A story well told can change your perspective on the world

We create stories because we believe that by doing so you can change someone’s view of the world. Information and empathy can tip someone’s perspective. Not from black to white or vice versa, but in a more layered and complex way, using stories that can accommodate different voices. Stories that can counter uninformed cynicism.

We believe it is essential to think continuously about our role as storytellers and reinvent how we use media and the way we reach our audience. Not only because it is enjoyable, but also because we have a social responsibility to do so. Certainly in these times of polarisation.

Worldwide, there is a great of excellent journalism and documentary writing being done. Although there is no shortage of compelling and impressive stories, the impact they have often falls short. We love telling stories – whatever form they may take. It is great being able to write, make films, publish books and put on exhibitions. However, we also want our stories to be seen and read, preferably by the right people. The ones who will go on to do something with the new knowledge.

It is for this reason that we do all we can to bring our stories to the world. We take them back to where they were made or we make sure that readers, viewers or visitors become involved in the other world. This way, stories might result in a fundraising campaign for the widow Khava Gaisanova in North Caucasus, two Dutch passports for the stateless sisters Chissom and Vanessa or a viewer becoming a volunteer on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Each idea and each story determine how it needs to be told. As a full-length or short documentary, youth film, linearly or interactively, journalistically or poetically. A book, online or newspaper article, photo project or convention. Form may stem from content, but a project can also take on various appearances. If the story – and its underlying objective – demands, it could even take on several forms at once.

Just as stories can take many forms, their writers can also continually reinvent themselves. Why should a good radio producer not also be able to make a film if the story requires them to do so? We also believe in experimentation, cross-pollination, talent development and multi-disciplinary work. Sharing knowledge and cooperation are our gospel. Prospektor is Arnold and Eefje and dozens of other people. For each project we are looking for new, inspiring professionals to take our projects to greater heights. And we are loyal. We are keen to work together with people we have previously conducted fantastic projects with. Increasingly, we also produce stories for creators we like, our standard being that we would have liked to create the story ourselves, so we can put our heart and soul into supervising the production.

Arnold & Eefje