Director's Works
Land of Lost Toys Nick Stachurski
A Detroit area native, Nick found his creative path early in life when he began documenting his local snowboarding scene. Filming his friends on the slopes soon bloomed from a passion to an obsession, and as Nick likes to say, “I picked up a camera, and from that point on I never had another job other than filmmaking.” Throughout high school, Nick started to film more than just his life on the hill, picking up some local clients along the way. He went off to Michigan State to study Business Marketing and Film, and shortly after founding his first creative company, he landed a large bid with Leo Burnett. That success enabled him to bring his business to the heart of Detroit, where he bought a 1940s warehouse that has since become a creative hub and community staple for the city’s vibrant visual arts scene. He’s gone on to direct campaigns for major brands like Cadillac, Pepsi, Pennzoil, ESPN, Amazon, and Adidas—all with a focus on telling deeply human stories that are infused with a glimmer of hope. A filmmaker with a cinematic eye and a taste for adventure, Nick’s experience documenting extreme sports and adrenaline-fueled automotive imagery (can’t be a Motor City kid without loving cars) has informed his filmmaking approach. He’s learned to balance meticulous preparation with pure filmmaking instinct, making him nimble and intuitive behind the camera (let’s just say this guy’s used to running 5 cameras with a 13-person crew). But most importantly, Nick has developed an ability to insert himself into any environment, any scenario, and discover the story within it…and that goes for whether he’s exploring a dive cafe on the West Side of Detroit, volunteering at a dog shelter, or ushering an elderly couple on an adventure at 12,000 feet. “When I’m telling stories, I try to take myself out of the equation.” Says Nick. “For me, my job as a director is to understand my subject’s world and make sure the viewer understands it, too.”
My short documentary film explores the profound connection between humans and dogs, delving into the emotional and practical roles these animals play in our lives. Inspired by my deep love for animals and the therapeutic impact dogs have on emotional and mental well-being, I set out to spark conversations about the importance of fostering and rescuing dogs. This documentary project is deeply personal to me—it extends beyond filmmaking into a mission close to my heart. Inspired by my experiences as a volunteer the past four years, I set out to create more than just a short film; I wanted to craft a narrative that honors dogs and the dedication of those who rescue them. The driving force behind this project was to shed light on the often-overlooked world of dog rescuing and to challenge perspectives on adoption and care. I aim to show that it's not just about saving dogs; it's about how they save us in return. Through the lens of our protagonist, James, and a mosaic of narratives from the Detroit dog rescuing community, my vision was to weave together a tapestry of stories that highlight resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of human-animal relationships. Choosing to film during the vibrant Fall season in Detroit was intentional. I wanted to capture the city in a light that celebrates its life and spirit, despite its historical and economic challenges. While addressing issues like lack of municipal funding and harsh winters for stray dogs, I wanted to emphasize that the dog issue transcends Detroit—it's a global concern rooted in human responsibility. The journey of making this film was filled with both challenges and triumphs. Gaining access to the tightly-knit and often misunderstood community of dog rescuers was a significant hurdle. Building trust and understanding their passionate commitment required time and patience, but it was essential to authentically portray their dedication. Technically, shooting on 35mm film brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Over six intense days of filming, we burned through 47 rolls to capture the essence of our 24-minute narrative. Often not knowing where we would film each day we let our subjects drive the narrative and their lives dictate our locations, scenes and story beats. Everything in this film is covered in the most vérité manner possible. The analog warmth and texture of film were crucial in conveying the emotional depth of our subjects and their environments. Ultimately, this documentary is not just about dogs; it's about resilience, community, and the power of empathy. It's about challenging perceptions and inspiring action. I hope that through this film, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the human-dog bond and feel compelled to contribute positively to the welfare of animals in their communities. As a filmmaker, my goal is to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite change. This project has been a labor of love—a testament to the incredible stories that unfold when we open our hearts to the animals who share our world. Thank you for your consideration!