the wetlands initiative
The Wetlands Initiative asked my team to produce two short brand films as part of their Irreplaceable Wetlands: A 25th Anniversary Celebration campaign. This was an exciting opportunity to highlight the importance of ecological restoration throughout the Midwest, the differentiating impact of the brand on people’s lives, and the shared achievements of the organization over the past 25 years while looking toward the future.
producer, creative director
Oversaw all elements of the client account and film production including concept and creative development, scripting and VO, remote production due to pandemic restrictions, copywriting and edit of key interviews and talking points, site scouting, permits, budgeting and talent.
director
cinematography
editor
meg halski
mark halski
mimi wilcox
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Creating professional, cinematice brand films during the height of covid with talent and production crew scattered throughout the Midwest region and rural Greece.
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Create compelling brand content with a fresh appreciation for The Wetlands Initiative as a leading force in wetlands restoration; increased volunteer engagement and sustained donor support; connecting audiences to local and interational restoration efforts; celebrating the achievements and future of the organization, and showcasing the challenges and opportunities of ecological restoration projects in the bi-state and Chicagoland area.
irreplaceable wetlands
a 25th anniversary film
Filming took place at three active project sites including the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and the Calumet Region in Northwest Indiana, capturing on-site interviews of TWI leadership with wide-landscape shots, aerials, stills and b-roll. Drone footage detailed program areas from sunrise to sunset. I worked with TWI staff to craft interview talking points that reflected the strategic plan and accomplishments, impact and goals of the organization.
wetlands: havens of life
keynote film with julian hoffmann
Unable to travel due to the pandemic, scheduled keynote speaker and award-winning author and naturalist Julian Hoffmann worked with us to shoot his own footage remotely from his home along the Prespa Lakes in rural Greece. We provided detailed shot lists, camera and lighting direction, and a script relaying his expertise and experiences living in the wetlands of northern Greece. We combined rough footage with stills and b-roll from the midwest region, resulting in a short film that spoke to the importance of ecological restoration and wetlands as they connect landscapes, wildlife and people in both the Midwest and around the world.