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.
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 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.
PROJECT:
"UN SUEÑO”
(VR Film)
CLIENT:
NEW STORY
In 2022, our team collaborated with New Story to tackle a simple question - how can we bring the hope of home to audiences everywhere? Our goal was to help people see the power of home in its most authentic form, and the story we created is “Un Sueño (a dream)” our first VR film.
PROJECT:
"PARTNERSHIP VIDEO"
CLIENT:
CELAYA TEQUILA
Former NFL stars and brothers Ryan and Matt Khalil have spent their post-playing days building Celaya Tequila, an incredible 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 came to us to bring the story of the partnership to life.
ORIGINAL CONTENT
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:
"THE CONDUCTOR"
(A.I. Short Film)
PRODUCTION:
ChatGPT
Runway
ElevenLabs
Midjourney
I recently heard someone say “A.I. won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use A.I. will.” As creators, it’s incumbent on us to view emerging technologies as potential tools for our toolbox. With that mindset, I used a series of A.I. tools to fully produce this short piece. Throughout the exercise, I was able to better understand what this massive leap forward means for creators around the world. I wrote about my experience here.
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.
“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."
Pete Hixson - Founder + CEO | Beyond Communities
"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 + Podcast Host
