A Homeward Story
Read it like a storybook
Turn the pages to see how we move viewers from a first glance to a forever home.
Chapter 01
The Mission
01
“We are ready to help you tell their stories.”
01 — 05
Adoption & Foster Care Storytelling
Uncovering stories. Guiding hearts home.
Homeward crafts caring video stories that help deliver waiting hearts to forever homes — turning real moments into films that touch hearts and open minds.
- 400+
- Stories told
- 20+
- Years behind the lens
- 3
- Partner organizations
Our Work
Homeward stories, told one child at a time.
A selection of real films made with our partner organizations. Press play to watch any story right here.
Project Zero
Waiting children across Arkansas, introduced to families through warm, honest portraits.
Grant Me Hope
Short, social-first stories that help teens and siblings find a place to belong.
Sunnybrook Children's Home
Portraits and event films celebrating the people and legacy of Sunnybrook.
Pricing
Simple, transparent editing.
You supply the footage and assets — Homeward shapes them into a polished story ready to move hearts. One clear rate, with an easy add-on for social.
Please note: This rate is offered exclusively to nonprofit organizations working in adoption and foster care.
Storytelling Video
Per video · assets supplied by client
$260/ video
- Up to 4 minutes, interview-based narrative
- Edited with supporting B-roll
- A clear call to action at the end
- Delivered as a landscape 16:9 MP4
- Ready to upload to the platform of your choice
Add-on
Square 1:1 for Socials
+$30/ video
Get a square 1:1 version of your finished film, optimized for Instagram, Facebook, and other social feeds — delivered alongside your landscape cut.
Have something a little different in mind? Reach out and we'll tailor a plan to your project.
Meet the Storyteller
Behind the stories
For more than two decades, Michael Stakelum has used the power of video to illuminate meaningful stories. Since 2020, he has specialized in adoption and foster care storytelling, producing over 400 videos that shine a light on the quiet hopes, unique personalities, and dreams of children waiting for their forever families.
Through trusted partnerships with Project Zero in Arkansas, Sunnybrook Children's Home, Grant Me Hope, and others, Michael crafts respectful, impactful narratives that move viewers from awareness to action — guided by care and a deep belief that every child deserves to be seen and loved.
At Detective Media Productions, he continues to produce, shoot, and edit promotional videos and documentaries for educational and nonprofit clients — increasing engagement by up to 40% through targeted digital campaigns, social content, and full multimedia projects.
Michael Stakelum
Storyteller · Homeward
Get in touch
Let's tell their story.
Ready to help a waiting child be seen? Reach out to Michael to talk through your footage, timeline, and the story you want to tell.