THE POWER OF STORY IN SERVICE OF GROWTH
CASE STUDY: ATLANTIC PICTURES x BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION
Overview
Boulder Crest Foundation is transforming the way we understand and respond to trauma by replacing the conventional narrative of disorder with one of possibility. At the heart of their pioneering work is Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), a framework that empowers military service members, veterans, and first responders not just to survive trauma, but to grow through it.
When Boulder Crest sought a partner to amplify this mission, they turned to Atlantic Pictures. Together, we built a multi-year, multi-platform content strategy founded on the idea that stories can move people emotionally and strategically toward deeper understanding and greater impact.
Atlantic’s Approach
As a content studio with deep expertise in both cinematic production and strategic storytelling, Atlantic brought a holistic approach to the work connecting mission, message, and media across every touchpoint.
We embedded with Boulder Crest to understand the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) and the real lives impacted by their programs. From that foundation, we developed a 360° content strategy that not only told the story of Boulder Crest but empowered others to tell it too.
Our Work
Cinematic Brand Films & Documentary Content
Atlantic created a suite of elevated, emotionally resonant films that anchored the larger campaign and served as signature brand expressions.
Click through below to view our video work.
Our Work
Cinematic Brand Films & Documentary Content
Atlantic created a suite of elevated, emotionally resonant films that anchored the larger campaign and served as signature brand expressions.
Tap image to watch video
“ON DUTY”
Webby Award — Public Service & Activism
Clio Health — Bronze Award Winner.
A quiet, powerful short film exploring the aftermath of service and the redemptive promise of PTG.
“BREAKTHROUGH”
Webby-nominated, Honoree
Clio Health — Bronze Winner
Released during Suicide Prevention Month, this poetic short film brought visceral, visual language to the experience of trauma and healing.
“Reborn”
An intimate portrait of a police officer’s journey through trauma revealing the hidden toll of service and the healing power of Posttraumatic Growth. Grounded in honesty and courage, the film offers a first responder’s perspective on reclaiming purpose after profound loss.
Integrated Content Ecosystem
Atlantic helped Boulder Crest to build a robust content pipeline and cohesive narrative system that connects every touchpoint of their work, from public-facing campaigns to internal training and curriculum.
LEARNING MODULE “PHASES’
PTG Certification Program: Atlantic developed the full video suite for this in-depth course on the clinical applications of PTG designed for licensed mental health practitioners — including course modules, animated explainers, expert interviews, testimonials and curriculum-aligned media designed for broad institutional use.
“STORIES OF STRENGTH’
PTG for Life Course: To make the core principles of PTG more broadly accessible, Atlantic helped develop a course tailored for the general public, particularly those interested in Boulder Crest’s programs. PTG for Life acknowledges the universal nature of suffering and guides participants in transforming adversity into strength, helping them cultivate lives of greater passion, purpose, and connection.
“WHAT IS PTG?”
PTG Resource Center & Public Education: To support Boulder Crest’s broader mission of advancing the understanding of Posttraumatic Growth, we developed a range of educational videos for their website. These covered foundational topics like the phases and domains of PTG, the science behind transformation after trauma, and Boulder Crest’s unique philosophy and approach.
VIDEOS THAT INSPIRE: PTG PHASES
PTG Weekly: We created a series of follow-up content that accompanied a weekly newsletter for program alumni, designed to deepen their learning and sustain their connection to the work. These videos explored specific phases of PTG in more depth and offered additional insights and inspiration to support long-term transformation.
bouldercrest.org
Website Integration: Atlantic collaborated with Boulder Crest’s web team to ensure the new narrative and visual identity was fully embedded across UX, design, and messaging.
choosegrowth.org
“Choose Growth” Awareness Campaign: Atlantic and Boulder Crest created and launched Choose Growth—a national storytelling campaign designed to spark broad public awareness and engagement around PTG.
Choose Growth: A Movement for Posttraumatic Growth
Launched as a nationwide awareness initiative, Choose Growth was designed to spark a cultural shift in how we understand and talk about trauma. At its core was a growing coalition of like-minded nonprofits, mental health experts, creators, and brand partners—united under a shared commitment to Posttraumatic Growth.
Through cinematic storytelling, digital campaigns, and community activations, Choose Growth helped seed a powerful new narrative: that struggle can be a catalyst for strength. The campaign not only amplified Boulder Crest’s mission—it created a platform for collective impact, reaching new audiences and inviting people across sectors to reimagine what recovery can look like.
Strategic Expansion: Hero’s Journey Contest
As a strategic extension of the Choose Growth campaign, Boulder Crest and Atlantic Pictures launched the Hero’s Journey short film competition—a national content contest hosted on the Tongal platform, home to over 160,000 creators.
The challenge invited filmmakers to tell original stories of Posttraumatic Growth, helping democratize the narrative and surface new, diverse voices from across the country. A distinguished jury—including award-winning filmmakers, veterans, and mental health experts—judged the submissions, ensuring both creative excellence and authenticity. The contest served as a powerful pipeline for community connection, talent discovery, and expanding cultural awareness around the PTG movement.
Impact & Results
Award Recognition
On Duty: Webby Award — Public Service & Activism; Clio Health Bronze Award Winner
Breakthrough: Webby nominee
Increased Engagement
Over 200% increase in online video engagement across Boulder Crest’s owned platforms
Social Media Success
The Choose Growth Awareness campaign surpassed industry benchmarks across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for engagement and CTRs.
Mainstream Press
Boulder Crest Foundation and Posttraumatic Growth have been featured in mainstream press outlets like People Magazine thanks to our content initiatives.
