Olivia Andrus | Photographer/Filmmaker | United States
Owner of Big Sky Genesis Productions LLC, Olivia Andrus, has been working in the visual arts with a focus on conservation, scientific communication, and politics for just under a decade, and in that time has built up an impressive portfolio of projects.
Her most recent film, The Dolphin Dilemma, addresses the effects of climate change on dolphins following the research of Dr. Duignan, Director of Pathology at The Marine Mammal Center, Dr. Stephen’s from Perth University, and Dr. Robb from the Marine Mammal Foundation. The film explores this international collaboration that proves lesions being found on dolphins in Australia is due to climate change. This disturbing yet informative film received the Professional Advancement Grant from Montana State University as well as an offer to be fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions.
Most recently, Olivia has now graduated from Montana State University with an MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking. She has also been hired as a contractor for the Global Foundation for Oceanic Exploration to create more scientific, ocean-based films. We look forward to seeing where Olivia’s journey takes her next!
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I began as an social media intern with The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA in the spring of 2020. They had just produced a paper about Freshwater Skin Disease in Dolphins and I asked them if I could make my thesis film on this project. So I began filming with them in the summer of 2020 and have just gotten back from Australia filming with their collaborators.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
Environmental education, working with graduate students pursuing the Science and Natural History Filmmaking Program, and working as a freelancer in Bozeman, MT.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
During my time studying at Purdue University for wildlife biology and film, I was able to work a summer with the Department of Natural Resources in Indiana as a film intern for the state department. Going out into the field every day filming wildlife, the people researching or protecting the different spaces in Indiana, and even the cops making PSA videos to make sure we all drive safely under the new laws really opened my eyes to how film can be used as a great tool for communication and activism. I just fell in love with what I was doing and it has shaped every decision after that. I have mainly worked with nonprofits or government agencies and researchers to communicate the top science as effectively as possible and I pursued my graduate degree in Science and Natural History Filmmaking Program at Montana State University to learn how to be the best science communicator possible through the medium of film. I've always been a huge naturalist, even as a kid running in the desert trying to find any animal to look at and learn from. I wouldn't change my advocacy and love for wildlife and science for the world.
Who/what currently inspires you?
The Marine Mammal Center's work on Cancer research, rehabilitation, and education of the public is a huge influence in my life and how I want to communicate science effectively. Of course, David Attenborough as an advocate and narrator for the BBC's media has been and will always be a major inspiration in my life.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would love to change peoples trust in scientists and science again. This would not only help all aspects of what we do, but then we would be more willing to tackle the bigger issues.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope I am known for being an environmental advocate and inspirational science communicator that helped bring the public back into trusting science again through my media.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Don't let anyone tell you that it isn't possible and don't be afraid to ask for advice from those around you who may have more experience.
WEBSITE: https://vimeo.com
INSTAGRAM: @bigskygenesisproductions
