Impact Story Lab
The National Geographic Society Impact Story Lab is an award-winning creative unit that combines world-class storytelling with social and behavioral science to drive measurable, positive change for our National Geographic Explorers and the world.
We build on National Geographic’s legacy, using media to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
Our projects are more than just media production, they are designed to move audiences from awareness to action, leading to real-world outcomes.
Playlist
Storytelling for Change
Our Unique Approach
We operate at the forefront of the impact media industry by mobilizing the full power of National Geographic's storytelling to drive measurable action. At the heart of the Impact Story Lab is the belief that a powerful story is the most effective engine for change. Good stories are proven to influence opinions and behavior, and are central to the Impact Story Lab approach.
The Science of Storytelling
We utilize a rigorous, evidence-based process informed by social and behavioral science to ensure our storytelling is as effective as possible in driving change. Collaborating with leading academics and experts, we develop, implement and study methods for designing and evaluating how media drives change. Outputs include papers for scientific journals, presentations at industry events like the Media Impact Forum, and Workshops.
Our Impact in Action
Flora, Fauna, Funga
This short film follows Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci to raise awareness of fungi as its own kingdom and advocate for its inclusion in conservation policy. As a result, 13 countries signed onto a resolution protecting fungi alongside plants and animals following a screening at the UN Biodiversity Conference.
Films that Drive Change
Our projects have a demonstrable track record of success.
Protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Produced in collaboration with Explorer Carlton Ward Jr., this impact film was delivered to Florida lawmakers to make the case for the corridor, helping secure the unanimous, bipartisan passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which was signed into law in June 2021.
Nkashi: Race for the Okavango
This feature-length film, supported by De Beers, shows the triumphs and challenges of three mokoro (dugout canoe) polers, celebrates cultural heritage, and illuminates the importance of protecting the Okavango Delta – one of the most unique wetlands in the world. This feature length documentary was made in Botswana, in Setswana, in close collaboration with a team of Batswana filmmakers.
I Wonder
This educational video series follows Anand Varma, a National Geographic Explorer, photographer and founder of WonderLab, on his journey “to slow down, observe, find the mystery of things that hide in plain sight and take the time to explore the wonder of our world.”
Listen to the Whales
What might animals teach us if we knew what they were saying? Featuring Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) and its audacious mission to decode sperm whale communication, this short film highlights local Dominica researchers as they record and listen to whales, and conveys the mystery, awe and possibility of what such a breakthrough might mean for the world.
Photo Credits from top of page: Impact Story Lab