Steve Dorst

Steve’s passion to help make the world a more just, sustainable, and equal place gave impetus to Dorst MediaWorks’ storytelling for organizations that do good. As an independent documentary filmmaker, his films Jobs for G.I.s (2015), Shattered Sky (2012), and Volcanic Sprint (2007) have aired on DirecTV, PBS, iTunes, Hulu, and Amazon. As the founder of Dorst MediaWorks, Steve has 15 years’ experience as a director/producer, and has delivered more than 250 videos for more than 50 clients. His favorite skill is forging outstanding relationships—with client teams, crew, and video subjects alike. He operates with an “indie” documentary ethic: knowing how to stretch a dollar while maintaining highest quality along the project cycle; and is known for problem-solving in a myriad of challenging situations across the globe, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe to Vietnam and 25+ countries in between. Steve earned his Master’s in Economics and African Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington, D.C. and Bologna, Italy. A recipient of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, he atttended the Université de Yaoundé II in Cameroon, and also apprenticed under Noah Ondongo Generaud learning an ancient stringed musical instrument, the mvet. When he’s not out shooting or in the edit bay, you’ll find Steve playing piano or racing road bikes, hiking with his wife and dog, or hunting the beach for fossils with his daughter.

Since 2003, Jake has filmed and photographed in more than 60 countries for humanitarian organizations, editorial publications, and corporations making a positive impact in the developing world. As advocacy tools, his videos have been instrumental in bringing emergency services to survivors of sexual violence in the DR Congo (CARE-European Union), in streamlining and enhancing the Government of Malawi’s policies on HIV/AIDS (CRS-USAID), and in helping to bring urgent relief to earthquake-stricken Nepal (ChildFund – Caritas). Jake’s photos grace the Annual Reports, websites, and promotional materials of dozens of organizations, offering an intimate and compassionate glimpse into the lives of the underprivileged and disenfranchised around the globe. Jake has extensive knowledge of international development programs and issues, and has lived for much of his career outside his native USA, including 7 years’ experience in Uganda and Tanzania. He is known for his respectful way with his documentary subjects. Jake’s passion is for people, and for bringing to light the issues and challenges they may face.