The goal of the Documentary Outreach is for our crew to learn a reliable, replicable production process that they can continually leverage to tell engaging stories about real life anywhere around the globe. You are instructed in nonfiction storytelling that has a focus on visual, character driven narratives. Instructional briefings, led by our Documentary Producer, cover research methods, casting, dramatic elements, creating meaning, story outlines, shooting for visual motivation, interviewing techniques, ethical concerns, digital workflow, visual assembly, sound design and more. Every stage of production includes, formal instruction, hands-on workshops and field training. 

Each traveler can direct their own film or join forces with others to form a creative team. All projects will be actively supported by the Outreach Producer. You learn how to execute every stage of the production process through creating your own work and assisting on the projects of others.

Our changemaker collaborator in Costa Rica is ATEC – Asociación Talamanqueña Ecoturismo Conservación. ATEC is a nonprofit environmental and cultural conservation organization in Puerto Viejo. It was founded in 1990 and is one of the earliest organizations that provided eco-tourism experiences in the country. In recent years, the previously isolated Talamanca region has seen rapid and irresponsible infrastructure development and a dramatic population influx that endangers its natural beauty and charm. ATEC strives to maintain balance, protect the ecology, and sustain their cultural identities that makes this little piece of Earth special. The organization is full of knowledgable guides, master artisans, community leaders, indigenous elders, and scientific experts who would each make for a compelling story. Their work goes way beyond tourism. Each member of the collective has become a steward of the future for life in Costa Rica. 

Outreach crew reside in a locally owned guesthouse and sleep in semi-private rooms. Private rooms are available for an additional cost. The guesthouse has a secure, guests-only space to work and relax in, with staff on duty day and night in case you need assistance.  Staff members are available to answer questions on how to live, work and explore Puerto Viejo.

Breakfast will be provided each day at the guesthouse. 

In the town of Puerto Viejo everything is a short walk away, whether you’re headed down main street or strolling on the sandy beach. To get to the next towns down the coastline (Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva) the best option is a casual bike ride – many shops have bikes to rent. For destinations further out from Puerto Viejo we will ride on the local buses. Cars or shuttles can be arranged for filming when needed. The Outreach Producer and Local Guide will be familiar with local transport when you arrive, and will help you understand how local transportation works.

Private transportation is arranged between San Jose International Airport and Puerto Viejo for arrival and departure. 

To get an opportunity to explore more of Puerto Viejo’s surrounding communities you can add-on any of the following weekend excursions to your experience. 

Yorkin Excursion (+ $150 USD)

Yorkin is an indigenous community located inside Bribri territory in southern Costa Rica. A traditional dugout canoe will bring you to the village where you will will meet your hosts, practice basket-weaving, help to prepare traditional meals, go on interpretive hikes, and take part in other traditional Bribri activities before retiring for the night to a traditional lodge. Lodging, meals, and transportation are included.

Casa Calatéas Cahuita Excursion (+ $175 USD)

The village of Carbon Dos sits high above Cahuita National Park in the lush inland hills. You will base at the Casa Calatéas eco-lodge for your journey, with their own rainforest reserve to explore and an observation platform that lets you trace the Talamanca mountains all the way south into Panama. You’ll be able to visit a local cacao farm, as well as learn how to prepare traditional seafood dishes.

Tortuguero Excursion (+ $250 USD)

On the northern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is known for a wide variety of wildlife, primarily sea turtles. Guided hikes and boat rides will help you explore the park and a night tour will take on a search for nesting turtles. Lodging, meals, and transportation are included.