Jim Larison earned both his bachelor’s degree and his doctorate in ecology from Cornell University and a master’s degree in film from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served on the faculty of Oregon State University as a teacher, research scientist, and administrator. Mid-way through his career, Jim received a prestigious National Geographic Explorer Grant which he used to study alpine ecosystems, becoming the first to recognize and quantify the toxic effects of cadmium on white-tailed ptarmigan populations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. For much of his adult life, Jim advocated for healthy ecosystems using film and television to teach ecology to the broader public. In all, Jim produced, photographed, and wrote thirty-one environmental films; most of which were funded by the Television and Educational Division of the National Geographic Society. As a family, Jim, his wife Elaine and their two sons John and Ted traveled the world on assignment, living in the wilderness, climbing more than 20 ice-covered mountains, and diving in most of the world’s oceans.
His films have won 40 international awards, including the Isaak Walton Conservation Award, the Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Conservation Award, the Grand Pegasus Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, four individual achievement awards from the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America, a Gold and two Silver Ahres from the Berlin International Film Festival, the Silver Tusker at the International Wildlife Film Festival and the Albrecht Durer Bronze at the Budapest International Film Festival.
For a brief time, Jim Larison was also a producer for the Emmy Award winning PBS science series, NOVA.
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“No one works harder on his films than Jim Larison. Technically and aesthetically, his films are simply unmatched among those produced for and by the National Geographic’s Educational Film Department… What drives these films—and what is integral to their success—is more than technical prowess with a motion picture camera and a refined aesthetic sensibility, it is, as well, a passion for the subject at hand and the depth of knowledge about it. Jim’s passion for ecology, biodiversity, and the health of the environment is what fuels his desire to make his films the most effective communications tools they can possibly be.”
Donald M. Cooper, Associate Director, Acting Director, National Geographic Society, Educational Films.
Select Films by Jim and Elaine Larison
Diversity of Life (National Geographic Society)
From Costa Rican rainforests to Pacific coral reefs, this film explores the incredible diversity of our planet. It chronicles some of the threats to biodiversity worldwide and shows the consequences of habitat destruction and global change. Winner of the Isaak Walton Conservation Award.
The Living Earth (National Geographic Society)
Discover how land, water, air, and life are interdependent, working together as one global system—the biosphere. Examine how humans have profoundly influenced this planet. Travel with scientists to the deepest oceans, to space, and from the deserts of Africa to the Brazilian rainforests, and to the Antarctic ice cap.
Ancient Forests (National Geographic Society)
From Alaska to northern California, the oldest trees and forests are being harvested at an alarmingly fast pace. This film highlights the important role ancient forests play in ecosystem stability, water purity, and atmospheric stability. Winner of the Grand Pegasus Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Four-Star Award from the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America..
Farmers of the Sea (Public Broadcasting Service—NOVA)
From Scotland to Alaska, from the ponds of Mississippi to those of indigenous people in Panama, from the Gulf of Mexico to Japan and Singapore, this film highlights the importance of ocean productivity to human survival. This documentary is part of the Emmy Award winning science series NOVA, broadcast by WGBH—Boston.
Oregon’s Ocean (Public Broadcasting Service)
Upwelling of deep Pacific Ocean water fertilizes the shallow coastal plain along the Oregon coast, producing a rich habitat for marine life. This film explores these nearshore waters and shows how this richness contributes to Oregon’s economic well-being. Winner of the Albrecht Durer Bronze at the Budapest Film Festival.
Riches From the Sea (National Geographic Society)
Human beings depend on ocean resources. Fishing is still an important industry, and aquaculture is a growing source of protein for human diets. Vast deposits of petroleum lie beneath the sea. This film explores our dependence on these raw materials and argues for wise and careful use.
The Living Ocean (National Geographic Society)
Most of the Earth is covered in water and most of that water is in the ocean. This film explores the oceans’ role in the biosphere and demonstrates our dependence upon ocean resources and ecosystems. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, vast coastal tide pools, and the deep ocean abyss.
Sagebrush Country (Discovery Channel)
The high desert country of the western United States has long-been fought over. Today, that conflict pits those who would harvest its resources and graze its rich grassland against those who would set this unique land aside and preserve it as wild. This film highlights that struggle as it has played out on Hart Mountain in eastern Oregon where cattle ranchers want access to the land and environmentalists would like to limit access and protect wildlife. Winner of the Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Conservation Award, Best Editing of a Documentary by the Cable Broadcasters Association, and the Four-Star Award from the Outdoor Writers’ Association of America..
The Rocky Mountains (National Geographic Society)
Explore North America’s backbone—the Rocky Mountains—geologically young and still changing. Uplifted by the same volcanism that continues to fuel Yellowstone’s geysers, the Rockies are constantly being carved by ice, wind, and water. Follow our film crew from the high deserts of the Great Basin to the flanks of Mount Robson.
DNA: Laboratory of Life (National Geographic Society)
What is DNA and how does it work? Linus Pauling explains how DNA encodes our cells with instructions and how those instructions determine everything from how life looks to how it acts.
The Mountain States (National Geographic Society)
Wide open spaces, abundant natural resources, snow-covered mountains, sagebrush and wildlife. All are found in the mountains of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Come fly with us in a glider over the Teton Range and sit beside the men who plow deep snow from the highest mountain roads in America.
Latitude and Longitude (National Geographic Society)
Imagine being an explorer in the days before modern navigational equipment or satellites. How would you find your way around a world before anyone knew its size or shape. Join Mike Dun for a globe-hopping journey that follows the development and use of longitude, latitude, and navigational systems from ancient to modern times.