What could you create with the entire archive of National Geographic footage? That’s what American University School of Communication (AU SOC) professor Michael Cascio’s Archival Storytelling with National Geographic class had the opportunity to answer. Last semester, students combed through the unbelievably rich resources available and designed a final project that used historic National Geographic footage to tell a completely new story.  

This course is multiple years in the making, born from the mind of SOC professor and Center for Environmental Filmmaking Maggie Stogner and taught by producer and media executive Cascio. Stogner wanted a course where students would spend the semester uncovering hidden cinematic jewels in long-forgotten footage, and then take up the challenge of developing fresh, new creations. When Stogner mentioned the idea to Cascio, who is also an SOC alum, he jumped at the chance to leverage his award-winning background in programming and production. Cascio and Stogner had each spent extensive time on staff with National Geographic, and that professional relationship opened the door to partnering on the project. 

Cascio said, “At the professional level, you rarely get the chance to instill the importance of high standards beyond the bottom line. In both my career and AU studies, I found that the classroom is the best place to deal objectively with the bigger issues that affect individual decision-making — ethics, journalistic responsibility, meeting deadlines, and respecting the work of others.” 

National Geographic will place the videos into its archive, available to view by all who use their prestigious library. That includes both staffers and researchers from within and outside the organization. The videos are meant to provide a fresh spin on historic National Geographic expeditions that may have been produced in a less than contemporary style. 

The start of the semester was a little daunting, as students were faced with mountains of footage. Cascio encouraged them to step into the project with an open mind. “The course wasn’t just about producing a video. My secret goal was to teach students to rely on their own creativity,” he said. His students found that to be helpful advice. Student Phillip Bouknight said, “Working with the footage at first was challenging.  Conceptualizing a new story with the footage given was difficult, but this is where your creative hat comes in.  My approach was to let the footage inspire me.  Once I started combing through the footage, I started seeing a particular theme I wanted to convey.” 

Once inspiration struck, the students set to work. They spent their semester researching, editing, re-editing and writing to bring their final projects to life. Along the way, Cascio introduced them to multiple production styles used in current documentaries to expand their notion of what was possible. National Geographic plans to hold a screening of some of the videos at Nat Geo headquarters later this spring. 

The results of the class speak for themselves. Below, we’ll introduce you to three students and their final projects.