The Erie Situation

Harmful Algal Blooms threaten Lake Erie every year. Millions have been spent to address the problem. Are we making any progress? What's at stake? Who's at risk? Is the future of Lake Erie green?

  • David J Ruck
    Director
    I Want To Be An Astronaut
  • David J Ruck
    Writer
    I Want To Be An Astronaut
  • David J Ruck
    Producer
    I Want To Be An Astronaut
  • Zach Passero
    Producer
  • Julie Andersen
    Producer
  • Tod Hardin
    Producer
  • Grace Eggleston
    Editor
  • Zach Passero
    Editor
    The Pushback
  • Sean Spillane
    Original Score
    The Woman
  • Andrew Smetek
    Sound Design
    The Man Who Killed Hitler And Then The Bigfoot
  • David J Ruck
    Executive Producer
  • William Pfeiffer
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 11 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    60,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - David J Ruck

David J. Ruck has been exploring science, space, and environmental issues through storytelling for two decades. His passions lie with the Great Lakes. David has an MFA from American University and spent several years working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building brand awareness through video storytelling. He currently resides in Michigan and works with a plethora of environmental organizations and institutions to communicate pressing issues through video storytelling. And he loves his cattle dog, Billie.

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Director Statement

Lake Erie is the canary in the coal mine for the Great Lakes. As harmful algal blooms are becoming more common, the story of Lake Erie could become the story of the rest of the Great Lakes, threatening 21 percent of the worlds supply of freshwater resources. Meanwhile, powerful agricultural lobbies and lack of regulations as well as climate change are fueling the prevalence of toxic blooms, especially in states like Ohio. Do we have the political will to do what it takes to save Lake Erie?