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

Films

THE ESSENCE OF STORYStory is about capturing attention, pulling people forward, and creating a meaningful and appropriate resolve—all without the audience ever thinking about that. Our films represent a collection of engaging documentary work highlighting interesting people, places, and ideas. Taproot films have been viewed on the big and small … 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

Mercedes-Benz AMG Gle Coupé | Getting There

GETTING THEREWEB SPOT A couple drives through open winding roads in the Pacific Northwest to their favorite beach spot to watch the sunset. Sometimes getting there is just as fun as being there. Introducing the brand new Mercedes-Benz AMG Gle 63s. Producer & Director: Josh Carrasquillo Director of Photography: Karl … Read More

OnStar | Clearing the Way

ONSTAR | CLEARING THE WAYWEB In one of the snowiest cities in the U.S., keeping people safe is a coordinated effort. The first responders may get the glory, but they know the snowplow crews help save the day.  You can read more about the story here. We traveled to Lead, … Read More

Faith Hospice

FAITH HOSPICETELEVISION CAMPAIGN It takes a special person to deal with end of life issues, but for the people who work for Faith Hospice, it’s a calling. We created two TV spots in cooperation with Authenticity Marketing Group. The spots feature actual Faith Hospice personnel and were shot over the … 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

Lead The Way | Anniversary of D-Day | Carrickfergus to Normandy

LEAD THE WAYDOCUMENTARY SHORT 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 and France to learn about the sacrifices of the … Read More

Chevrolet | Business Takes Heart

CHEVROLET PRESENTS: BUSINESS TAKES HEARTWEB In a time of national need, Detroit-based businesses once again showcased their spirit of innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping up to selflessly work toward the greater good. Learn more about the project here. Director: Josh Carrasquillo Client: Chevrolet Editor: Josh Carrasquillo BACK

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

OnStar | Flash Flood

FLASH FLOODWEB COMMERCIAL A true life and death story, OnStar helped save Tammy Chervitz’s life when a newsworthy flash flood surprised everyone in the morning hours near St. Louis, MO. We worked with Campbell Ewald to capture Tammy’s story on location and meaningfully tell it in 3 minutes. Learn more … Read More

General Motors | OnStar: Clearing the way

Detroit, Michigan Taproot Pictures OnStar | General Motors In one of the snowiest cities in the U.S., it takes a community of city workers and first responders to keep the streets clear and safe. Taproot helped General Motors and OnStar tell the story of the hero’s behind the hero’s. Read … Read More

Your Journey

YOUR JOURNEYWEB AD Life is fragile, but at no time does that seem more relevant than at the beginning. Spectrum Fetal Care Medicine is equipped to care for a baby’s needs, even born it’s born. We researched the story options and coordinated a lot of busy and important schedules to … Read More

Michigan State University Broad College of Business

WHO WILL?WEB COMMERCIAL For company leaders, the Executive MBA Program at Michigan State University is a game changer. Whether that’s taking your company or career to the next level, it’s one of the best in the country, offering flexibility, expertise, and community. We filmed 4 different graduates of the Executive … Read More

Songbook

SONGBOOKTELEVISION COMMERCIAL A story about an older couple reconnecting on their anniversary. A 60 second retirement community commercial. Director: Karl Koelling Agency: MOVE Communications Client: Beacon Hill at Eastgate Cinematographer: Josh Maczinski Editor: Matthew Bouwense BACK

Taproot Creates Brand Film For Coca-Cola

Detroit, Michigan Taproot Pictures The Coca-Cola Company acquired the remaining stake in fairlife LLC from its joint venture partner Select Milk Producers. The brand film Taproot created depicts the story of the founders of fairlife, Mike and Sue, who work on the flagship farm. Watch on our site