About

Storyrunner was founded by journalist and director Stijn van Baarle. Now 50, Stijn studied history and economics, but his real passion was always television. He began his career in 1999 at the Belgian business channel Kanaal Z, where he learned as a TV journalist to translate complex information for a broad audience. That mission remains at the heart of Storyrunner today.

In 2012, he launched Storyrunner. The company initially focused on documentary filmmaking for Belgian broadcaster Canvas, with biologist Dirk Draulans as presenter. It later expanded internationally with the support of the renowned British distributor Journeyman Pictures. Alongside documentaries, Storyrunner produces short videos and reports, always staying true to its core principle: clear, engaging communication in science and sustainability. High-quality animations and infographics complete the storytelling.

Over the years, Storyrunner has earned multiple awards. In 2025, Europe’s Lithium Paradox and Not In My Country! were recognized in London, Berlin, Birmingham, Vancouver, and Luleå, while Made in Europe: From Mine to Electric Vehicle won awards in Brussels and Birmingham in 2023. Earlier, Storyrunner received Belgium’s prestigious FRDO Press Award for Sustainable Development for Alles kan schoner (2014) and Duurzaam duurt het langst (2016).

Our research video Demeter ETN, featuring animation, earned both the Marie Curie Award for Best Outreach and the EU4FACTS Award, and many other of our research videos were highlighted by the European Commission as “best practice” in project communication. We are also a preferred communication partner of KU Leuven and regularly collaborate with leading research institutions across Europe on similar projects.

Every Sunday, Stijn can also be seen and heard on VRT NWS and Sportweekend, reflecting another of his long-standing passions. Storyrunner is deliberately kept small, ensuring high standards, flexibility, and competitive pricing, while working with a trusted network of top screenwriters, directors, graphic designers, editors, and camera crews.

Could these services be right for you?
 Feel free to contact Storyrunner.