Big Leaf

Big Leaf is a short documentary exploring man’s relationship with the local environment. Shot in Oregon, USA and accompanied by an original score, the film investigates the problematic past, present and future of maple forestry and its traumatic effect on the wider climate.

We follow Tim McNamara, a young furniture maker, on the verge of fatherhood, as he journeys to a sustainable sawmill in search for responsibly produced materials to build his child's crib. Wary of the world his child will grow up in, Tim seeks the sage wisdom of sawmill owner, Rod Jacobs, who reveals the shocking extent of the big leaf maple crisis and the work that must be done to secure a hopeful future for the next generation.

  • Grimshaw Mink
    Producer
  • Grimshaw Mink
    Director
  • Grimshaw Mink
    Writer
  • Grimshaw Mink
    Original Score
  • Liam Cameron
    Sound Designer/Dubbing Mixer
  • Cem Hurrell
    Colourist
  • Indigo Productions
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Short film, Narrative Documentary, Environmental Documentary
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Full HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Grimshaw Mink

Grimshaw Mink is a directing duo from London made up of Joe Hurrell and Josh Cobb. In May 2018, they took a break from creating music videos and commercial work in order to go on an adventure on the other side of the world, documenting the devastating effects of unsustainable forestry practices through the lens of one carpenter starting a family. Music has always been an important part of Grimshaw Mink’s workflow. Beyond composing and recording the entire soundtrack to Big Leaf, they have been making films about music; documenting London’s jazz scene, and organising ambitious live sessions.

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Director Statement

Big Leaf investigates the problematic future of bigleaf maple and its traumatic impact on the wider environment through the lens of a carpenter starting a family.

The stunning scenery of the Pacific Midwest, accompanied by an original score recorded at the Abbey Road Institute, has made for a short film that provides an important message of sustainability and family. Importantly, through the work of the documentary's subjects, we see that no matter how vast a problem like climate change and sustainable living might seem, even just one individual can make a difference with their work.