Taproot Hires Two New Filmmakers

We’re excited to introduce two new faces that have joined the Taproot team. Nate Morris and Cole Hammontree formally joined Taproot as full time employees at the start of the year and will be interacting directly with you (our clients, crew, and friends) in support of our mission to help … Read More

Taproot Helps OnStar on The Slopes

We’re excited to share a new project for Campbell Ewald and OnStar. This two-day production took us into the breathtaking Montana mountains to capture stunning visuals at Big Sky Resort. We had the opportunity to work with Claire Mitchell, our skiing influencer talent, who relies on OnStar products for safety … Read More

Unveiling the 2024 GMC Acadia

Unveiling the 2024 GMC Acadia In the world of marketing, creating a buzz around a new product launch is an art form. When the task at hand is to introduce the 2024 GMC Acadia to the world, you know you need something extraordinary. We collaborated with Weber Shandwick and embarked … Read More

Permission to Live: A Heartfelt Journey through Hospice Care

In the realm of advertising, there are certain commercials that not only grab your attention but also leave a lasting impact, evoking profound emotions and sparking meaningful conversations. “Permission to Live,” a 30-second spot directed by Karl Koelling for Authenticity Marketing Group and their client Faith Hospice, is one such … Read More

That’s A Wrap On 2021!

As we get ready to wrap 2021, we’d like to say thank you to our clients and partners who have trusted us to help them bring their stories to life this past year. Our work supports yours, and we’re grateful for the opportunities to work with people and companies who … Read More

Case Study: Chevrolet – A Uniquely You Adventure

Overview We were commissioned to create a social spot for the Chevrolet Suburban that would find its inspiration in Wes Anderson’s films. The agency creative team were passionate fans of Wes’ films and our Directors, Josh Carrasquillo and Karl Koelling, knew that delivering a spot littered with near perfect call … Read More

Case Study: Faith Hospice – “Fishing”

Overview Our friends at Authenticity Marketing Group asked us to develop two 30s spots that could be filmed in one day for an ongoing campaign focusing on “quality of life, until the end of life.” No easy task, but director Karl Koelling resonated with the message and was prepared to … Read More

New Work – Autodesk // Ganas Manufacturing Testimonial

Overview Ganas Manufacturing is a small startup based in Detroit that specializes in custom millwork and bespoke furniture for commercial and residential clients. Engineering these projects from the ground up required 3D modeling, but the company needed a solution that wouldn’t break the bank. The company found that Autodesk helped … Read More

New Auto Work

Have you ever wondered, what’s the difference between a lithium-ion and an absorbent glass mat battery? We hadn’t either, but we learned a lot on a recent project for a global battery manufacturer about how these technologies are at use in the rapidly emerging electric vehicle market. We created eight … Read More

“Lead The Way” Selected In Multiple Festivals

Taproot Pictures, Grand Rapids, MI “Lead The Way” 2021 USA / Duration: 9 mins Directed by: Josh Carrasquillo “Lead The Way” A documentary short film about a retired United States Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, and Tier 1 Assault Sergeant Major, John “Shrek” McPhee follows him across Ireland and France … Read More

Taproot Helps OnStar Find Santa

For the last decade, OnStar has teamed up with NORAD to help magnify the wonder of Christmas for thousands of children on the road. Each Christmas Eve, OnStar Members and their families can push their blue OnStar button to learn Santa’s location as he journeys across the globe spreading presents, … Read More

The Meaning of Taproot

The question we’re most often asked, is: “What is the meaning of Taproot?” As a creative company, we don’t mind that it’s a little obscure, but there is an idea behind it, and we thought this might be an appropriate time to share it. Literally, a taproot is part of … Read More

Taproot Creates Pre-roll Advertisements In Response To COVID-19

Working with our friends at Authenticity, we created three pre-roll ads for Holland Home as part of an on-going campaign. The fun spots linked below feature actual residents enjoying the perks of Independent Living at Holland Home. Shot on location in Grand Rapids, MI, we utilized a five person crew … Read More

1000 Mile Dream Receives Vimeo Staff Pick

Taproot Pictures, Grand Rapids, MI 2020 USA / Duration: 13 mins Directed by: Karl Koelling Liza Dietzen has dreamt of competing as a dog sledder since learning about the Iditarod in kindergarten. Ever since, she’s dedicated the majority of her life to raising and caring for her sled dog team, fostering … Read More

Thank You

Thank you to our clients, crews, and partners. We only had a chance to capture BTS on one of our shoots, but we’re incredibly grateful to our clients, crews, and production partners who have helped us continue to bring meaningful ideas to life during one of the most trying times … Read More

1000 Mile Dream selected for Bend Film Festival 2020

Taproot Pictures, Grand Rapids, MI 2020 USA / Duration: 13 mins Directed by: Karl Koelling Liza Dietzen has dreamt of competing as a dog sledder since learning about the Iditarod in kindergarten. Ever since, she’s dedicated the majority of her life to raising and caring for her sled dog team, fostering … Read More

Filming The Mercedes AMG GLE 63S

Having the right tools can go a long way in production, but sometimes how something was done isn’t reflective of the end product. That sums up how we felt about this project as we didn’t have a big budget, great crafty, or a large crew. To understand more, first take … Read More

Filming Remotely – COVID-19 SAFE Production Practices

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS DRASTICALLY EFFECTED OUR INDUSTRY. Every production company in our industry has had to adapt to the change in business seemingly overnight. The old way of doing things is no longer viable for clients and agencies. In order to keep people safe and healthy while also continuing … Read More

Behind The Scenes – COVID Production

Behind The Scenes with Taproot One of our first productions after quarantine had us creating two 30s television spots. A big shout-out to the crew and talent who followed all COVID-19 guidelines while enduring a grueling 15.5 hour day. Take a look below at a reel from the production. More … Read More

New TV Spots For Faith Hospice

New Commercial Work It takes a special person to perform hospice care, but for those suffering loss, it makes all the difference. Working with Authenticity Marketing Group, we created two 30s spots for Faith Hospice as part of their Your Champion campaign. The first spot, “Remembering,” is airing locally in … Read More

Taproot Helps Chevrolet Tell Story About Pandemic Relief

Detroit, Michigan Taproot Pictures Business Takes Heart In a time of national need, Detroit-based businesses once again showcased their spirit of innovation, stepping up to selflessly work toward the greater good. The pandemic has taken its toll across the globe. And while nearly everyone has experienced pain and anxiety, these … Read More

Taproot Wins Gold National AAF Award

Grand Rapids, MI Taproot Pictures The American Advertising Federation has awarded Taproot gold for REI Presents: 1000 Mile Dream. This film was shot in Michigan in September of 2018 and February of 2019. Post production was finished in house October of 2019 and released in November the same year. You … Read More

Film Release | Lead The Way

Grand Rapids, MI Taproot Pictures Film Release: Lead The Way About the film: As a retired United States Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, and Tier 1 Assault Sergeant Major, John “Shrek” McPhee has seen the world and war like few have. In this documentary short, John travels through Ireland … Read More

1000 Mile Dream selected for Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Taproot Pictures, Grand Rapids, MI 2019 USA / Duration: 13 mins Directed by: Karl Koelling http://maineoutdoorfilmfestival.com/films/rei-presents-1000-mile-dream/ Liza Dietzen has dreamt of competing as a dog sledder since learning about the Iditarod in kindergarten. Ever since, she’s dedicated the majority of her life to raising and caring for her sled dog team, … Read More

1000 Mile Dream selected for Mountainfilm Festival

Taproot Pictures, Grand Rapids, MI 2019 USA / Duration: 13 mins Directed by: Karl Koelling Despite the 2016 dogsledding accident that nearly claimed her life, Liza Dietzen remains undaunted in the pursuit of her aspiration to one day compete in the Iditarod, a goal she’s maintained since the age of 5. … Read More

Taproot Wins Addy For Work With OnStar

Grand Rapids, MI Taproot Pictures Taproot Pictures wins a silver regional American Advertising Federation award for “Big Fish” created for OnStar. Here’s a big fish story for you. In the frigid month of February, OnStar Member Tanner Ouellette made the eight-hour drive from his home in North Dakota to Selkirk, … Read More