Farm & Rural Stress Hotline

I had the opportunity to direct and shoot a short film for the Farm & Rural Stress Hotline, a lifeline for farmers and ranchers who are struggling with the stress and anxiety associated with farming. Hotline founder, farmer and Physician Assistant at Avera Behavioral Health Karl Oelhke, addresses producers directly who could benefit from the free and confidential service.

Over the course of two months I shot primairly alone trying to utilize low light in the early morning and evening using an Arri Amira and a small set of Zeiss Standard Speeds. The camera, lenses and use of natural lighting lent to a sense of realism I felt important to help farmers identify with the film. My goal was to both maintain a somber/darker tone without delving into melodrama and likewise offer a pathway to hope without seeming dismissive of the issue. I believe I was able to achieve that not only through the visuals and Karl’s interview but also due to composer Joel Pickard’s original music.

Special thanks to Dort Keiper who handled locations and talent… without her this project never would have gotten made. Thanks also to Joel Pickard for his original score, Isaac Show who handled field audio for the interview and Dalton Coffey who mixed the audio. Additionally I’d like to thank all the farmers who recognized the importance fo the issue and graciously allowed me to film on their land.