Winter Wonderland

Seven & Sixty Productions hopes to capture heart of Minnesota winters with new web video

“Why We’re Here: Twin Cities,” Seven & Sixty Productions web video about living in Minneapolis and St. Paul, is a model for their winter video.

Image credit: Courtesy Seven & Sixty Productions

By: Adam Marks

It’s been a modest season, but Minnesota’s typically frigid winter months have been known to cause even the heartiest of Nordic souls to question why they make their home in the land of 10,000 lakes.

But while November to early April can be a challenge to even the most hardened Minnesotan, there seems to be something prideful and character building in surviving -- and even enjoying -- the state’s darkest days.

That ride-it-out in style mentality is what Seven & Sixty Productions is looking to tap with a new web video composed of footage contributed by residents from around the state.

Co-founders Susan Bernstein and Mary McGreevy say they want the film to showcase the beauty and appeal of Minnesota in the winter months, much like their previous film, “Why We’re Here: Twin Cities,” did during warmer days (video below). 

The goal, they say, is to shoot “a cinematic love poem about winter in Minnesota,” while showcasing the talents of cinematographers from around the state.

Bernstein and McGreevy say they are asking for submissions for their newest undertaking so that they may draw from a diverse set of eyes and paint a collective portrait of stunning images from around the state.

They also hope the film will show off of the state’s greatest talents, although anyone can submit their Minnesota winter footage as long as it meets the project guidelines.

And although the lack of snow may be cause for creative block, the duo are encouraging submissions that showcase more than just white stuff. Consider shooting a hockey game, a partially frozen river or everyday occurrences such as texting with gloves on.

The only real parameter is that the footage must be captured within Minnesota’s boundaries.

“The thing that we’re not trying to do is be another Chamber of Commerce piece,” McGreevy says. “We want to get people emotions and feelings.”

Adds, Bernstein: “We want to show people that winter is not something that is awful and terrible, but that it makes us who we are.”

+ Submissions for the project are due by Feb. 29, 2012. A release date for the film has not yet been finalized. For more information on the project visit sevenandsixty.com.