Intro: William Wright
January 29, 2021
If you’re reading this, it’s nice to meet you. I’m a 25-year-old consultant moonlighting as an amateur producer. I keep fleeing Chicago to the beaches of Los Angeles, leaving behind cold, dark, lonely winters. Contradictory to my expectations, I surf couches more than anything else.
I think I am exactly what you would expect from someone from the middle of the country – I am Indiana corn fed, from Fort Wayne, and one of five siblings. My city brags about two things: we are the 2ND biggest city in Indiana and we always rank in the top 5 most affordable places to live in the US. Wow! After a great childhood in the suburban sprawl, I pursued my finance degree and got a job in America’s second city (Chicago). Ahh never having to leave my comfortable Midwest – until now.
So why am I spending most of my free time creating a conservation, adventure documentary centered around shutting down a pipeline? The first, and probably the most compelling, reason is because I love Northern Michigan. Just like my co-producer Chris, I have spent all my childhood summers exploring the Northern Michigan waters. It’s the first landscape that wowed me, where I got my first job, and where my family and I will continue to go for the rest of our lives.
Second, I get to test drive a lifestyle of being an adventurer/filmmaker. Jealousy has always raged when watching inspiring documentaries where people get to make a career out of what they love. And I am sick of it! No more. This film and the accompanying 45 day, 425 mile stand up paddle journey will test my resolve as a true adventurer. This summer I’m putting my jealousy to rest – I get to play the part of adventurer and collaborate with friends as we document the work of inspiring people.
I have truly loved every minute of working on this project. I have learned a lot about the Great Lakes and Northern Michigan, tried my hand at creating a website, followed everyone I know on social media, and started writing again. I just hope that our enjoyment/passion is contagious and we can activate our following to get involved!
Please reach out if you are interested in joining us for part of the journey or want to get involved with the grassroots movements to shut down Line Five.
Best,
William
