Our Production Team

Funders: Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, Ho-Chunk Nation, Oneida Nation and Midwest Child Welfare Implementation Center

Producer/Director/Writer/Project Lead: Susan Reetz
Susan has over 20 years experience producing film and video. While she does quite a bit of work in the corporate world, her heart really belongs to documentary and other social issue projects. Her work has earned state, national and international recognition, but it is the satisfaction of being part of a great team and working together to make a difference that makes her smile. You can view more of her work at her Reyetr channel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSyVF06NlpLZXVYAfhTg-Sg. www.RucinskiReetz.com

Consultant: James Botsford
James was the impetus for this project. He had just retired from his 20 year stint as director of the Wisconsin Judicare Indian Law Center when I bumped into him and we began talking about various documentary ideas. This is the one that stuck. James was not only knowledgeable about the topic but also instrumental with connecting us to the appropriate people and in many cases, funding sources. We couldn't have done it without him.

Producer/Director/Videographer: Michelle Danforth
Michelle is an award winning producer and joined Susan and James in the early stages of the project. Michelle has a great eye for set design and is incredibly charming and friendly. She works in marketing for the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin and has also produced several documentary projects. Her most recent project prior to Missing Threads focused on the game of Lacrosse. Michelle produced, directed and edited that film, titled Sacred Stick. It can be seen at Vision Maker Media http://www.visionmakermedia.org/films/sacred-stick.

Cinematographer/Lighting: Brian Alberth
Brian, owner of Left Effect Media, brings his adventurous spirit to the production world, and is the master of a wide array of gear and techniques. He has also taught production at a Madison college and is sought after on crews of all sizes. He works on a wide variety of projects ranging from compelling documentaries to corporate productions to high end ads. Brian is incredibly creative and collaborative, a true pleasure to work with. http://www.lefteffect.com/

Editor/Motion Graphics/Videographer: Colleen Parquette
Colleen, owner of Shadow Collaborative, is a highly skilled and imaginative videographer and editor. Her motion graphic skills also rock! Always ready with top notch creative ideas she is the epitome of a team player. Colleen's broad range of experience and massive technical knowledge - not to mention patience - are a huge asset to any project. Be sure to look her up on LinkedIn.

Fiscal Agent: Film Green Bay
The mission of Film Green Bay is to provide a rich cultural and educational experience for our community and visitors while promoting Green Bay as a hub for filmmaking and film appreciation.