Experiencing Interruptions?

Condor Canyon

"Traveler", tagged as Red 71, has struggled to lay normal eggs throughout her life due to the past use of the pesticide DDT found in the food she eats. Finally, successful, she and her mate, "Shadow", tagged as Yellow 9, were raising a chick together when she ingested lead from a carcass tainted with lead ammunition. Miraculously, both Traveler and the chick survive giving hope for the recovery of the species in the wild. A true story.

  • Kelly Sorenson
    Producer
    Giants of Big Sur: California Condor Stories
  • Mike Buffo
    Director
    Producer of Bohemian Soul, War of the Limelight, Giants of Big Sur: California Condor Stories
  • Catherine Cavadini
    Narrator
    The Powerpuff Girls, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Incredible 2
  • Mike Buffo
    Director of Photography
    Bohemian Soul, War of the Limelight, Giants of Big Sur: California Condor Stories
  • Meredith Evans
    Cinematography
  • Carlos Mora
    Writer
    Written for Animal Planet, PBS, History, Travel Channel, Viceland, MotorTrend and others
  • Jules Hart
    Editor
    House of 8 Media
  • Lauren Denemark
    Music Supervision
    Triple Threat Music Supervision
  • John Wineglass
    Music Composer
    All My Children, Big Sur: The Night Sun, Composer-in-Residence with the Monterey Symphony
  • Russell Mehringer
    Sound Engineering
    NPALL Audio Inc.
  • Tim Layaban
    Colorist
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    100,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    6K
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • NETA / Detroit PBS
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Mike Buffo

As a Central California Coast-based documentarian specializing in live event video, documentaries, and commercials, Mike Buffo built a career rooted in community engagement through visual storytelling. He is deeply committed to using his expertise
to highlight social change and cultural impact across Monterey County and the broader Central Coast region. As a skilled drone operator since 2014 and an FAA-Licensed Commercial Drone Pilot, he also specializes in offering multi-camera switching, and live broadcasting. Beyond his professional prowess behind the camera, he is a proud father of three, a former professional athlete, actor, healer, and educator in motion pictures, backed by a degree in Drama from San Francisco State University. His diverse background in acting, theater, directing, and teaching enriches each project, ensuring a blend of technical skill, creative vision, and unwavering dedication to excellence in the heart of the Monterey Peninsula and beyond.

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Director Statement

I am profoundly moved by the story we’ve brought to life as a small devoted team. This film marks my second collaboration with the Ventana Wildlife Society for the condors, following 2022’s Giants of Big, California Condor Stories. The trust placed in me by Kelly Sorenson to direct his opus has been both an honor and a profound responsibility. Condor Canyon dives deep into the lives of three mating pairs of California condors, documenting their struggles against natural and man-made threats in the rugged terrains of Big Sur, California. This film narrates their fight against fires, lead poisoning, and the heartbreaking challenges of reproduction influenced by the environmental contaminant, DDT. Our narrative culminates in a tale of survival and reunion that is as stirring as it is miraculous, capturing not just the survival of these majestic birds but also their indomitable spirit. Despite their intense appearance, I’ve discovered a deep affection for these majestic condors, joining a vast community of admirers who are bound to fall in love with their compelling struggle for survival as they watch this film.

This project has been a convergence of passionate visual storytellers. The dynamic original score by John Wineglass, the rich libraries of Triple Threat Music, the stunning visuals captured by Meredith Evans and myself, and the poignant narration by Catherine Cavadini, penned by Carlos Mora, all contribute to the depth of our collective storytelling. Most notably, it’s Russell Mehringer’s expert sound design and mixing that brought our silent footage to life with meticulously synchronized foley effects, encapsulating the true essence of the condors’ environment.

This is not just a documentary but a vivid experience of wildlife and resilience. My gratitude extends to every member of our team, but most overwhelmingly to Jules Hart, House of 8 Media’s video editor of ten years whose unparalleled skill in transforming production footage into compelling narratives is unmatched in my book. Above all, my deepest appreciation goes to Kelly Sorenson, whose strategic leadership and thoughtful producing acumen have been crucial in bringing this condor saga to life. As we prepare to share Condor Canyon with the world, I hope this film does more than just educate; I hope it renews our collective commitment to conservation and deepens our connection with the natural world around us.

Mike Buffo
House of 8 Media