Under Review: Conservation
An 80-minute narrative dance film mirroring the destruction and restoration of land and women
behind the scenes of filming Under Review: Katahdin. Click here to learn more about our journey!
Entering Phase One
Over the past five years, Under Review transformed into several different creations and learnings. Under Review: Gold Butte and Under Review: Katahdin both toured internationally in over 20 film festivals, were developed into site-specific installations, and went on to receive numerous accolades that continue to leave me speechless (New Vision Award, World Wildlife Festival, Philip K. Dick Winner, amongst many other notable titles).
However, during those several years, there was also a good deal of learning and unlearning that needed to happen on my end to continue to tell stories that marry advocacy with art. This led to the pursuit of my Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University (2021).
I have met countless inspirational people affected by land ownership through my learnings. I have also discovered that the root of the problems regarding wilderness protection is complex, entangled with social injustices and government corruption, and requires a massive systematic change. This journey was and continues to be pivotal in developing the stories for each film so the advocacy can grow, expand, and include more intention.
Under Review: Conservation (URC) is the third film in the Under Review series and it is gargantuan. This will be a feature length film (between 65-80 minutes) that has been in development since 2017.
The recruitment and hiring of our team has been mindful and intentional. After several years of site visits and independent research, we began recruiting some key talent nine months ago. It is important that we build honest and trusting relationships to empower a full and complex story of destruction and restoration.
Our creative team features award-winning Screenwriter, Chris Neighbors (Kia Over There, Samuel Project), Director, Kelly Ashton Todd (New Vision Award, Jerome Hill Foundation Finalist), and an all-women’s production team, Shanthi Blanchard (Social Justice Producer) & Lauren Flack (The Smack-Dab Show, Like Glass).
I want you to be involved too!
As we continue development and enter pre-production, my team and I currently need the important chance to experience time for listening, learning, and relationship building with the community our project serves. I am raising $15,600 to allow for the evolution of Under Review to continue. With your help, we can deliver the fullest, intentional, and heart-wrenching story to further protect our disappearing wilderness and endangered species.
Inspirational Images for Under Review: Conservation. Click here to watch more about our journey!
Where are the funds going?
Your donation will go towards Phase One of pre-production which involves time for these pivotal conversations along with visiting locations to understand the history, future, ecology, and biodiversity of the land. There are several phases of pre-production, however, this one is crucial to the heart of the story.
Creative Session Calls ($5,600)
These calls consist of Chris Neighbors, Kelly Ashton Todd, Shanthi Blanchard, and land activists of varying backgrounds.
Everyone will receive an hourly compensation of $70/hr.
These calls are for our team to listen - hear about areas that need protection, species that are endangered, and how human experiences are intertwined.
Estimated 20 hours of call time.
Site visits for scouting, learning, relationship building, and B-Roll. Partaking in these visits are Chris Neighbors (Screenwriter), Tyler Sparks (Director of Photography) and Kelly Ashton Todd (Director) ($10,000).
Car Rental ($500)
Flights + Bag Check ($1500)
Airbnb ($2100)
Food ($400)
Compensation for partner organizations ($2500)
Compensation for crew ($3000)
I am beyond excited to invite you along to begin this chapter of Under Review: Conservation! Any additional funds raised will go directly to the production phase of Under Review: Conservation. With your support, we can make this a magnificent film.
