Who We Are

Through ethical, nurturing storytelling, we foster human connection and promote compassionate action.

  • Picture of our Founder Autumn Payne

    Autumn Payne

    FOUNDER / STORYTELLER

    “I'm on a mission to make storytelling not just an art but a force for good. Through our documentaries, we weave compassion and wisdom, creating films that educate and inspire action. In finding ways to benefit all, we not only enhance our shared experiences but also emerge collectively uplifted.”

  • Picture of our director of ethics and social responsibilities in media

    Tamara Knox

    DIRECTOR OF ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN MEDIA / ACSW

    "Ethical Narrative is an agent of change. It's transformative. It's thinking outside the box. It's allowed me to take my own lived experience and use it in a way to help others by  putting storytellers on a more equitable footing." 

  • Picture of our Senior Wriiter Dorsey Griffith

    Dorsey Griffith

    SENIOR WRITER

    “To tell a good story well, mutual trust between the journalist and the participant is critical. That can only be achieved when the journalist approaches the participant with respect, grace and humility. In an era of media distrust, Ethical Narrative's commitment to this approach sets it apart.”

  • picture of our Cinematographer Greg Stidham

    Greg Stidham

    CINEMATOGRAPHER / DRONE PILOT

    “I’ve worked in journalism my entire life and I feel now more than ever there’s a greater need for ethical storytelling. It’s the antidote to mainstream journalism and the 24 hour news cycle. Ethical Narrative is about being fair to the people you’re doing stories with and telling that person’s story in an ethical way.”

  • Picture of our Producer Ebonee Smith

    PRODUCER

    “The work at Ethical Narrative is vital in ensuring that silenced voices are heard. The more we share untold stories, the more humanity has a chance to heal its broken parts.”

  • Picture of our Visual storyteller and Director Salgu Wissmath

    Salgu Wissmath

    VISUAL STORYTELLER

    “Ethical storytelling is really important to me and my work. Ethics have evolved in the digital storytelling space and I like that Ethical Narrative has taken a trauma-informed approach. It’s important for storytellers to have more agency in the process.”

  • Picture of our Editor and Storyteller Yami Reyes-Lima

    Yami Reyes-Lima

    EDITOR / STORYTELLER

  • Picture of our Production Assistant Dylan Wilson

    Dylan Wilson

    PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

    “Ethical Narrative’s approach puts power back into the hands of the person telling their story. These stories are reflected back to the world in a compassionate way, showing the storyteller’s true colors, feelings, and authentic expression.”

  • Picture of our Photographer Kat Johnson

    Kat Johnson

    PHOTOGRAPHER