Maser Films

Joe — National Geographic / Toyota
Director + DP — National Geographic / Toyota / Saatchi & Saatchi

Joe Riis has the job that every child dreams of. He is a celebrated National Geographic wildlife photographer who spends months at a time in the wildest places on earth, following animal migrations through the backcountry of western Wyoming, living alone with his cameras and his subjects.

This film isn't about the dream. It's about what that life actually costs — the relationships sacrificed, the days when nothing works and the camera comes home empty, the existential question of whether it's all worth it. Joe answers that question honestly, and the answer isn't simple.

The film was a collaboration between National Geographic and Toyota, produced through Saatchi & Saatchi. It was named a Vimeo Staff Pick, screened at film festivals, and was later adapted as part of Wyoming Tourism's That's WY campaign.