That's a Wrap 2025

That’s a Wrap for Sea Legs Media: Our 2024 Reel and More

I am feeling a lot of gratitude and inspiration as I sit down to reflect on this past year and recalibrate for the next. 2024 was a year of unexpected changes that pushed both me and Sea Legs Media to grow in new ways. Early in the year, Sea Legs co-founder and longtime friend Brian Watson stepped away, and I assumed full control of the company. During this time, I leaned heavily on a talented group of collaborators — Matthew Swain, Cameron Browne, Chris Fischer, and Ivan Vejar. High fives to each of you!

As the months went by, Christopher Ward and Bailey Beltramo became critical members of our team, with Bailey stepping into a more permanent role as our new DP (Yes - Sea Legs has two Baileys now!). Some standout moments from the year include photography for a Salem Health campaign with Bailey, run-and-gun shooting alongside Chris Ward for Marion Polk Food Share, and joining forces with both Chris and Bailey to film at the Nesika Illahee Powwow for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

By fall, we were filming tourism content on the north coast and telling the story of Freres Engineered Wood’s contribution to the new PDX Airport. We also produced a deeply impactful local film for Family Building Blocks, helping to raise over $200K at the fall fundraising event. If you haven’t heard of Hank and Henry yet, do yourself a favor and check it out — the impact of Hank’s story continues to resonate in the community.

In the midst of all of this, we finished the documentary These Sacred Hills that has been in the works for the past three years. Chris Ward and I, in partnership with the Rock Creek Band of the Yakama Nation, premiered the film privately twice this fall and we are excited to take the film even further in 2025. You can follow along with the journey at @sacredhillsfilm.

Through all these experiences, I was challenged to think, work, and solve problems differently. I was challenged to engage with our clients in new ways, to adapt to shifting needs, and to grow in both my personal and professional life. There were moments when failure felt like a real possibility — failing to deliver, failing to land new business, failing to take care of projects or clients, and even failing to take care of myself. Some nights, that weight was heavy. But as I reflect today, I realize I wasn’t alone. Beyond the talented people I worked with, I had the support of my office mates — Vin Thomas and Jason Harris — and my family, who were there for me every step of the way.

As I look to 2025, I’m confident that I am stronger, my community is stronger, and Sea Legs Media is stronger. I am excited for the creative possibilities ahead and the opportunity to continue working with you to bring your stories to life in fresh, impactful ways.

To all our clients, friends, and colleagues I just want to say thank you for being an essential part of the journey in 2024. Cheers to new horizons in 2025!