Spruce Tone

Spruce Tone We are a collective of passionate creators with the goal to tell timely and compelling stories.

Spruce Tone Films is the result of years of collaboration, curiosity, and a great friendship. Rooted in the desire to understand the world around us in a more enlightened way, we strive to do one thing: tell a damn good story. Owned and Operated by Palmer Morse & Matthew Mikkelsen

Spruce Tone Films primarily operates on the ancestral lands of the Ohlone, Shoshone-Bannock, Eastern Shoshone, and Ch

eyenne. We center and honor the histories, stories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples of today and of days past.

28/05/2024

Lightbeam and Spruce Tone are thrilled to premiere our latest documentary at the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival (San Francisco IndieFest) on June 2nd at The Roxie! 🎉

"Let Them Play" follows youth baseball player Adrian Garcia as he overcomes the enduring effects of bullying from teammates with the support of his coach, Ken Bradley. Told from the perspectives of the coach, player, and parent, this heartfelt short documentary explores the transformative impact of positive coaching on children's lives both on and off the field.

Director Palmer Morse, DP Lawrence Rickford, Exec. Producer Dave Stevens and the entire cast of this moving short doc will be in attendance for a post screening Q&A! Hope to see you there!

Tickets and screening info: https://sfdocfest2024.eventive.org/films/66209a2cc7b9220063311d56

25/04/2024
A big Happy Birthday to Spruce Tone co-founder  🎉🎉So many of our films and stories come to life because of Matt’s commit...
20/04/2024

A big Happy Birthday to Spruce Tone co-founder 🎉🎉

So many of our films and stories come to life because of Matt’s commitment to generosity, kindness, and commitment to craft. Most often found recording those sweet sweet nature sounds or muchin’ on a pb&j, he’s truly one of a kind!

Sign up for our newsletter to find out about new work, upcoming screenings, stories from the field and more!http://eepur...
26/03/2024

Sign up for our newsletter to find out about new work, upcoming screenings, stories from the field and more!

http://eepurl.com/dmAyhH

For Anjelica Avella and the community of plus size women of color she created, the San Gabriel National Monument is a so...
19/03/2024

For Anjelica Avella and the community of plus size women of color she created, the San Gabriel National Monument is a source of reprieve, joy and connection.

Join us, Anjelica, The Wilderness Society, elected officials, community leaders and residents of Greater Los Angeles in calling on President Biden to add 109,000 acres of public lands to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument! Sign the petition now: sangabrielmountainsforever.org/takeaction

The proposed expansion area is considered the “gateway” to the Angeles National Forest and as a result is one of the most visited parts of the forest. Over 18 million people live within a 90-mile radius of these public lands and the expansion will help increase equitable access to nature and improve public health.

The San Gabriel Mountains are an interconnected landscape and a refuge for native wildlife. The proposed expansion area would safeguard wildlife corridors and habitat for species such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.

This land holds a rich and diverse cultural heritage and the stories of the original stewards of these lands, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and Gabrieleño (also known as Kizh, Gabrielino, Tongva) Peoples are part of this sacred place.

Forward is No Man's Land Film Festival's People’s Choice! We’re so thrilled Anjelica Avella was there to accept the awar...
15/03/2024

Forward is No Man's Land Film Festival's People’s Choice! We’re so thrilled Anjelica Avella was there to accept the award in person and creating meaningful connections. Thank you NMLFF for this honor and creating and hosting a space for these stories!

Watch Forward presented by Smartwool and Osprey Packs now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/forward

“While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.”

08/03/2024

✨ New film alert! Watch now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/forward ✨

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.

This International Women's Day, Smartwool and Osprey Packs are thrilled to present Forward, a new short documentary sharing the life and perspective of plus-size hiker Anjelica Avella produced by Spruce Tone.

English CC, Spanish subtitles, and English Audio Description are available.

05/03/2024

In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux̂ or so called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting filter feeding shellfish with unknown causation. After a community member died from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla began working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can hopefully be done about them. Illuminating the profound connection between the Unangax̂ people and their environment, Usugilix Awakun showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of a culture in the face of unprecedented challenges.

We're so thrilled to share "Usugilix Awakun" the first in a series of films our team is producing for First Nations Development Institute highlighting some of their recent grantees!

Watch the full film now: vimeo.com/sprucetone/usugilixawakun

Learn More: sprucetone.com/usugilix-awakun

20/02/2024

Very fun to sit down and discuss our newest short doc Usugilix Awakun with our friends at First Nations Development Institute and Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

20/02/2024

So fun to sit down and chat about our newest short doc, Forward, with Anjelica Avella, Palmer Morse and some fine folks at Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

Thank you Wild & Scenic Film Festival for another year of inspiring films, engaging conversation, and for bringing membe...
20/02/2024

Thank you Wild & Scenic Film Festival for another year of inspiring films, engaging conversation, and for bringing members of our team and film participants together! ✨🌿

So much good news this week! Excited to share Forward, present by Smartwool and Osprey Packs has been given the MacGilli...
22/12/2023

So much good news this week! Excited to share Forward, present by Smartwool and Osprey Packs has been given the MacGillivray Freemen Environmental Filmmaker Award from Coast Film Festival! 🏆

Congrats Anjelica Avella and to our team! 💪🏻🙌🏻

Learn more about the upcoming film: sprucetone.com/forward

Another feather in the cap for Elevated! Thank you Mendi Film Festival for honoring our film with this recognition. So p...
19/12/2023

Another feather in the cap for Elevated! Thank you Mendi Film Festival for honoring our film with this recognition. So proud of our team and amazed that nearly two years after its premiere Sonya’s story continues to make waves.

“Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.”

Watch the full film: https://vimeo.com/710437792

🤟🏻🏆✨

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to disco...
24/10/2023

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.

So thrilled to share the trailer for our newest film, Forward, presented by Smartwool and Osprey Packs! Yay for brands actually making clothes and gear for all bodies!

Looking forward to premiering at Coast Film Festival in Laguna Beach in a few shorts weeks with Angelica and her crew of incredible women in attendance!

Huge thanks to our supporting partners Eddie Bauer The Wilderness Society and LEKI!

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size…

Thank you for the love Vimeo! 💕Ibach follows the escape of a Jewish family and their piano from N**i Germany in the 1930...
08/08/2023

Thank you for the love Vimeo! 💕

Ibach follows the escape of a Jewish family and their piano from N**i Germany in the 1930’s to the piano’s restoration in Philadelphia four generations later. Weaving an in-depth look at the restoration process alongside perspectives from the surviving family members, Ibach is a heart-rending story of generational trauma and reconciliation.

Watch Ibach now: https://vimeo.com/678008202

After over a year of a successful festival run, we’re so thrilled to release Ibach publicly on Vimeo! Click the link bel...
01/08/2023

After over a year of a successful festival run, we’re so thrilled to release Ibach publicly on Vimeo! Click the link below to watch the full film.

This film would not have been possible if not for the phenomenal directing of our dear friend Rachel Weinberg, so grateful for our continued partnership and to have you on board the collective team! From the early days of conceptualizing this film through the festival run, it’s been amazing to see the Brauer family’s story, and this historic piano, resonate with so many.

Thank you Mountainfilm, SIMA Studios + Awards, and Los Angeles Times for the support. Endless thanks to our amazing crew!

English CC and Spanish subtitles are available.

Ibach follows the escape of a Jewish family and their piano from N**i Germany in the 1930’s to the piano's restoration in Philadelphia four generations…

Ibach is heading to the Academy Award Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Fest next month in Indiana!Huge congrats...
23/06/2023

Ibach is heading to the Academy Award Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Fest next month in Indiana!

Huge congrats to Director Rachel Weinberg and our entire team! ✨

Heartland Film

23/06/2023

First Nations and storytelling partner Spruce Tone are winding down a week of filming in Unalaska, Alaska! The crew is showcasing how the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska is addressing the environmental issues that continue to threaten the shellfish and other marine resources that have sustained the Unangan people for thousands of years.

The tribe is a community partner of First Nations through both our Protecting Bering Sea Marine Resources and Indigenous Partnership to Advance Native American Communities and Producers projects. We’re excited to move ahead with production and share this impactful story!

30/05/2023
Thank you Telly Awards for awarding Elevated Gold in the Branded Documentary Category! So grateful for this recognition....
23/05/2023

Thank you Telly Awards for awarding Elevated Gold in the Branded Documentary Category! So grateful for this recognition.

Watch the full film: https://vimeo.com/710437792

Sonya Wilson: Deaf Climber

28/04/2023

Ahhh our hearts are bursting! So much love for you, Sonya Wilson: Deaf Climber! 🥰

Elevated has been awarded the People’s Voice The Webby Awards in the Documentary Category! A massive thank you to all wh...
25/04/2023

Elevated has been awarded the People’s Voice The Webby Awards in the Documentary Category! A massive thank you to all who voted! In awe and endlessly thankful of this recognition. As the film wraps up its festival run, this feels like the perfect way to cap off and celebrate the impact of this project.

With nearly two years in development, a scrappy production of four people, and nearly thirty international film festival screenings, we couldn’t be more amazed by the impact of this project.

Sonya Wilson: Deaf Climber is a true force of nature and as we celebrate this historic win for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people everywhere, we can’t thank Sonya enough for her vulnerability and willingness to share her story. Thank you to our partners: Eddie Bauer Klean Kanteen Gnarly Nutrition Mountain House Sterling Rope Wild Barn Coffee Sawyer Products for your unwavering support.

Watch the full film now: https://vimeo.com/710437792

Director - Palmer Morse
Producer - Rachel Weinberg
DP - Skyler Bocciolatt
Interpreter - Meaghan Vehlies
Editor - Palmer Morse
Sound Design - Matthew Mikkelsen
Original Score - Ben Sollee
Color - Cosmic Pictures
Title Design - Eliza Carver

Just a few days left to cast your vote for Elevated to win a Webby Award! The voting process takes about 30 seconds: fol...
18/04/2023

Just a few days left to cast your vote for Elevated to win a Webby Award! The voting process takes about 30 seconds: follow the link below, search for Elevated or click on Elevated, sign up with your email, and done!

https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting #/2023/video/branded-entertainment/documentary

Sonya Wilson: Deaf Climber
The Webby Awards

13/04/2023
21/03/2023

With several years of impactful storytelling under our belt, we figured it was time to get a bit introspective.

The result is a re-defining of ourselves as Spruce Tone, a collective of passionate filmmakers with the goal of telling timely and compelling stories.

Our newest reel is a culmination of those stories that push the boundaries of the norm led by the many change-makers and good-doers we've had the pleasure of collaborating with over the past year.

Learn more on our re-vamped site: sprucetone.com

Interested in working together? Let's connect: [email protected]

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Spruce Tone Films

Spruce Tone Films is a labor of love; we are a full suite production company with high-quality cinema capabilities telling timely and compelling stories. Our goal is to aid socially and environmentally responsible organizations to find and tell the authentic, compelling stories that will inspire and develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships with their customers and supporters. We are lovers of the outdoors and you'll find us backpacking, hiking, climbing, as often as you'll find us pushing the shutter or recording sounds. Palmer Morse & Matthew Mikkelsen / Co-Founders Spruce Tone Films LLC