Connecting across time is a short film celebrating the people working to protect one of America’s more extraordinary landscapes. A place that connects us to our past, inspires us in the present, and calls us to care for its future.
A love letter to the Badlands.
Fresh Produce was commissioned to tell the story of the people protecting our resources for future generations. It serves as a reminder that we all have a role to ensure the park’s future.
The Badlands National Park Conservancy (BNPC).
Tax dollars alone can’t cover everything our national parks need, so they rely on partner nonprofits. BNPC, the official partner of Badlands National Park, funds essential needs like the fossil lab staff, visitor center renovations, and major park improvement projects. None of this is possible without donations from regular people like you and me.
Characters
The dedication of the people who care for Badlands National Park is powerful. We selected authentic characters to represent each section of our story. These are people viewers naturally want to champion and for connection to.
Gusti Rattling Hawk
Oglala Lakota from Wambli, SD. Gusti’s research work consists of incorporating Lakota Traditional Ecological Knowledge and human interconnectedness to dissect stagnant colonial sciences, environment, and climate change.
Eddie Childers
Wildlife biologist at Badlands National Park since 1999 overseeing the health and management of the park’s iconic species—including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs.
Lydia Jones
Lead interpretive ranger for the North Unit of Badlands National Park, where she designs and leads programs that connect visitors to the park’s landscapes, fossils, and night skies
Wayne Thompson
Paleontologist at Badlands National Park, where he oversees fossil excavation, preservation, and interpretation in one of America’s richest paleontological landscapes.
Matthias Schmitt
Founder and director of programming for Stargazing Zion. He has been passionately involved in astronomy outreach and public events.
Badlands Visitors
A small selection of the incredible people who enjoy the park.
Fresh Produce partnered with the park during a period of historic uncertainty.
Sudden budget cuts and service interruptions created challenges unlike anything our Parks Service has faced before. Yet park staff maintain seamless visitor experiences and maintain park safety. This is a testament to the type of people who care for our parks. These places are not guaranteed. We all have a role in their protection.
Differentiation, Authenticity, Love, Connection.
Anyone can enjoy the drive-through beauty, but for some, there’s a deep connection with the land. Authenticity is essential. Badlands visitors don’t come looking for a superficial experience.
We identified & focused on what sets badlands apart. Obvious standouts are the striking spires, up-close wildlife, world-class paleontology, and wilderness adventures. The Lakota history and connection is ever present. We also found visitors seeking solitude and transcendence.
We further focused on themes of protecting a legacy, our shared responsibility for stewardship, and our duty to protect vulnerable and sacred spaces.
Thunderstorms, wildfires, sweat, tacos, & rattlesnakes.
What a privilege to call this place home during our production.
Supporting Materials
FP created a suite of assets to empower the Badlands National Park Conservancy. Inspired by the film and characters met during production, we developed strategies and fundraising materials to strengthen existing connections and seize upcoming opportunities.
The continued care of Badlands National Park depends on those who love it most.
Support the park by contributing at https://www.badlandslegacy.org/
