The team behind Project Neltume began as a small investigation between Samuel Pigott and Benjamin Espinoza. However, as our investigation and ambitions grew, the team has expanded to now include a cinematographer, field producer, camera operator and gaffer. We hope to bring on a journalist, lawyer and editor in the near future. Interested in these roles? Get in touch with us through email!
Co-Director: Samuel Pigott is a biologist and co-director from rural Indiana whose work examines democratic and just forms of conservation. As a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Sam has studied a variety of conservation models in as many as 12 countries around the world. He places particular emphasis on community ownership of natural resources as a means of economic and environmental empowerment in rural communities. While Sam’s expertise is in his understanding of the natural world, he favors an interdisciplinary approach to environmental protection that includes historical, racial and social considerations. Sam seeks to tell stories that capture the nuanced, political relationships between people and land. He hopes to bring this approach to conservation and filmmaking to mainstream audiences and environmental advocates around the world. Sam also works as a freelance drone pilot.
Co-Director: Benjamin Espinoza, a co-director and seasoned political scientist and economist, is driven by a passion for social justice and human rights. His international experience encompasses work in Chile, the U.S., and Europe, notably with refugees and research on economic crimes during Pinochet's dictatorship. Benjamin's educational journey, marked by full scholarships in Germany and at the University of Rochester, intertwines with his professional path, reflecting his commitment to ethical policymaking and social change. His roles have ranged from research collaborations with Chile's Museum of Memory to legislative contributions in the Chilean Congress. Originating from a lower-class background in Chile, Benjamin brings a unique, empathetic perspective to his work. Complementing his socio-political expertise is his talent in music, focusing on storytelling, which adds a creative layer to his documentary endeavors. Benjamin's role as a co-director is fueled by his dedication to highlighting underrepresented narratives grounded in historical accuracy, making him a key asset in the pursuit of impactful documentary storytelling.
Director of Photography: Felipe Toro Meza is an experienced director of photography and cinematographer from Santiago, Chile. Felipe attended the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Tv de San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso earning degrees in directing and cinematography. He is best known for his work as a cinematographer, with 16 credits to his name, on projects such as Prime Video's "Los Sobrevivientes: Colonia Dignidad" and the short film "Five Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey" premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Felipe is also well known for capturing Santiago's famed freestyle rap battles in "Los Reyes del Parque" a webseries with more than 200,000 followers. Felipe will be working as the cinematographer/director of photography on "How to Get Away with Greenwashing".
Field Producer: Nicolás Canales is a writer, director and producer from Santiago, Chile best known for his short film "Blanca Noche". Nicolás will be working as the field producer on "How to Get Away with Greenwashing".
Gigantic Studios, Post Production. World Class post production house specializing in audio design. Films include Poor Things, Cartel Land, Nope, City of Ghosts, and Fyre.
Marin Scotten, North American Journalist. NYU School of Journalism graduate, work featured in The Guardian, The New York Times, Salon, and Floodlight News.
Ian Shriner, Biologist, Photographer. He has conducted research internationally and across the US, combining science and photography to better understand landscapes.
Camera Operator B: Javier Astudillo is a camera operator and lens technician from Santiago, Chile. He attended Eliseo Subiela Professional Film School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, earning a degree in Filmmaking and Audiovisual Arts. As the founder of Vanta Filmaciones y Fotografía Aérea in Argentina, he engaged in advertising campaigns and contributed to "El Marginal II" on Netflix Latam. Upon returning to Chile in 2019, he led the audiovisual department at Modo Escénico S.P.A., a producer of educational and cultural content, until 2021. He now works as a freelance audiovisual creator and will be working as camera operator B on "How to Get Away with Greenwashing".
Gaffer/Data Manager: Jorge Badilla is an experienced electrician and audiovisual assistant from Santiago, Chile. He is best known for his work in the camera and electrical department in Prime Video’s “Inés of My Soul”. Jorge will be working as a gaffer and as data manager on "How to Get Away with Greenwashing".
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