Signal Share: Strategy-Led Storytelling

Chad Brown in conversation with Nicole Michaelis

Signal Share: Strategy-Led Storytelling

Join us for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and cinematic inspiration with filmmaker, photographer, and conservationist Chad Brown, founder of Love Is King and Soul River Inc. in conversation with Nicole Michaelis of the League of Conservation Voters. 

Chad and Nicole will discuss their media journeys and examine the personal responsibilities, technical challenges, and ethical considerations of producing media that seeks to move us to environmental action.

Who Should Attend

  • Filmmakers, photographers, and media makers interested in conservation storytelling and advocacy
  • Environmental and conservation advocates Students and emerging professionals seeking guidance on technical, strategic, and ethical media practices
  • Anyone curious about the intersection of media, history, ethics, and environmental action

What to Expect

  • Discover how media and storytelling strengthen issue advocacy and amplifies conservation campaigns.
  • Explore the technical demands of backcountry filmmaking, including field logistics, equipment, and creative decision-making in remote and challenging environments.
  • Learn about the historical context of conservation media and the responsibilities that non-indigenous media makers and storytellers have to unsettle their productions and modern conservation media making. 
  • Gain insights into strategy and ethics, including navigating power dynamics, securing consent, and producing media responsibly while advancing conservation goals. About the Speakers

Chad Brown Chad Brown is a Navy veteran, award-winning documentary-style photographer and filmmaker, creative director, and conservation advocate. He is the founder of two nonprofits Soul River Inc., and Love is king connecting veterans, youth and diverse leaders to outdoor leadership, and has led expeditions into remote wilderness areas including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Chad’s work bridges field-based storytelling, photography, and film to create media that informs and inspires environmental advocacy. (chadocreative.com)

Nicole Michalis Nicole Michalis is a video producer/editor who has worked in the progressive space for a decade. She is currently at the League of Conservation Voters, a DC-based environmental advocacy organization.

Dates

Jan 13

Tuesday

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Location

Open Signal, Portland Community Media Center

2766 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
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Guest Artist

Chad Brown Guest Artist

An award-winning photographer, filmmaker, Navy veteran, conservationist, and social entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and protecting wild spaces, his career has been defined by a unique fusion of creativity and advocacy. It has been shaped by his journey of service—to his country, the environment, and underrepresented communities. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design and Photography from American Intercontinental University – Atlanta, GA, and a Master of Science in Communication Design from Pratt Institute in NYC. These foundations have played a vital role in his ability to combine visual storytelling with impactful advocacy.

Policies

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For questions, please contact us by phone at (503) 288 1515 or email info [at] opensignalpdx.org.

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Open Signal is a Safer Space

Open Signal is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for the community. Open Signal is a Safer Space for people of color, immigrants, gender non-conforming, low/no income groups, houseless, people with disabilities, linguistically diverse and other marginalized communities who have experienced systemic racism, sexism, classism and/or oppression. We encourage the creation and sharing of content that expresses a wide variety of cultural, social, political and spiritual perspectives. Treating all people with respect and kindness is expected - even if you don’t agree with all perspectives.

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