Documentary
Feature films with a mission.
Long-form documentary is where our method goes deepest: years of listening, hundreds of hours of footage, and a narrative distilled until it moves. One award-winning feature released and touring the country. One in development.
Feature documentary · Premiered August 2020
Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America.
Directed by Willa Kammerer and co-produced by Firestarter Interactive with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. Winner of the Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Film at Film Invasion Los Angeles and an Award of Excellence from the Accolade Global Film Competition, with official selections at seven festivals. Now available on demand.
Synopsis
The earliest years decide the most.
Starting at Zero explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education so that all children and families have the opportunity to attain the American Dream. The film brings together policymakers, educators, academics, business leaders, pediatricians, parents and children — including five current and former governors who champion early education.
It examines the latest developmental brain science to show how essential the earliest years are to human potential, brings the features of high-quality early learning to life through the evolution of Alabama’s #1-ranked state Pre-K program, and culminates in a call to governors across America for collective action: significant investment in early childhood education, to support today’s workforce and build the workforce of tomorrow.
Featuring
Gov. Steve BullockMontana
Gov. Kay IveyAlabama
Gov. Ralph NorthamVirginia
Gov. Jim HuntNorth Carolina
Gov. Phil BryantMississippi
Recognition
Two wins, seven selections, national press.
“A call to governors to invest in high-quality early childhood education to support today’s workforce and the workforce of tomorrow.”
“A perfect film for 2020’s push for racial equality.”
“A call to set our nation on the path to future success through significant investments in high-quality early childhood education.”
Impact campaign
The film is the conversation starter.
Since its 2020 release, Starting at Zero has become the centerpiece of an impact campaign: more than 100 community screenings and panels across the nation, an educational and institutional licensing program, a follow-up video with Delaware’s governor, and the Starting at Zero podcast. Governors, state early-education leaders and foundations use it to open the case for public investment in the earliest years.
- 100+Community screenings & panel events nationwide
- 5Current and former governors on camera
- On demandPlus educational & institutional licensing
Credits
- Willa KammererDirector & Co-Producer
- Saul Zaentz Charitable FoundationCo-Producer
- Firestarter InteractiveCo-Producer
- Alan “Mickey” HammermanExecutive Producer
- Lauren GaffneyConsulting Producer
- Matthew ZieglerDirector of Photography & Editor
Co-produced by Firestarter Interactive with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, which builds on the legacy of three-time Best Picture winner Saul Zaentz. Starting at Zero is Firestarter’s first feature-length documentary.
In development · seeking a production partner
Blue economy pioneers are harnessing seaweed as a game-changing climate solution — and a good business — for a brighter, bluer future.
A character-driven feature and impact campaign about regenerative ocean farming, from Long Island’s Shinnecock Nation to Alaska, Norway and Tanzania. Two short films are already made, one with 1% for the Planet for World Ocean Day; the feature is in development and seeking partners.
What’s next
We’re always researching the next big project.
Regenerative ocean farming, early childhood, the creative economy — the throughline is a story that can shift a conversation. If you’re a foundation or partner with one in mind, we’d love to hear about it.
“Other than the subject matter, we had no idea what we were creating. Without Willa, it never would have happened — not even with another filmmaker! She always finds her way through the maze of issues and personalities and emerges with a solution that works. At the end of the day, she became a member of our team.”
“I've worked with Willa on a few projects and each collaboration is more fruitful than the last. She is a thoughtful and supportive storyteller, and has a unique way of extracting powerful narratives out of her subjects. When interviewees meet her it's as if they've known her forever and they immediately feel at ease sharing their thoughts and feelings.”
Good to know
Questions we’re asked most.
Where can I watch Starting at Zero?
Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America is available on demand through the film's website, startingatzerofilm.com, which also offers educational and institutional DVD and digital site licenses.
How do I host a community screening?
Complete the Host a Screening form on startingatzerofilm.com or email info@startingatzerofilm.com. Policymakers, educators, nonprofits and organizations have used the film at more than 100 screening and panel events across the country, often with the director or elected officials joining the discussion.
What is the status of Kelp Movement?
Kelp Movement: Regenerative Ocean Farming & the Power of Blue is a feature documentary in development. Early-stage interviews were filmed across the Northeastern United States and two short films were released, one of them with 1% for the Planet for World Ocean Day. The feature is in development, and production begins when a production partner comes on board to fund it; we welcome conversations with funders, foundations and distributors. Details are on the Kelp Movement page.
Do you take on new documentary partnerships?
Yes. Our features have grown out of long partnerships with foundations, and we welcome conversations with foundations, institutions and partners who have a story that can shift a national conversation. Documentary partnerships start years before a premiere, so the best time to talk is early.
Let’s talk
What’s on your mind?
Documentary partnerships start years before a premiere. The best time to talk is now.