On Grizzly Ground

Grizzly bears wandering western landscapes ignite fascination in some people and fear in others. Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1975, Greater Yellowstone grizzlies have learned how to live among us. Now we need to learn how to live with them.

On Grizzly Ground explores the expansion of federally protected bears spring through fall showcasing the helps and hurdles of their recovery. Through the lenses of tribes, tourists, scientists, and activists follow the wild—and risky—wanderings of grizzlies across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

The chase of a lifetime is in bear country. Join the expedition and watch what happens when the wild tries to make its way with us in the way.

  • Kris Millgate
    Director
    Ocean to Idaho
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Television
  • Genres:
    Non ficiton, nature
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    52,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kris Millgate

Tight Line Media CEO Kris Millgate is a bold storyteller, but she wasn’t born brave. Millgate, an outdoor journalist born the same year as the Endangered Species Act, grew up painfully shy and afraid of beards.

She spent a decade in TV news before starting Tight Line Media in 2006. With a quarter century of multimedia storytelling, Millgate traverses the country in search of dynamic topics. She researches issues thoroughly then translates core elements via video, photo and words with credibility that demands audience.

Tight Line Media productions tour with film festivals and win national honors. As producer, writer, videographer, photographer, certified drone pilot, editor and gear hauler, Millgate engages in every project with inspiring enthusiasm and unmatched intensity.

In the edit bay, she never tires. In the field, she never stops. She hikes, bikes, rows and flies her cameras into the wilderness to collar grizzlies, catch native trout, and count bald eagles.

Millgate is a leading member of Outdoor Writers Association of America, a life member of Trout Unlimited and a certified Idaho Master Naturalist. She’s also a trail runner, fly fisher, bird hunter and avid seeker of awkward moments. She’s outgrown her shy side too. She talks to strangers daily and she hangs out with beards often.

She’s is currently reporting for the PBS show This American Land, Field & Stream and East Idaho Outdoors. Her first book, My Place Among Men, and its sequel, My Place Among Fish, are available now. Her salmon film, Ocean to Idaho, was nominated for two Emmys and toured with Wild & Scenic Film Festival in 2022. Her next major multimedia production, On Grizzly Ground, premieres in August 2023 along with her third book, My Place Among Beasts.

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Director Statement

The most compelling stories happen outside. I am most comfortable outside. I want to increase audience connection with what’s happening in the natural world so that others feel most comfortable outside too.