EXQUISITE WASTELAND
Currently in Production
Producers: Sally Kaplan, David Vassar, Christian White
Writer & Director: David Vassar
“Exquisite Wasteland” explores the magnificent deserts of the American Southwest - one of the largest intact ecosystems remaining in North America. The film considers how the popular perception of desert as a worthless and barren ‘wasteland’ has provided rationale for the exploitation of pristine lands without question or consequence.
Currently, an explosion of industrial and military development is underway on exquisite deserts throughout the West. Protected public lands - even National Monuments and National Wildlife Refuges - are threatened with oil exploration and extraction, uranium mining, water harvesting, massive development of utility-scale energy projects, nuclear waste dumps, urbanization, and military seizure for weapons testing and combat training.
A coalition of stake holders including traditional conservationists, young activists, recreation enthusiasts, urban residents, scientists, and Native American tribes have found common ground. This vocal constituency is rising in opposition to what they see as a comprehensive and premeditated assault on some of the most magnificent public lands remaining in the US. The charge is being led by inspiring leaders who are determined to make a difference.
Exquisite Wasteland is an eye popping filmic journey that provides a window to one of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity on Earth, as well as illuminating a human story that dates back at least ten-thousand years. The film will explode the myth that deserts are nothing more than a barren and worthless wasteland. On the contrary, they are extraordinary landscapes teeming with a staggering abundance and diversity of life, and deserving of our protection.
Acquisition: 4K Digital Theatrical & Digital Release: 4K & 2K with Surround Sound.
Help support the Making of Exquisite Wasteland by donating
REFUGE
This is the second web-video for Friends of Nevada Wilderness and their campaign to Save the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The short video presents the astonishing beauty of the Refuge and introduces two unique artists who have drawn inspiration from this magnificent place. Fawn Douglas and Susan K. Schafer describe their emotional connection to the Refuge and what they lose if it is closed to the public.
Release Date: December 2018
DON'T BOMB THE BIGHORN!
While researching our desert documentary, Exquisite Wasteland, we discovered an alarming story. Just 20 miles north of Las Vegas lies the Desert National Wildlife Refuge; the largest in the Lower 48 States. The Refuge protects one of the most pristine deserts in the American Southwest and provides critical habitat for more than 1400 species of plants and animals, including one of the greatest concentrations of desert bighorn sheep on the continent. It is also a Native American sacred site protecting petroglyphs that date back thousands of years.
In 2016, the Air Force announced plans to withdraw 300,000 acres from the Wildlife Refuge for use as a bombing range and aerial combat training. Military use threatens this extraordinary desert wilderness and will close the Refuge to the public; all scientific and recreational opportunities will be lost. The final decision will likely be made this year.
In January we received a grant that provided funding for ten days of shooting. We spent three days on the Refuge producing one of the central stories for Exquisite Wasteland. Given the urgent threat of military takeover, we are also producing four web videos to support Friends of Nevada Wilderness and their campaign to save the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Donations will support the post production of three new videos.
Wild by Nature
Currently in Development | 6x1 hours
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
“Wild by Nature” explores, amazes, and inspires as it celebrates the nation’s natural wonders and historic sites in state parks across America. The series informs our understanding of who we are as a people and issues a clarion call to protect our priceless parks into the future. At its core, Wild by Nature will introduce individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting parks across the country: scientists, activists, and adventurers who are wild by nature.
Wild by Nature will take viewers on an unforgettable journey to both familiar and hidden places. The American landscape in all its grandeur takes the central role, inspiring citizens to stand up for preservation. Far more than just pretty pictures, each episode features incisive interviews, compelling characters, and sparkling narrative that all contribute to this singular celebration of America’s natural and cultural heritage.
Acquisition: 4K Digital Digital Release: 4K & 2K with Surround Sound.
CALAVERAS BIG TREES
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
A clip from our Visitor Center film for Calaveras Big Trees State Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Join botanist, Anthony Ambrose as he climbs more than 250 feet into the crown of a giant sequoia to study the impacts of global warming on the iconic trees.
Acquisition & Projection: 2K digital video.
California Forever - PREVIEW - EPISODE ONE
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
Preview Clip for Episode One of California Forever; a two-part PBS television special that tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day.
Acquisition: 4k on Red One Release: 2K with 5.1 Surround sound.
“This exquisitely photographed and deeply intelligent film is at once a celebration of the California heritage as well as a challenge to preserve the natural environment and historical legacy at the core of the State Park system.”
~ Kevin Starr, Historian and California State Librarian
CALIFORNIA FOREVER - EPISODE TWO
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
Preview Clip for Episode Two of California Forever. The program places the future of California State Parks within the context of emerging trends that will soon threaten parks everywhere. Population growth, decline of native plants and animals, loss of open space, and climate change all pose serious challenges to the integrity of parks now and in the future.
Acquisition: 4k on Red One Release: 2K with 5.1 Surround sound.
“Stunning visuals, thoughtful interviews, and insightful narration will engage anyone that cares about the relationship between social well-being and the natural environment.”
Keith Gilless, Dean, College of Natural Resources, U.C. Berkeley
You can purchase a DVD or BluRay edition of California Forever here:
CALIFORNIA FOREVER - ANGEL ISLAND
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
Angel Island State Park in San Francisco Bay holds an important story for Chinese Americans. Given the current debate surrounding the issue of immigration, it also provides a cautionary tale for all Americans. The Angel Island Immigration Station was an internment camp set up to keep Chinese immigrants out of the US. This state park holds an important chapter of the American story.
California Forever is two-part PBS television special tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day. Together, the programs remind viewers of the importance of California’s State Parks as well as their priceless legacy.
Acquisition: 4K Digital on Red One Release: 2K Digital Video with 5.1 Surround Sound
You can purchase a DVD or BluRay edition of California Forever here:
CALIFORNIA FOREVER - ANZA BORREGO
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
In the Southern California desert, conflict between off-road vehicles and traditional park users comes into sharp focus. What is a park? Mechanical playground? Or nature preserve?
On one side are traditional nature lovers seeking the remarkable solitude and silence of the desert. On the other; passionate off-roaders who also treasure open space, but for different reasons.
California Forever is two-part PBS television special tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day. Together, the programs remind viewers of the importance of California’s State Parks as well as their priceless legacy.
Acquisition: 4K Digital on Red One Release: 2K Digital Video with 5.1 Surround Sound
You can purchase a DVD or BluRay edition of California Forever here:
GRAND TETON VIDEO RIVERS
Producers | Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director | David Vassar
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
Three “Video Rivers” flow through the Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center. Each Video River is 15 feet long and 4 feet wide and are rear-projected onto transparent glass panels set into the floor. As the visitors stand or walk on the Video Rivers, images from the park are presented from four seasons.
It’s like walking onto a magical pool of imagery that flows under your feet.”
~ Western Art & Architecture
Acquisition: 35mm Eastman Color Negative Release: 2K Digital with stereo sound.
FLOODED VALLEY | Environmental Defense
Addy Award | Public Service Announcement
Best Short Film | Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Finalist, Short Film | Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
Producers: Sally Kaplan & David Vassar
Writer & Director: David Vassar
Host and Narrator: Harrison Ford.
This 60-second spot argues for the restoration of the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. Dammed and flooded in 1923 to provide water to the city of San Francisco, the battle for Hetch Hetchy is recognized as America’s first national conservation campaign and marks the birth of the modern environmental movement.
Acquisition: 760p Release: HD Video
Spirit of Yosemite
Best Non-Broadcast Film
Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
Outstanding Digital Production
Sony Pavilion | Cannes Film Festival
Producer: Raymond Bridgers
Writer & Director: David Vassar
A meditation on place that invites visitors to experience Yosemite on an emotional AND spiritual level. The goal of the immersive film is to inspire the casual visitor to establish a personal bond with this extraordinary place.
“The lush imagery is almost hallucinogenic. The sounds crisp and vibrant. Packs a powerful cinematic punch.”
Los Angeles Times
Acquisition: 35mm Color Negative Release: 2K digital with 5.1 surround sound
You can purchase a DVD or BluRay edition of California Forever
CANYON CONSORT - PBS & BBC
Producers: John Lyddon & David Vassar Writer & Director: David Vassar
A one-hour documentary tracing Paul Winter’s musical journey through the Grand Canyon.
For 18 days the small crew filmed and recorded the Paul Winter Consort in search of music that was “of the canyon rather than about it.”
“A tribute to nature, man, and creativity, Canyon Consort proves to be sublime television entertainment. Delivers an inspiring message about the journey of creativity as an important aspect of humankind. Thus, Canyon Consort is, perhaps, the ultimate travelogue.”
~ Christian Science Monitor
Acquisition: 16mm Eastman Color Negative Release: Standard Definition Video with Stereo Sound
Generation on the Wind
Academy Award Nominee | Best Documentary Feature Winner | Best Documentary | American Film Festival Winner | San Francisco Int'l Film Festival
Broadcast nationally on PBS and BBC in 1980
Producer, Writer, Director, Editor | David Vassar
In 1978, the price of oil soared and domestic reserves plummeted resulting in long lines at gas stations. President Carter declared an ‘energy crisis.’ When David Vassar learned about a group of young environmental activists, engineers, and artists who were building a windmill to generate electricity on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts, he sensed a story.
After raising independent financing from his lawyer and landlord, David spent a solid year documenting the construction of the giant wind turbine. It is an engineering story as well as a story about the American spirit, but most of all it was a story about generating power from a renewable resource.
In 1979, the Cutty Hunk windmill was the largest wind turbine ever constructed for the generation of electricity. It wasn’t built by General Electric or funded by the Department of Energy, it was built by hand with private money from small investors. Although retired from service, the Cutty Hunk windmill provided ‘proof of concept’ for what is now a ubiquitous source of renewable energy.
Acquisition: 16mm Color Negative
Release: 16mm prints