Behind the Scenes | Student Filmmakers Make an Impact

It started with a form submission. Christ Presbyterian Academy’s (CPA) Assistant Head of Middle School, Patrick Jordan, contacted Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW), offering to “see if there is a way that we could serve you and also give the students a great chance to hone in on their skills of telling a story through media.” Inspired by a beloved teacher and Gold Star Widow, these students from Nashville were eager to tell a story about veterans that would make an impact. Working with Patrick and CPA’s Director of Digital Media & Broadcasting, Michael Ellson, that’s exactly what they did.

Here’s the story of how it all came together.

THE PLANNING

When I connected with Patrick and Michael in October of 2024, I was instantly impressed with the caliber of their students’ work through CPA’s media program and eager to uncover the story we wanted to tell together.

Planning began with defining just that: What fresh perspective could we bring to a film about WQW that would be impactful for the student filmmakers, the Warriors involved, and the audience who would eventually watch it? We decided that having the students on a Built for More fly-fishing program initial experience at Quiet Waters ranch in early June of 2025 would be just the ticket to capture a variety of stories, personalities, and experiences. The unique perspectives we wanted to share included:

1.             The Warriors – what being a part of the Built for More program means to them

2.           The WQW Team– what sets WQW apart and makes Built for More unique

3.           The Volunteers – why they choose to give, time and again, to help the Warriors in WQW’s programs

4.          The Students – how did this experience impact them?

Dates were set, flights were booked, and itineraries made. We were ready to shoot!

THE PRODUCTION

When the students arrived at Quiet Waters Ranch, the excitement was palpable. They were eager to get started, and they dug right in! Not only that, but their instant displays of respect and gratitude to the Warriors in the program made a first impression that would only grow stronger throughout their time on program. Many comments were made about how respectful they were and how nice it was to have them there – a very impressive group!

We started day one at Quiet Waters Ranch, interviewing Warriors during their Fly Fishing 101 day, WQW team members, volunteers, and our longtime program photographer, Sgt. Mike MacLeod (U.S. Army Veteran). Hours were spent capturing b-roll and footage in the tremendous foothills of the Bridger Mountain Range. Magic was being made!

Day two, we set out early to Legacy Canyon to capture some stream fishing footage. The students geared up in waders and excitedly stepped into the moving waters to capture the Warriors honing in their skills in the high-June flow. Then, we set out to the WQW office to interview and meet more of the team.

Wrapping was bittersweet as the students set out the next day to explore more of the beauty in SW Montana to kick off their summer vacation.

 THE PRODUCT

After the sunny days of summer vacation wrapped, the CPA student filmmakers got to work on pulling their story together, and I am so proud to share it with you here!

From the entire WQW team, we are beyond impressed by the work of these students, Michael, and Patrick, and the story they tell in this video. We are immensely grateful for the gift of their time and talent, and for giving us the reminder that sometimes seeing things through the eyes of youth gives you a whole new – and beautiful - perspective.

Thank you, CPA. You will forever be a part of the WQW Community.