*updated August 2024
Joliet has been a crossroad since Native Americans and bison roamed the plains. While some of the area hasn’t changed since then, mountains of earth have literally been moved.
Take to the sky and experience Illinois’ 3rd largest city like never before. From natural to man made structures, “Joliet From Above” takes viewers on an epic visual flight of the area’s history, places, and more.
Othervertical, is a visual media company with a focus on creating photography & video content to document events and stories for companies and brands.
For 20 years the firm has done everything from gathering news for news agencies, to documentary production for nonprofits and corporations alike. A partial list of past clients include: NASA, Chicago Blackhawks, REI, Northwestern, & the Chicago Tribune.
The idea of doing a book or film on the history of Joliet has been with Photojournalist Vincent D. Johnson since he was in high school.
Born at Silver Cross Hospital, his life and career started in Joliet. A 1992 graduate of Joliet Catholic, he first picked up a camera for the school’s yearbook & newspaper there, but it was a photography course at JJC that led him to pursue a career in photography. Freelancing for The Joliet Herald News was his first professional photography job, before moving to Chicago and becoming a regular contributor to the Tribune and Sun-Times.
Known for his Lost Americana documentary project, he took up filmmaking after college; a love he developed working at a video rental store in Joliet. He has been filming with drones since 2015.
“Joliet From Above” is looking for corporate sponsors, as well as partnering with local nonprofits.
There’s plenty of room on board to add to the “team.” Much of the filming costs have been met, there is still a need for funding when it comes to distribution, promoting, and even creating some of the footage the film will require.
Any interested parties can reach out via the contact page. We’re setting up ways for individual contributions soon, so please make sure to sign up for our email list to get future updates on that.
That’s right. Currently, “Joliet From Above” is in the production phase. While we’re writing a script and filming, you can help spread the word and make this movie a success.
Follow us on social media and share with old classmates, friends, and family. Bring some nostalgia to those who moved away, or brag to your non-Joliet friends about your town.
Don’t forget to sign up for the email updates so you can be one of the first to see the film.