The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

Jason Spingarn-Koff, Knight Chair of Climate Journalism at UC Berkeley, will premiere his documentary "The Coral Rescuers" at the Woods Hole Film Festival on July 28. The film chronicles frontline scientists in Florida working to rescue coral reefs from climate-driven bleaching, including footage from the 2023 heat wave and ongoing restoration efforts. Spingarn-Koff, a UC Berkeley Journalism alum, discussed the project and his transition from executive roles at Netflix and The New York Times back to directing.

Spingarn-Koff’s interest in coral conservation grew after meeting restoration practitioners at a 2022 Miami climate conference. Inspired by films like "Chasing Coral," he sought to highlight solutions rather than just the problem of coral bleaching. The documentary focuses on Florida’s Coral Restoration Foundation, which provided extensive archival footage of emergency coral rescues during the 2023 bleaching event, enabling the film’s production.

Production involved collaboration with underwater cinematographers, drones, and multiple crews, including Jon Shenk of Actual Films, a frequent collaborator from Spingarn-Koff’s executive roles. The 39-minute film targets educational use, from middle schools to universities, with plans for screenings at aquariums and social media campaigns. Spingarn-Koff aims to integrate hands-on restoration efforts and involve UC Berkeley students and the Berkeley Center for Ocean Futures in outreach.

Returning to directing after 15 years, Spingarn-Koff described relearning technical and creative challenges, including managing high-pressure shoots and balancing creative control. He emphasized the film’s role in teaching students about the filmmaking process, from pitching to editing, and its potential to inspire public engagement in coral restoration.