson Publisher, Fiction
Striking images + the right music + dead-on strategy added up to a video that rocked our expectations. Heidi is a major talent who understands creative branding.
Phil KeaggyWorld Reknown Guitarist and Singer-songwriter
Heidi Segal is a very gifted videographer and editor — a very creative person! She is a pro and top notch in her field. I was invited to contribute my music to her video for our mutual friend Ken Mansfield-- a fine man and a fine piece of video highlighting his work, travels and amazing story. It was an honor to be a part of it!
Dave WaltonMaster Audio Engineer, Spotland Productions
May I say? I so enjoy these sessions. Because you choose the talent(s) wisely for your needs. You put a gentle, affirming hand on for guidance. And a handful of takes later, I'm burning you a disc.
Dan LynchThomas Nelson Publisher, Family Entertainment
I worked with Heidi for a number of years at Thomas Nelson and always found her to be professional, creative and on time. I would recommend her highly.
Henry O. ArnoldAward-winning Actor, Voiceover Artist & Author
Sensitivity and imagination are two key components to the creative life and to any act of creation. In all the projects I've been privileged to work with Ms. Segal, she has demonstrated not only an abundance of sensitivity and imagination, but the highest degree of professionalism producing the highest caliber of visual and film art.
David TeemsAuthor of MAJESTIE: The King Behind The King James Bible
I don't think I was adequately prepared for the video presentation of MAJESTIE: The King Behind The King James Bible. From the opening steps my jaw dropped a few fathoms. Heidi made a complete narrative in less than two minutes time, by a wonderful compression of my book. The narrator's voice, the choice of lines, the images chosen and how they were employed, the general flow and ease, the detail—all these elements were assembled with a masterful touch. All that to say this: I was blown away.
David TeemsAuthor of TYNDALE: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice
It is not difficult to tell that Heidi did a close read of my book, TYNDALE: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice, to create her video presentation. By her grasp of imaginative sympathy, she captured the essence of William Tyndale just as I presented him in the book. I appreciate that. Her use of his quotes stood out to me as well; the way they seem to stand alone, suspended amid all the colorful drama of the piece, adding a touch of highness and gravitas, suitable to the subject. It was wonderful to watch. I was impressed by the pace of the speaker, the choice of images, the movement of the piece, the rhythm, things that suggest direction. Heidi Segal is as much the skilled director as she is visual seamstress. She has a great eye. But she also has a great ear. "Great" is not a word I use lightly or without justice.
Byron WarnerActor & Voiceover Artist
Heidi booked me as a voice artist several times for The Thomas Nelson Company's projects. She had written the scripts and served as their producer. She is a very personable and creative person and an excellent producer. I felt that she should have my best work and I worked hard to give her just that. Her devotion to the project at hand is inspiring, and she gets the best from her people for all the right reasons. I would work for her again anytime, again, for all the right reasons.
Kevin BelmonteAuthor of Defiant Joy and Editor of The Quotable Chesterton
Heidi Segal is a highly talented practitioner of her craft, and it's easy to see why her skills are in high demand. I owe her a great debt for so marvelously bringing my books on G.K. Chesterton to life.
Shawna CarterThomas Nelson Designer
Heidi is great, the best supervisor I have ever had. I have learned so much from her since I have started. She understands that this is my first design job and makes an effort to explain EVERYTHING to me.
Chris AdamsDirector of Photography, Chris Adams Films
Heidi is an incredible producer that was passionate about not just getting the job done in a timely and organized manner, but she was passionate about getting the best product possible, and that is a rare thing these days. I had a blast working with Heidi and can't wait to work with her again!
