Double the Honor: Our Co-Founders are Mid-America EMMY® Nominated Directors
September 16, 2025At Tree9, we believe the best educational films do more than explain — they inspire, connect, and give parents and students a vivid vision of what learning really looks like. Our work with Covenant Christian School on their Gateway Experience video is a great example of how experiential stories come alive when crafted with care and creativity.
What is the Gateway Experience
The Gateway Experience is Covenant Christian School’s integrated sixth-grade program designed to deepen learning and build excitement through meaningful, hands-on experiences. It’s about giving students more than academic material — preparing them emotionally, socially, and intellectually for what’s next. From field days and outdoor learning labs to service projects and local partnerships, Covenant’s program empowers students to step confidently into the future.
The Tree9 Approach: Bringing the Experience to Life
To capture this program authentically, we focused on:
- Observational Filming: Rather than relying on interviews, we followed students through their Gateway Experience – allowing their actions and interactions to tell the story.
- Cinematic Visuals + Sound: We relied on natural light, ambient sound, and unscripted moments of discovery to create an immersive film that feels true to the school.
- Engagement at Every Stage: From early planning and pre-production with Covenant’s educators to the final edit, we kept the school’s mission and vision at the heart of every creative choice.
Why It Matters
Schools face the challenge of showing what makes them truly unique – and often, the most powerful messages come not from words, but from what families can see and feel in action. With the Gateway Experience film, Covenant can:
- Invite prospective families to experience the school environment before they ever step on campus
- Highlight how learning extends beyond classrooms – and lessons include service, leadership, and discovery
- Introduce the school family, reflecting the kindness, respect, and sense of belonging that define Covenant Christian School
What Clients Can Learn from This Work
For schools, nonprofits, or any organization looking to tell their story, a few lessons stand out:
- Show, don’t just tell. Audiences connect most when they can see your mission in action rather than only hearing about it.
- Invest in pre-production. Taking time to clarify goals and key messages with your crew ensures the final film feels authentic and aligned.
- Embrace real life. With a film like this you can’t plan every moment, but you can capture genuine ones – and those are often the most powerful.
If your organization is ready to bring its learning program, mission, or unique experience to life – we’d love to collaborate. At Tree9, we partner with schools like Covenant to create films that communicate not just what you teach, but why it matters.
Contact us today to start planning your film.
