About this project
The Project
Fifty Lakes One Island is an exploration--through photography and words--of the inland lakes on Isle Royale, a wilderness island in the northwest waters of Lake Superior. Fifty Lakes One Island differs from the predictable flora and fauna nature documentary in its attempt to discover the power of time alone in the wild. Blending words with images, the film brings the viewer on a transcendental journey through the woods and waters of Isle Royale.
Kessler Crane has generously agreed to match each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, to ensure that Fifty Lakes One Island is successfully produced. For more information, please see Sponsors at bottom of page.
FAQ
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Isle Royale offers a rare wilderness experience for the lower forty-eight states. Isolated in the northwest waters of Lake Superior, the island is home to wolves, moose, red fox, beaver, and snowshoe hare. The rugged, fifty mile long landscape is made up of countless ridges. Among the swamps, hardwoods, rivers, and streams, the terrain is sprinkled with forty-two named lakes along with countless unnamed bodies of water. Most of the inland lakes are off-trail, making access difficult, but leaving the scenery spectacular and untamed. Fifty lakes on one island; it is an environment like no other.
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I have paddled around the island three times, self-supported, each time in October. I think paddling and hiking the island is the best way to absorb its energy and find an appreciation for its size, power, and majesty. In the spring of 2011, I tested the waters to see if the Fifty Lakes One Island project was possible with a one-person crew. Traveling by foot and kayak, I canvassed sixteen of the fifty lakes, living on beef jerky, Clif bars, and pasta. I was hungry and cold most of the time, but the lack of comfort only heightened my senses and gratitude for the home of my soul.
I also discovered that a bigger boat would be necessary to haul enough camera gear and food for a fifty day expedition. I plan to purchase a simple, used, 16' aluminum boat with a 30 horse power, 4-stroke outboard. I am using my dad's dry boxes, which he purchased in 1974, for camera gear, along with my younger sister's tent, circa 1994--the trusty Tadpole. I navigated the first ten lakes using only a map and compass; a GPS unit will be necessary to complete the project. When hauling expensive camera gear through uneven, wet terrain, every step counts.
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The traditional nature documentary focuses on the scientific relationships among species. I want to make a unique, personal film that presents the intimate, complex relationship between man and nature. Isle Royale's wildness calms the mind and soul, welcoming thoughts of life and death, choices and consequences, plans and possibilities. A day in the woods is an experience surpassing any chemical intoxicant. There is a need for this film and I want to be the person who makes it. Fifty Lakes One Island is a meditation on the power of immersing yourself in a wild and isolated place.
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Kessler Crane (http://www.kesslercrane.com/) makes some of the most cutting-edge equipment I have had the pleasure of using in recent years, and they have revolutionized the way I am able to capture the essence of Isle Royale. Their passion for innovation and commitment to environmental exploration are a perfect match for Fifty Lakes One Island, which is why they have generously agreed to match each donation, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Their investment in this project ensures that it will be completed, with your help.
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
148
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 14.
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Pledge $10 and receive an official Fifty Lakes One Island poster.
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Pledge $25 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD.
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Pledge $50 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD and the official Fifty Lakes One Island t-shirt.
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Pledge $100 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD, the official Fifty Lakes One Island t-shirt, and an 8" x 10" framed photograph from the project.
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Pledge $250 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD, the official Fifty Lakes One Island t-shirt, and the coffee table book of photographs taken during the making of the project.
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Pledge $500 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD, the official Fifty Lakes One Island t-shirt, the coffee table book of photographs taken during the making of the project and one 20" x 30" professionally-mounted photograph from the project. You will have the opportunity of selecting an image from a collection of twelve.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Pledge $1,000 and receive the Fifty Lakes One Island DVD, the official Fifty Lakes One Island t-shirt, the coffee table book of photographs taken during the making of the project and one 20" x 30" professionally-mounted photograph from the project. You will have the opportunity of selecting an image from a collection of twelve. In addition, you will receive a special acknowledgment in the closing credits of the film, plus an online interview, phone call, or dinner with the filmmaker, George Desort.
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George Desort will lead a one day wildlife filmmaking and photography workshop in your area. This could take place at a library, community center, or your home depending on size of class. You will also receive Associate Producer credit in the film. Please email for more details.
Project By
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George Desort is exploring and filming the fifty lakes of Isle Royale for his latest independent project. The island has become a second home for Desort since joining the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Study in 2005 as a filmmaker and photographer.
His work has appeared in Audubon, National Geographic, Backpacker, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and PBS affiliates across the country. Fortunate Wilderness, the wolf and moose study of Isle Royale was a finalist at the 2009 International Wildlife Film Festival.
For more info about Fortunate Wilderness www.fortunatewilderness.com.
