Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Sanchez Davidson and Lindsay Bauman.
Hi Andrea and Lindsay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Andrea:
Lindsay and I met during grad school. We were studying marine biodiversity and conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and were partnered with a scientist to create a science communication film as part of a group project. Our film about California SeaGrant’s Fishing Apprenticeship program was a hit. We both recognized that there was a growing need for fresh science communication films for scientists, nonprofits, and advocates. We also both loved the creative aspect of filmmaking. From there, we decided to start Surfgrass Productions.
Lindsay:
Andrea and I also love photography. Film seemed like a natural progression and was exciting to learn because it’s photography but with movement, and gives audiences the ability to connect to people, places, and wildlife through storytelling. Fun fact about our business name – we spent a few weeks brainstorming ocean-themed animals, plants, etc., and Surfgrass stuck because not only is it an ocean plant that sea turtles eat, but we loved the play on words “surf” and “grass” since it encompassed both land and sea.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lindsay:
Both Andrea and I work full-time jobs in addition to managing Surfgrass Productions, so balancing filmwork with our day jobs can be very challenging at times. However, we are exposed to a variety of science and ocean conservation issues in our full-time jobs that aid in our filmmaking. The stress and long days are worth it when our clients tell us how the short film has helped their work or audiences get interested in all things conservation and ocean!
Andrea:
It hasn’t always been smooth, but it always feels worth it. I would say the biggest hurdle, besides work/life balance, was learning what is required to run a business. There’s a lot of administration involved, financial and otherwise. I wouldn’t say trying to sell ourselves came naturally to either of us, but we’ve learned a lot about sales and marketing along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Andrea:
I would say we specialize in ocean and coastal storytelling. I think at our core, Lindsay and I are both environmental advocates – and when I say environment, I include people, as the two are intertwined. Ocean science and policy should be accessible. We try to use film to transport audiences, communicate a story, and inspire curiosity and social change. As far as what I’m most proud of, I would say being able to work on what we love is pretty amazing. In a world that can sometimes feel bleak, oceans can be a place of hope and inspiration. I’m eager to share those stories.
Lindsay:
With our business, we’re most excited about the people we get to meet and the stories we get to tell. It’s a huge honor to work with someone, brainstorm ideas, and create a short film illustrating their work. Our hope is to continue to create impactful stories that all audiences can relate to, not just scientists or environmental advocates but the general public. We want audiences to leave with information and be inspired to make changes not only in their everyday lives but on our planet. Because of our love of films, Andrea and I also co-founded the San Diego Environmental Film Festival (SDEFF) last year with some other local women in conservation. SDEFF gives us the opportunity to help showcase environmental films and filmmakers from all over the world.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Lindsay:
The book, “Made to Stick” by Chip & Dan Heath. We read this book during grad school, and it really stuck with me, pun intended. It discusses effective communication strategies to leave your audiences with memorable takeaway messages. I try to re-read part of the book once a year to refresh my memory, but the majority of the books I read are ocean-related. I’m currently trying to finish “Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness” by Peter Godfrey-Smith. I also really love watching films and getting inspired by the many creative filmmakers out there. I recently watched “Bella Vita” by Jason Baffa about a surfer’s re-connection to his Italian roots and culture. Highly recommend it! One of the most important things we can do as filmmakers is to celebrate each other’s work, so I’m a big supporter of networking and attending film festivals. And probably the biggest thing for me is getting out in nature. Whenever I’m feeling down or in a creative rut, I like to get outside. There’s nothing that a dip in the ocean can’t cure!
Andrea:
I’m a big fan of podcasts. Lately, I’ve been on a kick of Become a Good Ancestor podcast with Layla Saad. Layla’s work is driven by her powerful desire to become a good ancestor, to live and work in ways that leave a legacy of healing and liberation for those who will come after she is gone. Related to our work, I love Impact: The Conservation Photography Podcast. Jaymi Heimbuch teaches how to find, photograph, and pitch powerful conservation-focused photo stories so they can make an impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: surfgrassproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfgrass_productions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurfgrassProductions/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcS8657m6aMz-FmLO0HYE6A
