Learn how brands communicate purpose and impact from the leading community of brand film professionals
Our next cohort kicks off on August 1 and is sponsored by
Our brand sponsors provide real brand film RFPs connecting course instruction to application while supporting DEI scholarships to improve industry diversity.
Get Brand Film Certified
As the first of its kind, this industry-recognized certification program takes a deep dive into the core aspects of brand funded entertainment designed by industry professionals and delivered by East Tennessee State University.
Fill the Talent Gap
The Brand Storytelling Certification covers an industry talent gap and will appeal to professionals looking to increase opportunities in marketing, brand, film, content creation, and journalism.
Level Up Quickly With Expert Instruction
The program will span four weeks featuring some of today’s most influential names and brands in brand storytelling as guest lecturers.
Learn by Doing
Our brand-sponsored RFP delivers experiential learning unique in the certificate space.
Industry Faculty, World-Class Community
With nearly 200 pieces of content including snackable lecture videos, professional interviews, case examples as well as academic and industry white papers, your certification represents a solid foundation in why brand film matters. Check out an example lesson.
Interested? Download program information.
Brand Sponsors
Brand Storytelling thanks the following brands for being essential learning partners through their hands-on interaction with students and their focus on improving industry diversity with DEI certification scholarships.
Brand Storytelling 101
Brand Storytelling 101
Explore the robust history of brand storytelling in conjunction with what is driving its evolution and modern-day impact. Learn why brands are investing in this content and where the industry is going next.
Ideal For You
MARKETERS
Strategic business decision makers looking to
bridge the gap to the creative and film spaces
FILMMAKERS
Creatives looking to bridge their talents to
the marketing world of brands and ROI
JOURNALISTS & PR PROS
Storytellers who see the opportunity to expand
their career options working directly with brands
"Brands and filmmakers must learn this new communication art."
Marcus Peterzell
Passion Point Collective
Marcus is faculty and the Founder of Passion Point Collective. His award-winning brand film clients include HP, Neutrogena, 3M, Aflac, Samsung, Mount Sinai, and many others
FAQ
What is the learning experience?
Over 4-weeks, your brand film education journey includes expert lecture videos, live office hours, and supplemental content for reviewing at your own pace. All live engagements are via Zoom and recorded for those who cannot attend. No examinations are required.
How do I earn the certification?
You must submit an answer to the sponsoring brand's RFP and provide feedback to fellow students’ RFPs to earn the certification. However, we understand some students may elect not to answer the RFP and all students become part of our closed LinkedIn brand film community.
How much time is required?
Most students spend 4-10 hours a week reviewing our 50+ hours of content and working on their RFP response. Your amount of engagement is up to you!
Expert Faculty
Learn from a new industry expert each week of the course
and network within the cohort.
Marc Battaglia is the co-founder of Story + Strategy and former global Executive Creative Director for Marriott International. He’s an award-winning creative executive and content marketing leader with a proven track record of building and leading internal brand creative agencies and studios.
Brian Newman, founder of SubGenre, consults on content strategy, development, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Brian has served as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute, president of Renew Media and executive director of IMAGE Film and Video.
Marcus Peterzell is the CEO of Passion Point Collective, a leading entertainment marketing agency. A true industry leader in pop culture marketing, he has successfully built and led award-winning agency teams both independently and within Omnicom, one of the largest advertising holding companies in the world.
Dawn Reese is the US President of Mediabrands Content Studio. She is an experienced media executive and integrated marketer who creates and implements digital and social media strategies, branded content campaigns, experiential activations and sponsorship programs for brands to tell their story, engage their target audience and drive ROI.
Certification Benefits
LEARN FROM EXPERTS
Our instructors and guest lecturers are world-class professionals from the brand and film industry
DIVERSITY-DRIVEN MISSION
Brands sponsor cohorts to create DEI scholarship opportunities for recruiting diverse
brand storytelling voices
BEST-IN-CLASS LEARNING
Our partnership with the ETSU Research Corporation provides world-class learning experiences
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Our brand partners engage with each cohort with a real request for proposal (RFP) to apply your learning in a capstone project
DESIGNED FOR YOUR SCHEDULE
Our asynchronous online approach provides you the flexibility to learn on your own terms
BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY
Access to our moderated private Slack community gives students the opportunity to network and meet brands looking to recruit from each cohort
B2B media entrepreneur, founder of InfoText, Digitrends, iMedia and BrandStorytelling. A media junkie and observer, infatuated with the impact of media and technology on culture and society. Producer of over 100 advertising and media events, publisher, and journalist.
Award-winning professor, (digital) marketer and higher education administrator. Marshall consults and trains companies, universities, and students to digitally transform customer experiences to exceed organizational goals.