New Bearwalker Documentary Movie - UPDATE June 10, 2024

We need your help!

We are very excited about the new BEARWALKER documentary movie that is in the works by award-winning filmmakers Oak Island Films (Ted Oakes), Merit Motion Pictures and Wish Tree Films. The movie will be an update of the “Bearwalker of the Northwoods” documentary that was produced in 2010. The movie will feature the life of Dr. Lynn Rogers and his 50+ years conducting bear research; it will also aide in the preservation of the media archives associated with Rogers and the study bears. The movie will help create an educational legacy for generations to come so they too can learn the true nature of black bears.

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The production team is looking for high-definition video that anyone may have captured showing the wild bears doing something of interest, particularity from those who have taken our bear course in the past. If you have video that you would like to share, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a Dropbox link.

As you can imagine, producing a high-quality movie is very expensive and the team is looking to secure funds in the amount of $250,000. If you are interested in helping to fund this initiative or would like to get more information about the project, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The production team/filmmakers are planning to be in Ely, MN in June to create a trailer for the movie; the trailer/promo will help attract broadcasters and sponsors. They would also be happy to meet with any potential donors at that time. Anyone who makes a donation of $5,000 or more will be listed in the credits at the end of the movie! They currently plan to start shooting the movie in August/September.

If you wish to donate to the production of this documentary, you can make a donation online at:
WRI Donations

or send a check to:
Wildlife Research Institute
1482 Trygg Road
Ely MN 55731

Please make a notation online in the comment section or on your check that the donation is for the Film Fund.

Any funds received beyond the $250,000 target, will be transferred to the WRI’s general fund and be used at their discretion to support the organization. The Wildlife Research Institute is a 501c-3, therefore, your donation will be tax deductible.

We know what these producers are capable of from what they’ve each done over the years. We are looking forward to what they can now do together.

Please contact Judy Thon at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about the project.

You can check out the filmmakers
at their websites below:

Oak Island Films
(Ted Oakes)
https://www.oakislandfilms.com

Merit Motion Pictures
https://www.meritmotionpictures.com

Wish Tree Films
(Peter Lown)
https://wishtreefilms.co.uk

Thank you for all you do,
Wildlife Research Institute
Staff and Volunteers

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