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—as a TV journalist—he learned to translate complex information for a broad audience. That mission remains at the heart of Storyrunner today.

In 2012, Stijn launched his own production company, Storyrunner. The focus was initially on documentary filmmaking, first for Belgian national broadcaster Canvas, with biologist Dirk Draulans as presenter. Storyrunner later expanded internationally with the support of the renowned British distributor Journeyman Pictures. Alongside documentaries, Storyrunner also produces short videos and reports, always staying true to its core principles: clear, engaging communication in the fields of science and sustainability. High-quality animations and infographics add the finishing touch.

Storyrunner has earned multiple awards over the years. In 2025, the documentaries "Europe's Lithium Paradox" and "Not In My Country!" received recognition in London, Berlin, Birmingham, Vancouver, and Luleå. The documentary "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). The shorter research video Demeter ETN, featuring animation, earned both the Marie Curie Award for Best Outreach and the EU4FACTS Award.

Every Sunday, Stijn can also be seen and heard on VRT NWS and Sportweekend, another of his passions. Yet he deliberately keeps Storyrunner small—ensuring high standards, flexibility, and competitive pricing, while collaborating with top screenwriters, directors, graphic designers, editors, and camera crews.

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