1. Film conceptualization

Our team of six filmmakers aimed to create a piece that not only captured the beauty of the land, but also evoked urgency toward a largely ignored consequence of coastal land loss: the rapid disappearance of archaeological sites.

2. Preproduction

Before going on site, we formulated our stylistic goals through a collaborative look book and frequent meetings.

This was also a time to establish crew positions, a schedule, an equipment list, and strategies for the documentary’s completion.

3. Production: phase i

Over the course of two weeks, we shot all of the b-roll for the on-site sections of the film. During this period, we were also mentored by Dr. Ted Marks, Dr. Jayur Marks, and Brian Ostahowski in archaeological fieldwork. This work included collecting vegetation samples, profiling the main mound, coring various parts of the land, and collecting samples for radio carbon dating and OSL dating. This portion of the filmmaking process was crucial. Through our direct involvement in the fieldwork, we were not only exposed to an entirely new discipline and humbled by the process of archaeological data collection, but also provided with an opportunity to collaborate with people of many different professions and perspectives on the issue of coastal land loss.

4. Production: PHASE II

The second phase of production was dedicated to collecting interviews of anthropologist Dr. Ted Marks (shot by Peyton Finch and Judith Breinin), archaeologist Dr. Jayur Mehta (shot by Kristin Dowell), and Judith Breinin: one of the filmmakers as well as a New Orleans native (shot by Peyton Finch).

5. Post Production

The film was cut by Peyton Finch, who received assistance with sound design from NOCCA instructor Joe Ceponis and color grading from filmmaker Reyna Rivas.

The filmmakers also designed motion graphics for the beginning of the documentary.

6. Credits

Producer & Director

Peyton Finch

Assistant Director

Judith Breinin

Director of Photography

Peyton Finch, Noah Custer, John Colgan, Judith Breinin, and Chase Whittington, Zandra Zemmels

Drone Footage

Noah Custer

Interviewees

Dr. Ted Marks, Dr. Jayur Mehta, Judith Breinin, and Brian Ostahowski

Interviewers

Judith Breinin, Peyton Finch, Kristin Dowell, WWLTV

Editor

Peyton Finch

Colorist

Peyton Finch, Reyna Hope Rivas

Motion Designer

Peyton Finch

Score

Blue Dot Sessions and Ben Tissot

Foley

freesounds.org

Boom Operator

Peyton Finch

Researchers Featured In Film

Dr. Ted Marks (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), Dr. Jayur Mehta (Florida State University), and Brian Ostahowski (President of Louisiana Archaeological Society)

Special Thanks

Richie Blink, Walter Heathcock, Isaac Webb, Kristin Dowell, Reyna Hope Rivas, Joe Ceponis, Kourtney Keller, and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts