Private Project

Makers on the Tide

Mariposa Productions is happy to present the documentary film, MAKERS ON THE TIDE:
The Willits Bros Canoe Co. The documentary covers the careers and canoes that Floyd and
Earl Willits made for over 50 years from their factory on Day Island. The handcrafted red cedar
canoes have become some of the most sought after watercraft in the world. With less than a
thousand made and beautifully made by hand, the Willits Bros were true artisans. With interviews
from historian Michael Sullivan, Willits Bros author Pat Chapman, Puyallup tribal elder, Robert
Satiacum, as well as Girl Scouts of Western WA, collectors and family members this film
explores the era of wooden canoes and craftmanship, and the legacy of these two brothers.
Written and directed by Mick Flaaen and Michael Sullivan

  • Mick Flaaen
    Director
  • Michael Sean Sullivan
    Director
  • Mick Flaaen
    Writer
  • Michael Sean Sullivan
    Writer
  • Mick Ray Flaaen
    Producer
  • Pat Chapman
    Producer
  • Michael Sean Sullivan
    Producer
  • Robert Satiacum
    Key Cast
  • Pat Chapman
    Key Cast
  • Michael Sullivan
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    42 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 19, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Mick Flaaen, Michael Sean Sullivan

Mick Flaaen is an independent filmmaker from Tacoma WA. Films include A Funeral Dance, A Totem Tale, Paint, Welcome to Parkland, and Fire on Broadway.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Makers on the Tide is a historical story of two brothers named Floyd and Earl Willits who spent their lives building red cedar wooden canoes. They are some of the most sought after canoes today.