Documentary Production and Distribution News

Green-media director tapped to lead a film documenting how a rural Washington town is transforming its economic engine one canola plant at a time.

(Portland, OR) A funny thing happened on the way out of corporate America for Jon Sumple, who has been selected to direct the upcoming documentary film, Green Light: The Sustainable Oroville Project . After 25 years in marketing, the former-executive moved his family from South Florida to Seattle with the intention of giving back what he had learned over the years. He targeted green non-profits initially, but landed an opportunity to write, direct and produce with ReGeneration Productions, a green-media company communicating the ideals and practice of urban sustainability. Sumple and ReGen partner Rose Thornton launched the production company by creating the television pilot Mission: Sustainable, which ultimately opened the door for conversations with Green Light.

“We were looking for someone who was creative, experienced and willing to do whatever it takes to help get this film off the ground,” says Sustainable Oroville consultant Ryan Skinner. “A mutual friend turned us on to Mission: Sustainable, and after one phone call with Jon, we knew we found the perfect fit.”

So what’s the big deal about Oroville, a small town tucked between the Canada border and the Cascade Range? City leaders aren’t waiting around for the economy to “get better.” Instead, they’re taking steps to reboot the faltering local economy by making sustainability a mantra for the agriculturally driven community of 1,750 residents. Since the launch of Sustainable Oroville, the town already has attracted a canola crushing plant (which will produce canola oil and meal); plans for the nation’s first sustainable, passive haus hotel; and attention from other clean-technology entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates who want to see the initiative succeed. The film will document how grassroots efforts can manifest changes that are good for the economy and the planet.

“Too many ‘green’ films paint negative pictures about possible outcomes if actions aren’t taken,” says Sumple. “We’re doing just the opposite by showing how positive action at a grassroots level leads to transformational change. This is the perfect time for messages about people and communities doing rather than just being.”

The project is currently seeking additional funding through a crowd-funding effort, where one of the perks includes a “date” with the “World’s Greenest Bachelor” -- Portland’s Kevin Pile, founder of the green consultancy and publishing company Ecotrain. Pile, who grew up in Oroville, will be featured in the film as the local-boy-done-good who just happens to preach what his hometown is now about to practice.

Resources:

www.greenlightmovie.com

www.regenerationproductionsllc.com