Our Process: Bringing People Together Through the Love of Salmon
The Stillaguamish river is in poor health. Low returns of protected species have limited fisheries across the State. Many in the region have long opposed restoration efforts made by the Stillaguamish Tribe and the department. The challenge was to create a beautiful film that could speak to those opposed to restoration while simultaneously centering the Tribe in the story of the river.
The Problem
Case Study:
Olam Films was awarded a contract to create a film for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, alongside the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, about the restoration efforts within the Stillaguamish Watershed. This media package needed to bring together many stakeholders and communicate a nuanced message with beauty and cinematic craft.
The Solution
Olam Films conceptualized and produced a film titled Paddling Together. This film highlighted co-management between the State Government and Stillaguamish Tribe while inviting others in the area into the proverbial canoe as allies in restoration.
Paddling Together - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
The Results
This film performed exceptionally well for its length and subject matter, receiving over 40,000 views online following its release. Not only did it prove to be a useful communications tool for many outside stakeholders, but the creation of the film itself brought together WDFW and the Stillaguamish Tribe on a new level, strengthening a crucial partnership in restoration.
Testimonial
"It was a pleasure working with Ben and Olam Films! They produced a remarkable quality of filmography, going above and beyond expectations to ensure project success over a short timeline. Ben’s professionalism and innate talent for putting people at ease allowed the unfolding of genuine storytelling and used it to create meaningful visual and auditory media. Olam Films prioritized the cultural values of multiple stakeholders, respected a diverse set of communities and Indigenous Peoples throughout the entire film making process. The final product reflects the exceptional quality of work produced by Olam Films and would recommend them to anyone interested."
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Gwendolym Hannam, Senior Restoration Specialist, WDFW