Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Rangelandsoccupy 54% of all land on Earth, at least 30% of land in the United Statesand are home to more than 200 million people. Yet, as the global human population becomes more modernized, people in urban centers are often disconnected from rangelands and their importance to climate change, conservation practices, ecosystem services, and economic well-being. The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP2026 - https://iyrp.info)' s mission is to promote an understanding and appreciation of rangelands around the world, the people who use them, and the contributions they make to the health of all communities.This Extension outreach project is the production of a feature-length documentary film about North America's rangelands and how they hold promise for reducing the effects of climate change. This will be accomplished through storytelling that highlights misconceptions about these lands and that demonstrates their importance for meeting 21st Century environmental, economic, and social challenges. The long-term goal is to change perceptions of the public, particularly new audiences such as youth and urban populations as well as policymakers, regarding the value of these lands as climate solutions and the need to conserve them. By presenting real-life stories about the people whose livelihoods depend on these lands and the nature of their stewardship, viewers will learn about innovative new technologies for land management, collaborative conservation efforts, and the many ecosystem services provided by North America's rangelands including clean water, wildlife habitat, wildfire control, renewable energy, and recreation.In addition, this project will provide an opportunity to show how indigenous knowledge can contribute to climate solutions on North America's rangelands.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
In honor of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP2026) (https://iyrp.info), and on behalf of the IYRP2026 North America Support Group, the Rangelands Partnership and many collaborators; the primary goal of this Extension outreach project is the production of a feature-length documentary film about North America's rangelands and how they hold promise for reducing the effects of climate change.This will be accomplished through storytelling that highlights misconceptions about these lands and that demonstrates their importance for meeting 21st Century environmental, economic, and social challenges. The long-term goal is to change perceptions of the public, particularly new audiences such as youth and urban populations, regarding the value of these lands as climate solutions and the need to conserve them.There are four production phases described in detail in the proposal. However, the proposed project will focus on completing phases two and three, each with its own set of objectives.Phase 2: Production1. Review themes with all partners and producers and finalize.2. Identify locations, characters & actions for each theme.3. Create a working shot list for each scene.4. Secure production team availability for travel.5. Review & finalize shot list.6. Confirm interviews, determine schedule for travel, and make travel arrangements.7. Commence filming at identified locations.Phase 3: Post-Production1. Begin film editing.2. Determine sound design, musical soundtrack & other effects.3. Create computer graphics, maps, after-effects, and motion effects that may be needed.4. Create a rough cut of the film to be reviewed and edited.5. Finalize and distribute trailer.6. Finalize film for distribution.7. Prepare educational guide for viewers.
Project Methods
ApproachStakeholders: Multiple groups and individuals will be directly involved in producing the proposed film. While the production team from the University of Arizona will have ultimate responsibility and decision-making for filming and editing, they will have considerable guidance from members of the Advisory Board (See again Appendix A), the IYRP2026 NA Support Group, and the Rangelands Partnership who will all act as reviewers and commentors throughout the film's development. Included in these groups are extension and rangeland professionals, ranchers, Native Americans, film experts, librarians, technology experts, and students. These groups will be involved in evaluating the results of each production phase through surveys and virtual discussions. Thus, this cross-section of partners will ensure the film presents clear, compelling, and informative stories that will engage and enlighten public viewers.Four phasesPhase 1: Pre-production (already funded; initiated January 2024 and expected to continue until the fall of 2024) - a) directors and writers research and explore themes; b) gain input from the Advisory Group, the NA IYRP2026 Support Group, and the Rangelands Partnership at multiple stages of script development; c) determine best approach for gaining the broadest exposure, i.e. potential locations and interviewees; and d) create a compelling narrative that takes on big issues through a story that connects with individuals.Phase 2: Production (RREA-NFF funding) - a) Review themes with all partners and producers. Discuss ideas and options for the most relevant and compelling chapters that align with the overarching theme of "climate change;" b) Determine and finalize list of locations, characters and actions for each scene to be filmed; c) Create a working shot list for each scene; d) Determine and secure production crew and their availability. Review production gear requirements and requests based on the story treatment; e) Review and adjust shot list with the Director of Photography. Incorporate their vision into the treatment of scenes and overall visual style; f) Determine schedule for travel to the selected locations, confirm interviews and actions to be filmed. Secure travel and lodging for the crew; and g) Filming commences and continues until completed.Preliminary Outline of Film Themes told through Storytelling & Images:1) Rangelands and pastoralists defined2) Historical summary of rangelands including Native American perspective3) Climate solutionsa. Soils/carbon sequestration, extensive vs. intensive, land cultivation/fragmentation issuesb. New technologies, i.e. virtual fencing, and drones/remote sensingc. Ecosystem services & climate relevance: clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, wildfire and invasive species control, renewable energy4) Connecting people to rangelands/keeping stewards on the land/how everyone can help save our rangelands and grasslandsPhase 3: Post-Production - a) Film editing commences until a rough cut is achieved; b) Sound mixing, design, effects, and musical soundtrack edited by Sound Designer in cooperation with Editor and Director; c) Computer graphics, maps, after-effects, and motion effects created by the Graphic Designer in cooperation with the Editor and Director; d) Rough cut is submitted to partners and key stakeholders for review and feedback. The post-production team digests and addresses partner comments and suggestions and makes necessary changes; e) Trailer is finalized and distributed to partners and key stakeholders for review and feedback. The post-production team digests and addresses partner comments and suggestions and makes necessary changes; and f) Film and trailer are finalized for final review by partners and key stakeholders. Changes made, if necessary.Phase 4: A fourth phase for an "impact campaign" will include marketing activities, a launch event, press release, and a guide for viewers and educators. In addition, members of the IYRP2026 NA Support Group and the Rangelands Partnership have already agreed to publicize the film through their regular programming activities and social media outlets. (This phase will be funded through additional grants and donations).EffortsOur fourth phase which is theimpact campaignwill include marketing activities, a launch event, press release, and a guide for viewers and educators. In addition, members of the IYRP2026 North America Support Group and the Rangelands Partnership have already agreed to publicize the film through their regular programming activities and social media outlets.These members will be requested to show the trailer to their constituencies during extension-focused events such as workshops and seminars, as well as with marketing the trailer and the film's date of release. The trailer, along with a "Coming Soon" announcement, will also provide the means for promoting the film to independent theaters and to public television. As much as possible, numbers of views and comments made by viewers after watching the trailer will be collected and reviewed to identify any parts of the film that might need revision. A similar marketing and distribution process will be undertaken and documented when the feature-length film is nearing completion towards the end of 2025.Evaluation PlanMonthly reports will be provided via email to all project partners (Advisory Board, IYRP2026 NA Support Group, and Rangelands Partnership), donors, and selected agency officials. These reports will include summaries of progress to date, results of partner surveys, as well as questions and answers to gain further input on themes, suggestions for locations and contacts for interviews, and plans for marketing. In addition, these reports will be uploaded to the Documentary Film website for ease of access (https://www.iyrp.info/north-america/film-projects/documentary-film). At the same time, periodic virtual meetings will be held and recorded with the partners to discuss progress. Presentations and discussions to gain further input on the film will also be held at the 2025 annual meeting of the Rangelands Partnership which is to be held at Texas A&M, and at the 2025 Society for Range Management Conference in Spokane, WA. In addition, once the trailer is finalized and distributed, statistics on views through YouTube as well as numbers of times it is shown by project partners will be compiled and included in the reports. At the same time, this project's PD has an affiliation with the Jackson Wild Film Festival and will reach out to that network for feedback as well. All comments received will be compiled, reviewed, and shared to guide each production phase.