Press
In the press.
Coverage of the studio, its founder and Starting at Zero. For interviews, stills or a screening, write to us directly.
Features & profiles
Firestarter Interactive & Willa Kammerer.
Profiles of the studio and its founder, from a coastal Maine freelance practice to a production company with a feature film.
Providence Business NewsOur stories can help us connect
“In the past six months, our story has changed. All of our stories.”
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GoLocalProv LIVEHow collaboration led to success for Firestarter Interactive's Kammerer
“We can do more together, through collaboration, than we can do alone.”
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Dan's PapersShinnecock Voices: six Shinnecock women grow kelp to fight climate change
“For the forthcoming documentary Kelp Movement, which features the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers.”
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HouzzMy Houzz: Living, working and storytelling in 300 square feet
“Kammerer transformed her charming Upper East Side studio into a cozy and creative retreat.”
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Middlebury CollegeWilla Kammerer '07.5
“I just returned from an incredibly exciting project in Australia for Queensland Tourism and Qantas Airlines.”
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Melissa Mullen PhotographyWilla Kammerer: multimedia storyteller of coastal Maine
“Willa Kammerer is a freelance radio and multimedia producer based in Portland, Maine.”
Read
Starting at Zero
Two wins, national press, and a country of screenings.
“This documentary makes a compelling case that early childhood education is crucial for the United States' future.”
“As an early childhood educator for over 25 years, I found this documentary to be more than inspiring.”
“Starting at Zero is packed with insights and startlingly commonsensical remarks.”
Reviews
Common Sense MediaPersuasive documentary makes a case for early learning
“This documentary makes a compelling case that early childhood education is crucial for the United States' future.”
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CinemacyA preschool director reviews Starting at Zero
“As an early childhood educator for over 25 years, I found this documentary to be more than inspiring.”
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FlipscreenedStarting at Zero imagines a brighter future for early childhood education
“Kammerer's debut feature film provides a laser-focused, actionable look at the power of investing in our children.”
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Battle Royale With CheeseStarting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America — review
“There's real passion in the voices of all involved.”
ReadNews & features
VarietyAbramorama buys Starting at Zero documentary
“Abramorama has bought the theatrical rights to the documentary film Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America and will release it in virtual cinemas starting on Aug. 14.”
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IndieWireWhat in film and TV is continuing despite coronavirus
“The film culminates with a call to governors to invest in high-quality early childhood education to support today's workforce and the workforce of tomorrow.”
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The 74A new documentary makes the case for investment in early childhood education
“Starting at Zero is packed with insights and startlingly commonsensical remarks.”
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Women and HollywoodAugust 2020 film preview
“Starting at Zero explores the power of investing in high-quality early childhood education.”
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Cleveland.comThis week's streaming movies in Cleveland cinemas and Cinematheque virtual screening rooms
“A perfect film for 2020's push for racial equality.”
ReadInterviews
WABE 90.1 · NPR AtlantaNew documentary Starting at Zero showcases importance of early education
“We actually never set out to make a feature-length film.”
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Film ThreatDocumentary Starting at Zero reimagines education in America
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Film School Radio · KUCI 88.9Starting at Zero, director Willa Kammerer
“Willa is committed to using film and storytelling to improve the wellbeing of people and the planet.”
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We Are Moving StoriesStarting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America
“Our goal in creating this film is to inspire governors and policymakers across the nation.”
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United Way of Central IndianaStarting at Zero: meet director Willa Kammerer
“I believe in the power of film and storytelling to educate and inspire around important social issues.”
ReadAcross the country
Alabama Daily NewsNew documentary highlights Alabama's First Class Pre-K program
“This film is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in the future of our state and nation. — Gov. Kay Ivey”
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Yellowhammer NewsDocumentary shows Alabama's First Class Pre-K program as a model for the nation
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NC NewslineGovernors press for greater funding for early childhood learning in COVID recovery
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Mississippi Department of EducationStarting at Zero: equity in early childhood education
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Strategies for Children · MassachusettsStarting at Zero, an important new film about early education
“An exciting exploration of the value and potential of early education and care programs.”
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KELOLAND Living · CBS Sioux FallsA screening of Starting at Zero sparks action
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Start EarlyDonor spotlight: Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation
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Nashville Early Education CoalitionScreening and panel on Starting at Zero spotlights childcare as workforce infrastructure
ReadAwards
Press kit
The short version.
Firestarter Interactive is a documentary and brand film production studio founded by Willa Kammerer in 2014 and based in Mystic, Connecticut. The studio produces campaign series, brand films and feature documentaries for education institutions, impact-driven foundations and nonprofits, and the travel and lifestyle brands it believes in. Its first feature, Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America (2020), co-produced with the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, won the Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Film at Film Invasion Los Angeles and has screened in more than 100 communities.
Working on a story?
Willa Kammerer is available for interviews on documentary production, education and social-impact storytelling, and building a production company. Stills, the trailer and the film’s press materials are at startingatzerofilm.com/press.
Good to know
Questions we’re asked most.
Is Willa Kammerer available for interviews?
Yes. Willa speaks about documentary production, storytelling for education and social-impact institutions, and building a production company from a freelance practice. Email hello@firestarterix.com with the outlet, the angle and your deadline.
Where can I find stills, the trailer and press materials for Starting at Zero?
The film's press page at startingatzerofilm.com/press has the trailer, stills, the synopsis, the full festival and award record, and screening information. For anything not there, email us.
Let’s talk
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