Local Motives is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that utilizes the video medium to enhance public engagement with pressing environmental issues. The Local Motives team is traversing all 50 states to produce a docu-series and an eventual feature-length film, showcasing local perspectives on the challenges and solutions associated with climate change.
We aim to promote an authentic stream of bottom-up communication by featuring personal narratives from everyday Americans on the frontlines of climate change. Our storytelling approach focuses on the relatable faces, relevant places, and familiar topics that cultivate empathy and bring the issue closer to home. With sincere and entertaining messages, we hope to facilitate more productive conversations among the diverse and often contentious American people.
Join us on our grassroots endeavor across the 50 states by subscribing to our Youtube channel and following us on Facebook and Instagram (@localmotives.series).
THE TEAM
At an early age, close friends Nate and Cody began creating videos together in their free time, not knowing that someday it would become their passion. Over the years, Nate’s cinematic eye and Cody’s imaginative comedy have fostered a unique dynamic that is prevalent in their production of creative videos. After college, they realized a mutual sense of purpose: to act on climate change in a way that transcended mere personal commitments. This project is their ambitious pursuit to achieve a goal much bigger than themselves and positively impact the world.
CODY PFISTER
RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS
Cody graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. Over the course of his undergraduate studies, Cody gained special interest in the impacts associated with climate change. As the research and communications specialist for this project, Cody uses his passion for the environment and experience in engineering to conduct meaningful, relevant, and intriguing interviews with everyday Americans across the country. Cody is inspired by his love of the outdoors, his enthusiasm for other people, and his knowledge on the growing urgency for change in today’s world. He enjoys snowboarding, fly fishing, hiking and such.
NATE MURRAY
VIDEO PRODUCTION
An hour southeast of Cody, at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Nate graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Video Production. Nate developed his skills creating action sports videos with his friends, then later throughout his career with a diversity of clients as a freelance videographer. While shooting films outdoors, Nate developed an affection for the environment, and saw an opportunity for sharing his new passion through video. Nate digs skateboarding, rock climbing, and hiking, with a side of mountain biking.
WILL LINDSAY
MUSIC COMPOSITION
Will, a composer and touring musician, is responsible for scoring and producing original music for each installment of the Local Motives series. His varying influences and diverse production methods allow him to create a unique piece for each video that compliments the visuals while also referencing both the locations and the cultures depicted. Partnering creatively with a musician has proven crucial in bringing the most authentic depictions of these stories to life.
RIP - The Starcraft
We will miss you forever