Business Details
46 Years
experience
Documentary Production Services in Seattle, WA
Founded in 1980, Upstream Productions has dedicated over four decades to creating impactful documentary content focused on American Indian issues, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Our team combines extensive filmmaking expertise with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices through award-winning productions for PBS, NBC, and tribal organizations. With a portfolio spanning 50+ documentaries and educational videos, we specialize in crafting narratives that explore treaty rights, cultural preservation, and contemporary Indigenous experiences.Our services include full production support, graphic design, and educational workshops tailored to clients prioritizing cultural diversity and societal impact. As industry veterans, we maintain active roles in academic engagement through speaking engagements and filmmaking instruction across Native communities.
Services
Documentary Production
Video Editing
Graphic Design
Speaking Engagements
Filmmaking Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 40+ years documenting Native American issues and social justice
- Award-winning filmmakers with PBS/NBC broadcast experience
- Specialized in treaty rights and cultural preservation content
- Full-service production with graphic design and editing
- Community-focused workshops and academic engagements
Associations and certifications
- Writers Guild of America
Services
Documentary Production
Specialized documentary filmmaking focusing on Native American narratives, treaty rights, and environmental advocacy. Our team handles all production phases from concept development to final editing, utilizing professional-grade equipment and storytelling techniques. Clients receive cinematic-quality content suitable for broadcast, educational, or organizational use.
Graphic Design
Comprehensive design services including logo creation, marketing materials, and visual storytelling assets. Our approach combines artistic expertise with cultural sensitivity to develop branding solutions that align with clients' missions. Services extend to print materials, digital assets, and exhibition graphics tailored to nonprofit and educational organizations.
Speaking Engagements
Filmmaker-led presentations and discussions available for academic institutions and cultural organizations. Topics cover documentary filmmaking techniques, Indigenous representation in media, and case studies from our 40-year portfolio. Engagements often include exclusive screenings of award-winning productions followed by Q&A sessions with the creative team.
People
Sandra Johnson Osawa
Producer/Director
Makah Tribe member and Writers Guild of America member with 40+ years documenting Native American issues. Creator of PBS documentaries and author of essays in major Indigenous publications. Leads scriptwriting and narrative development for all productions.
Yasu Osawa
Cinematographer
Award-winning cameraman with 30+ years experience in Indigenous communities. Specializes in environmental and cultural documentation using advanced filming techniques. Handles editing, graphic design, and still photography for all organizational materials.
Questions
What documentary topics do you specialize in?
We focus on Native American issues, environmental advocacy, and social justice themes through award-winning documentary films.
Can we license your existing films for educational use?
Yes, our catalog includes 10+ educational titles with public performance rights available for institutional purchase.
Do you offer custom production services?
Yes, we provide full-service documentary production for clients prioritizing cultural diversity and social impact projects.
How can we host a filmmaker screening?
Contact us directly to arrange film screenings with Q&A sessions featuring the production team.
