PITCH DECK
take root
Working Title
TAKe ROOT explores how connecting to nature is key to personal and planetary well being and our collective survival.
“The welfare of the Earth is our welfare. The harm we do to the Earth is harm we do to ourselves.”
Today...
we face a growing sense of urgency as global challenges intensify. Extreme weather events, rising rates of teenage suicide, and mass species extinction are undeniable. Social divisions deepen as inequality and political polarization rise, creating fractures in communities, friends and even family members. There’s a pressing need to rethink our values and challenge the dominant narrative of limitless economic growth.
The question of our time has become
What is the way forward?
The Mission
We are creating a solutions-oriented documentary that envisions a harmonious world, where nature and humanity thrive together.
This film will highlight storytellers dedicated to a better future, inspiring viewers and inviting them to take action in their own communities.
“As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”
The Storytellers
We highlight visionaries, educators, and professionals in various fields, those who are actively reshaping the narrative of our time. Through their stories, we share their personal experiences, wisdom, and bold visions for the future.
THE ECONOMIST
THE PSYCHOLOGIST
THE SPIRITUAL TEACHER
THE ARTIST / ACTIVIST
THE ECOLOGIST
The Spiral
Inspired by The Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy, the film follows a four-part spiral structure:
Gratitude
Honoring Our Pain
Seeing with New Eyes
Going Forth
Gratitude
Element: Earth
Focus: Recognizing the gifts of the natural world + grounding, belonging, connection, abundance
We begin with gratitude. In an increasingly disconnected world, we pause to honor the beauty and abundance of nature. Our storytellers reflect on how the natural world has shaped their lives and perspectives.
honoring our pain
Element: Water
Focus: The emotional impact of our times, acknowledging grief and loss
It’s essential to acknowledge what has been lost and what is at risk. This segment explores the grief, fear, and sadness of a world in crisis. Through reflections from our storytellers, we witness the strength found in facing personal and planetary suffering.
Seeing with New Eyes
Element: Air
Focus: Representing fresh perspectives and ideas, learning from nature about balance, meaning, and interconnectedness
Nature teaches us resilience, harmony, and interconnection. We’ll explore the moments that shaped our storytellers’ relationship with the natural world. To see with new eyes is not just to notice nature, but to truly understand our interconnectedness in it all.
going forth
Element: Fire
Focus: Meaningful steps toward positive change. Action, transformation, passion
Going Forth calls us to action. Fire represents transformation, courage, and passion. The time has come to turn our unique gifts into meaningful change to protect the Earth.
Style & Tone
Through an unintrusive lens, we aim to share the stories of our storytellers through images of their personal experiences and those of the world around them. Through a combination of intimate moments in peoples’ homes, in nature, engaging with their community, juxtaposed with images of the global human experience, we will create a collage of powerful imagery that brings to life our characters' journeys.
Cinéma vérite | authentic, immersive storytelling
Raw & intimate: Interviews in nature and interviewees’ homes, long takes, handheld camera work, we are there with them.
Aesthetic: Thoughtful framing, deep contrast, earthy tones
Contrast: From quiet farms to cozy kitchens, community gatherings to oil refineries, our film will encapsulate everything of the human experience.
meet the team
JAMIE Shimizu-Jones
CO-DIRECTOR, PRODUCER,
Jamie Shimizu-Jones is a Buddhist eco-chaplain, writer, and the founder of Lotus Compass, where she develops transformative pilgrimage retreats that integrate nature, mindfulness, and personal growth. Jamie is committed to finding ways to shift the dominant extraction-based narrative into one that protects nature and all beings, drawing on her skills in program design, production, and community building to inspire lasting change.
Sam Shimizu-Jones
CO-DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CINEMATOGRAPHER
Sam Shimizu-Jones is a Japanese-American filmmaker and storyteller with a focus on exploring cultural, environmental, and human narratives. With a background in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Sam brings a unique vision to his projects, blending visual artistry with social and environmental impact. He is passionate about working collaboratively with diverse communities, utilizing film as a powerful tool for connection. Sam's documentaries have been featured in various international festivals and screenings.
WILL CALL MEDIA
MEDIA PRODUCTION COMPANY
Will Call is a creative production studio dedicated to the art of storytelling. With a deep passion for crafting compelling narratives, the studio specializes in original content that inspires action and connection. Will Call believes that the way a story is told is just as important as the story itself—balancing cinematic visuals with authenticity to create meaningful impact. Whether working with brands, organizations, or individuals, Will Call transforms ideas into powerful visual experiences that engage and resonate.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in connecting about the film, don't hesitate to contact us at jamie@willcall.media