About Us

We tell stories that move people and move missions forward.

Missionist was founded in San Diego in 2019 with a simple belief: the stories being told by nonprofits deserve the same creative excellence as the biggest brands in the world.

We’re a small but dedicated team of filmmakers, producers, and strategists who believe storytelling can be a force for change. With backgrounds spanning documentary filmmaking, brand campaigns, and social impact storytelling, we bring over two decades of combined experience to the causes we serve.

Our mission is to help nonprofits be seen, understood, and supported through storytelling that inspires action and builds connection. From local community programs to national campaigns, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations that feed families, protect our planet, and give hope where it’s needed most.

We’re not a production house chasing trends.
We’re a creative partner committed to helping your mission reach further — one story at a time.

A Note From Our Founder

After years of working with some of the biggest brands in the world in commercial and documentary filmmaking, I kept seeing the same gap. Nonprofits with incredible missions and life-changing work had no one helping them tell their story with the same care and craft as major brands. That ignited something in me.

I started Missionist to change that. My goal was to bring cinematic storytelling and strategic thinking to organizations doing the world’s most important work. Every film we create is built on partnership, empathy, and purpose. We want the world to see what you see: the impact, the heart, and the hope behind your mission.

- Shane Aguon, Founder & Head of Creative

Meet the Team

  • Shane Aguon

    FOUNDER / HEAD OF CREATIVE

  • Jenny Leigh Aguon

    PRODUCER

  • David Wallendorf

    PARTNER / DIGITAL STRATEGY

  • Chris Andrus

    HEAD OF PRODUCTION

Why We Exist

Nonprofits do incredible work but often struggle to share it clearly. Tight budgets, big goals, and small teams make it hard to translate real impact into content that reaches hearts and drives support.
That’s where we come in.

We partner with nonprofits to help them:

  • Clarify their message and story

  • Capture their mission authentically through film and photography

  • Share that story strategically to raise awareness and funding

We’re not just here to make videos. We’re here to make sure your story creates movement.

Our Values

Purpose-Driven

We align ourselves with organizations and causes that make a meaningful impact, ensuring that every story we tell has the potential to create positive change.

Creativity

We approach every project with fresh eyes and a creative spirit, using storytelling to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Integrity

We are committed to honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in everything we do—from the way we tell stories to how we work with clients.

Collaboration

We believe the best stories are told through teamwork. We work closely with our clients, ensuring that their mission and values are reflected authentically in the final product.

Let’s move your mission forward.

You’re doing work that matters. Our role is to help the world see it, feel it, and support it.

At Missionist, we guide nonprofits through every step of the storytelling process — from uncovering the heart of your mission to creating films that inspire action and designing strategies that turn that inspiration into impact.

If your organization is ready to grow awareness, support, and connection through story, we’d love to talk.

How we work