OUR WORK

We tell cool stories with fun people doing awesome things - showing off what makes the Midwest real, creative, and worth paying attention to. We want to film people showing off their talents, crafts, and passions.

OUR APPROACH

We take a collaborative approach to every project, working closely with the people in our stories. By keeping things open and respectful, we create work that feels authentic and meaningful to both our subjects and our audience. A Final Cut is always shown to subjects before distribution.

DISCLAIMERS

We do not use AI-generated images for our work. We do not film children unless otherwise agreed upon by the guardians. We do not film people eating. Also, no horses.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Justin and Madeline recognize that their work and lives take place on lands shaped by generations of Indigenous nations. We offer gratitude to all Indigenous peoples whose stewardship of prairies, riverways, and the Great Lakes continues. May we move forward with humility, responsibility, and a commitment to honoring the nations who have always called these lands home, and may we all strive to be better stewards of this place.

Meet the crew

  • Portrait of a man with brown hair, glasses, wearing a black sweater over a plaid shirt, smiling against a beige background.

    Justin Kavlie - Director and Editor

    Dr. Kavlie earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and also teaches Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. With more than 15 years of experience in the video industry, his interests include visual storytelling, narrative engagement, and media production.

  • Close-up of a woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a black shirt with floral pattern, denim jacket, and earrings, with a QR code in the bottom right corner.

    Madeline Murnion - Editor and Producer

    With a background in art history, economics, and printmaking, Madeline brings curiosity and care to every project. Her interests include socio-economic and environmental issues, as well as production art and design.

  • Smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a white blouse with blue floral patterns, against a light blue background.

    Ann Woell - Producer

    Ann earned her Master’s Degree in Information Media from St. Cloud State University and has taught in Minnesota for more than 25 years. Her interests include World War II, Civil War, and midwestern narratives.