Director’s Notes
Editor: Jeremy Grant
Last Updated: October 15, 2025
Vision & Theme
At its core, this story is about respect — for the original mushers, for the dogs who carried life across a frozen world, and for the enduring bond between people and nature that shaped Alaska’s identity. It is also about contrast: man and machine, tradition and innovation, nature’s fury and nature’s peace. A century ago, as well as today, where machines faltered, the dogs endured — a quiet reminder that progress does not always mean improvement. There exists a profound partnership between humans, animals, and the land, a connection we are beginning to overlook in modern times. By highlighting it, the audience is invited to reflect on the consequences of this shift.
Through the voices of the expedition team and descendants of the original mushers, the film bridges past and present. The audience should understand why we are there and feel engaged by the lessons this slice of history offers.
Tone & Mood
The tone should feel immersive — a balance of raw moments playing out and emotional reflection on those events. Prioritize cinematic footage that brings you into the brutal beauty of Alaska. If it’s ugly, and isn’t important to the story, it doesn’t make the cut. I want the audience to experience mushing: blizzards, exhaustion, breath, silence, care, reflection, awe. Let the audience feel the life and rhythm of a musher. It’s important that they feel a human harmony with nature and animals.
We’ll experience that harmony from both the mushers’ perspective and a snowmachiner’s perspective. The audience gets to choose which resonates more.
The pacing should breathe; raw sound is crucial. Music will live in undertones. We want viewers to feel time pass the way it does out there.
Structure
The film will be broken down into scenes, roughly 5 minutes each, for a total of 7 to 12 scenes. Each scene should contribute something new and meaningful to the story. Its purpose is to communicate only what is necessary — either to move the narrative forward or to enhance the viewing experience.
Examples include: the history of the Serum Run, introductions to characters, lighthearted or humorous moments, and insights into the dogs and their role in the expedition.
The audience should discover alongside us, engaging with details they have not yet learned about the story, the expedition, or the historical legacy. Each scene should provide a fresh perspective and energy.
I shot and interviewed my footage with the intention of building scenes around the three pillars of the journey: the Tanana River, the Yukon, and the Coast. There will be 2-4 scenes within each location. For example; when we arrive at the Tolovana roadhouse we will learn what roadhouses are and how they were used by the serum mushers, and how Jamie and Jeff are acting as our roadhouses in modern times — that’s one scene.
Editorial Intent
Convey a sense of immersion and respect. Audience should feel part of the expedition, experiencing the challenges, joys, and lessons of the journey.
Draw attention the a fading partnership between humans, animals, and the land,
Highlight the historical legacy: a tribute to the 1925 mushers.