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telling stories. challenging systems. building a new future for filmmakers.

Wild Commons was built to challenge the outdated distribution models that dominate documentary filmmaking. This blog explores the stories, communities, and characters behind our films, while examining how independent filmmakers are building a new future for environmental storytelling.

Meet the team

Blog

Meet the team - JACKSON PERKINS

Meet the team - HAYDEN HANKE

Before picking up a camera, Hayden was photographing distant galaxies from his cul-de-sac. That shift in perspective — from the cosmos to the creatures closest to home — set him on a path combining science, visual storytelling, and conservation. Here, Hayden reflects on his journey from astrophotography to filmmaker engagement, and why images and stories may be our most powerful tools for protecting the natural world.

Meet the team - Kika Tuff, Ph.D.

Before becoming a filmmaker, Kika was a scientist studying deforestation. But after years researching a problem the world already knew how to solve, she had to accept that data alone rarely changes human behavior. Here, Kika reflects on her transition from science to filmmaking, and why emotional connection is a critical tool for confronting ecological collapse.

Meet the Team - Matt Podolsky

After 18 years producing nature documentaries — including a Sundance audience award winner picked up by National Geographic — Matt knows firsthand how broken independent film distribution has become. That's exactly why he co-founded Wild Commons.

Wild Commons 8/20/26 Wild Commons 8/20/26

Meet the team - lucas pace

Lucas Pace, our Filmmaker Engagement Intern, tells about his journey into nature storytelling and why it’s important to him.