Support “Common Ground: The Book” on Kickstarter

The American family farm gives way to a subdivision - a critical cultural shift across the U.S. Common Ground is a 14-year document of this transition, through the Cagwins and the Grabenhofers, two families who love the same plot of land. See the project at http://mediastorm.com/publication/common-ground In 2008, MediaStorm had the privilege of working with Chicago Tribune photographer Scott Strazzante on Common Ground, bringing to life his documentation of the disappearance of the American family farm, and the grave cultural and environmental impact of the resulting suburban sprawl. In over 14 years of looking and listening, Scott set judgment aside as he explored the evolution of one plot of Illinois farmland, and the people who live their lives there. Now Scott hopes to give this personal project permanence in book form. And he needs your support to do it. Background Common Ground started as just another daily assignment for a suburban Chicago…

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MediaStorm projects nominated for two Webby Awards

Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. The 13th Annual Webby Awards received over 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states. Unlike other awards shows, The Webby Awards give the public an opportunity to decide who will take home a Webby. From now until April 30th, the public can cast its votes in The Webby People's Voice Awards at http://pv.webbyawards.com. Check out the other nominees and get your votes in (and of course, we'd love it if you voted for us!) ONLINE FILM AND VIDEO ENTRIES: Category: DOCUMENTARY: INDIVIDUAL EPISODE Intended Consequences MediaStorm Category: NEWS & POLITICS: INDIVIDUAL EPISODE Bearing Witness Reuters/Produced by MediaStorm Additionaly, another MediaStorm piece was named an Official Honoree Category: BEST EDITING Common Ground MediaStorm

Continue ReadingMediaStorm projects nominated for two Webby Awards

MediaStorm Publishes Common Ground

Common Ground by Scott Strazzante On July 2, 2002, Jean and Harlow Cagwin watched as their home — the last remnant of their 118-acre cattle farm in Lockport, Illinois — was torn down clearing the way for a new housing development. Several years later, Ed and Amanda Grabenhofer and their four children moved into the new Willow Walk subdivision, their house just yards from where the Cagwin's home once stood. Common Ground introduces us to the lives touched by this land, as photographer Scott Strazzante takes us on a visual journey exploring the differences and similarities of these two families while simultaneously asking us to look at what is common among us all.

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