human
stories.
timeless
perspectives.
OUR STORY
Calico [kal-i-koh] (adjective):
describing any creature with a multicolored coat.
Sonder [son-der] (noun):
the realization that each person has a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Calico Sonder is a dynamic storytelling studio driven by a core belief: everyone has a story worth telling. We specialize in creating visual content that spans a wide range of mediums, including documentaries, brand films, podcasts, music production, VR films, and more. Whether you’re a brand looking to bring enriched stories to your audience or a fellow creator interested in full-range collaboration, our team of passionate storytellers give ourselves fully to every project. In the process, we bring together a diverse array of skill, culture, and background each to our work. Above all, we believe in the power of compelling, engaging, and transformative narratives across the globe.
Our name embodies our mission. Calico symbolizes the rich diversity of stories we produce, while Sonder represents the empathy and depth we strive to capture in every project. Together, these concepts guide our work, reminding us that every story is a unique collection of emotions, experiences, and points-of-view.
From initial spark to final cut, we pour our heart and soul into each production. Our expertise extends across various formats and genres, ensuring that no matter the medium, we deliver with excellence.
Human stories. Timeless perspectives. That’s Calico Sonder.
BRAND FILMS
PROJECT:
"CRAZY UNTIL IT’S NOT"
(Brand Film)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
This brand film introduces New Story and their work to a wide ranging audience and serves as the organization flagship film, helping them raise millions of dollars in the fight against global homelessness.
PROJECT:
"TECHNOLOGY CHANGES LIVES"
(Brand Film)
CLIENT:
PLATAFORMA IMPACT
Plataforma Impact’s mission is close to our heart. So when they asked us to produce a video for a Brazilian audience, we jumped at the opportunity to highlight such an amazing company. The result is our first foreign language brand film.
PROJECT:
"MORE THAN HOMES"
(Explainer Video)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
When New Story was looking for fresh ways to engage their audience visually, they turned to us to produce this 2-minute motion graphic explainer video that expands on the organization’s strategy in greater detail.
PROJECT:
"WHERE DREAMS BEGIN"
(Brand Film)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
Produced alongside our friends at RCR Video in October 2020 during the height of the pandemic, “Where Dreams Begin” is a short brand film that explores the depth of a mother’s love while highlighting the importance of home during difficult seasons. From concept to final production, we were honored to bring this one to life.
PROJECT:
"NO SMALL DREAMS”
(Documentary)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
In 2021, New Story tasked us with producing a short documentary that highlighted their decade-long work in the fight against global homelessness. For nearly a year, our team worked tirelessly to bring this story to life, and the result is one of our proudest accomplishments.
Winner - Best Documentary
South Georgia Film Festival (2022)
Winner - Best Film
L.A. Documentary Awards (2022)
Official Selection
Maui Film Festival (2021)
Official Selection
Phoenix Film Festival (2022)
PROJECT:
"UN SUEÑO”
(VR Film)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
In 2022, we partnered with New Story to explore a powerful question: how can we bring the hope of home to audiences everywhere? The result was Un Sueño (A Dream)—our first VR film—designed to show the power of home in its most human and heartfelt form..
PROJECT:
"NEW STORY + CELAYA PARTNERSHIP"
(Announcement Video)
CLIENT:
CELAYA TEQUILA
Former NFL stars and brothers Ryan and Matt Khalil have spent their post-playing days building Celaya Tequila, a brand that honors their family’s 100+ year tradition. When they announced a partnership with New Story to help bring safe housing to the people of Jalisco, MX, they approached us to bring the story of the partnership to life.
PROJECT:
"GARDEN CITY - OUR STORY”
(“About Us” Film)
CLIENT:
GARDEN CITY EQUITY
Garden City Equity is on a mission to reshape how the world sees blue-collar work. As a people-first holding company backed by a global network of CEOs, professional athletes, and business leaders, they focus on acquiring and growing small to mid-sized companies for the long haul. When they invited us to create a series of culture-driven videos for their website, we were all in. It’s an honor to help spotlight a mission this meaningful.
PROJECT:
"WESTBROOK | WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT”
(Brand Film)
CLIENT:
WESTBROOK
On the surface, Westbrook is a commercial service provider specializing in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and construction. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to people. When they asked us to capture the heart of their company through a brand film, we were honored to help tell the story of a workplace where culture and craftsmanship go hand-in-hand.
PROJECT:
"FROM THE FAVELA TO THE BANK | THE STORY OF WOLGRAN LOPES”
(Brand Film)
CLIENT:
PLATAFORMA IMPACT
Wolgran Lopes’ story is one of grit, growth, and purpose. From working as a mechanic’s assistant to becoming a promising software developer for Brazil’s largest bank, he overcame setback after setback to realize his dream—and now he’s helping others do the same. We were honored to work with our friends at Plataforma Impact to help bring his journey to life.
ORIGINALS
PROJECT:
"DAD’S WORLD"
(Podcast)
Before my daughter was born in 2022, I went through a profound period of reflection. In the years since, I’ve talked with countless other dads who all seemed to have similar experiences. Their incredible insight led me to create a conversation series called Dad’s World, where I talk through the chaotic joys of fatherhood with the best dads I know.
PROJECT:
"DON’T BREAK YOUR NECK" (ACOUSTIC)
(Live Performance)
CLIENT:
PEACHMOTIF
When our friends at PeachMotif asked us to create a series of pieces to accompany their latest release, “Don’t Break Your Neck”, we had one thing in mind - make something as rad as the song. The result is a beautiful and haunting acoustic version.
PROJECT:
"IMAGINARY FRIENDS”
(Podcast)
When Andrew Averso and Nigel Darius approached us about producing a podcast about creativity, collaboration, and the beauty of the human spirit, we knew it was something we had to be a part of. Imaginary Friends seeks to capture the same feeling you get when you’re part of a life-affirming riff session with a good buddy. What Andrew and Nigel have created is special, and we’re thankful to be part of the journey.
TESTIMONIALS
“Beyond producing incredible brand stories, Calico Sonder has helped us uncover and define our entire creative identity. They possess a rare ability to understand our message at its core and bring it to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful. The results speak for themselves.”
Gary Carrier - Co-founder + CEO | Plataforma
"Working with Calico Sonder has been like stepping into a masterclass in creative storytelling. Their guidance has sharpened my instincts, refined my craft, and given me a deeper understanding of how to shape narratives that truly resonate. They don’t just create; they teach, inspire, and elevate everyone around them."
Josh Cooper - Jr. Storyteller
"Calico Sonder doesn’t just tell stories—they uncover the soul of a brand and bring it to life. Their ability to distill complex ideas into compelling narratives has transformed the way we present ourselves to the world. Working with them has been a game-changer for our brand’s voice, clarity, and impact."
Brett Hagler | Co-founder + CEO - New Story Homes
"Collaborating with Nathan and his team is a creative’s dream. They have an unmatched ability to balance vision and execution, ensuring that every detail contributes to a bigger, more meaningful story. Their dedication, insight, and seamless workflow make them an invaluable partner on any project."
Nigel Darius | Author + Public Speaker
