House of 8 Media

Condor Canyon: A feature-length documentary film by Ventana Wildlife Society

The trust placed in me by Kelly Sorenson to direct his opus has been both an honor and a profound responsibility. Condor Canyon is a captivating documentary that dives deep into the challenges faced by California condors, including the devastating effects of lead poisoning and the reproductive difficulties caused by environmental contaminants like DDT. Through stunning visuals and powerful storytelling, Condor Canyon highlights the resilience of these majestic birds as they navigate the treacherous landscapes of Big Sur, battling natural and human-made threats.

It was an honor to be a part of this project that brought together a team of passionate storytellers. John Wineglass’s original score, the rich soundscapes from Triple Threat Music the visuals by Meredith Evans and myself, and Catherine Cavadini’s evocative narration, written by Carlos Mora, all enhance the depth of our shared narrative. Local colorist, Tim Layaban, masterfully transformed our varied footage into a visually seamless narrative, ensuring each scene matched the film’s tone with perfectly congruent and vibrant colors. A standout contribution came from Russell Mehringer, whose expert sound design and mixing transformed our silent footage into an immersive experience, capturing the true essence of the condors’ environment with meticulously synchronized foley effects.

Special recognition goes to Jules Hart House of 8 Media’s video editor of ten years, whose unparalleled skill in transforming production footage into a compelling narrative is unmatched. This film would especially not have come to fruition without the strategic leadership and thoughtful producing acumen of Kelly Sorenson. His vision guided us throughout the project, and I am profoundly grateful for his trust in allowing me to direct this important work.

Condor Canyon is not just a documentary—it’s a vivid experience of wildlife and resilience. As we prepare to share this film with the world, we hope it does more than educate; we hope it inspires a renewed commitment to conservation and deepens our connection with the natural world.

WATCH THE TRAILER:

Condor Canyon Official Trailer