We know stories

Stories help us make sense of the world—and imagine new ways of shaping it. They open windows onto lives and experiences beyond our own, forging connections that bridge “you” and “me.” At their most powerful, stories shift understanding and move people to act. That’s why we tell them.

Expertly blending facts and feelings, we tell stories that connect. Whether it’s a documentary, a VR experience, or an immersive event, our work lives at the intersection of strategy, content, and impact. We’re constantly exploring new ways to surprise, engage, and ensure the right people are listening.

We love the process

The delicate dance between evidence and emotion, between what can be measured and what must be felt, is where our passion lives. We care deeply about the stories we tell and the people and organisations who entrust us with them. Whether working with activists, researchers, or communities, we always approach each partnership with curiosity and a desire to make an impact.

We listen closely to the people who share their stories, ensuring they’re told with care and authenticity. We work across formats to find the medium that best fits the message, the audience, and the moment. If you have a vision, or even just the seed of an idea, we’d love to hear from you.

We work across borders

We work globally with local crews and contributors to ensure each story is told with cultural nuance and authenticity. Where possible, we work remotely — reducing our environmental impact without compromising quality.

And through a trusted global network of creatives, researchers, and strategists, we bring transdisciplinary expertise to every project, drawing on the right knowledge, context, and craft wherever it’s needed.

Meet the team

Co-Founder & Creative Director

Gemma Atkinson

Gemma is driven by a fierce commitment to telling human stories that matter. For over 20 years, she has brought voices from around the world to the forefront, exposing injustices and creating award-winning films that inspire change. With an unwavering focus on people, her creativity and sharp editorial vision shape everything Fat Rat Films does, ensuring every story is told with integrity and impact.

Co-Founder & Senior Producer

Fred Grace

Fred has spent over two decades elevating stories that cut through the noise, making urgent, complex issues feel immediate and deeply human. His work doesn’t just inform - it invites audiences to think, connect, and take part in conversations that matter. With a talent for bringing unexpected formats to life, he translates difficult subjects into powerful, accessible narratives that help us better understand ourselves, each other, and the world we share. His work has been featured by The New York Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC Newsnight, and Libération, always with the goal of fostering meaningful dialogue and shaping a more engaged, informed future.

Director of Creative Partnerships

Sarah Vivier

Sarah connects powerful stories with the people who need to hear them. With a background in international communications and transformative events, she helps purpose-driven organisations amplify their impact. Whether crafting compelling narratives, designing interactive experiences, or bringing industry leaders together for critical conversations, she ensures every story finds its audience and drives real change. Sarah brings a global perspective to her work, collaborating across borders to elevate content that informs, inspires, and moves people to act.

Voices from our partners

"Fred always approaches his work with enthusiasm, flexibility and the utmost professionalism. He has helped enhance The Elders’ brand and is a trusted collaborator with whom I hope to continue working for many years to come." - William French / The Elders

"The films that Fat Rat Films have made for us have been critical to Influence Map’s mission. They have provided us with an enormous amount of help disseminating our work and garnering press attention." - Dylan Tanner / Influence Map

"The quality of work has been excellent, and we've had numerous positive comments about the powerful messages the films give." - Faye Ruck-Nightingale / Amnesty International

"This was beautifully done. Well beyond what I was expecting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" - Lauren Dicair / contributor to UNODC documentary

"Your passion and excellent delivery makes us shine to our most important stakeholders and for that I can’t thank you enough. Not to mention, it’s one heck of a fun ride working with all of you." - Asma Fakhri / UNODC

"This is perfect. What a great product, we’re extremely happy with it. Thanks so much for all your hard work on it, especially with such a tight timeline!" - Ramy Srour / World Health Organization

Empathy + evidence.Stories that drive impact.