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This 4-part documentary series captures the compelling story of James J. Hill and the Great Northern Railway.
He was known as "The Empire Builder" and "The Devil's Curse." Streets, towns and counties were named in his honor along with a persistent and invasive weed. He was mythologized in novels and was the target of union battle cries. In households across America, James J. Hill was as well-known as any industrial leader of his day – yet today he is largely unknown.
When the railroad ushered in one of the most transformative eras in American history, James J. Hill emerged as its unrivaled leader. Building a transportation empire that stretched across North America and to the Orient, he was a catalyst for the agriculture, timber and mining industries of the West and settled tens of thousands of immigrants along his lines.
As the pendulum swung from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, Hill was a lightning rod for the most impactful issues of the day: immigration, settling the West, government regulations, market manipulation, trust-busting, Native American displacement, environmental stewardship as well as redefining our nation's political and financial role on the global stage.
James J. Hill is simply one of the most fascinating individuals in American history you may never have heard of.
Running time: 245 minutes
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REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK
“This past weekend I watched the incredible story of James J. Hill. The story was gripping. Berkshire has been the largest holder of US Bank and I had no idea of Hill’s connection to it. It’s really hard to imagine the impact of one man on the development of the Northwest. A remarkable story. – Warren Buffett
“It's a stunning, sobering story. A fascinating film.” - Jay Gabler, Duluth News Tribune
“We were blown away.” C.E.
“I loved it. What a captivating story told in an engaging way.” Craig T.
“Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! Amazing storytelling and production value. A fantastic testament to James Hill's legacy and contribution to the world.” - Lou M.
“Bravo ! Excellent! Wonderful ! Fantastic! This is a ‘Must See’ documentary!” Dan S. & Susan M.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it. A fascinating story about a fascinating man, presented in an incredibly entertaining, educational film! Your work is greatly appreciated. Ken Burns could not have produced a finer story.” - Ron B.
“Bravo!. I'm watching it for the 2nd time. The flow and pace is excellent. I could have watched another 4+ hours!” - Mike B.
“Honestly, the best documentary I’ve ever watched and can’t say enough about it. What an incredible film you’ve produced! Informative, provocative, entertaining and a wonderful history lesson. Congratulations on your achievement.” - Terry G.
“You've done an incredible job on this documentary, and I can't commend you both enough! THANK YOU for making this series!” - Trish L.
“You have here a truly stunning accomplishment. Although I thought I knew much of the story, I learned so very much more - never a dull moment. He truly was a man concerned about living up to his responsibilities to his fellow man. Everyone in the country needs to see and enjoy this.” - Dan K.
“Amazing documentary that so wonderfully captures the drive and vision of J J Hill. One of the best and detailed documentaries ever.” - Mani K.
“I just finished watching The Empire Builder and am compelled to congratulate you on this outstanding work.“ Susan F.
“It was exceptional! I finished watching it this past weekend. So many details about this genius. I'd recommend it to everyone with an interest in the history of the plains and Northwest.” Fred W.
“It was excellent!” John C.
“I appreciate the honest account given and the complete research done to make this series!! Incredibly well done!!” Tom M.
In the News
09/09/22 - New ‘Empire Builder’ documentary is about more than just railroad history - My Northwest
09/25/22 - Documentary looks at life of James Hill and Great Northern Railway - Helena Independent Record
09/29/22 - Documentary chronicles life of railroad baron - Duluth News Tribune
10/11/22 - Empire Builder Documentary completed - Minot Daily News
10/12/22 - Rail tycoon who spurred ‘Pittsburgh of the West’ finally gets spotlight - Everett Herald
12/18/22 - Documentary looks at the life of railroad giant James J Hill - Daily Inter Lake
02/26/23 - New Four-hour Documentary honors “Empire Builder” James J Hill - Pacific NW Magazine, Seattle Times
Press Releases
09/09/22 - Empire Builder Documentary Completed - Press Release (Washington) - View here
09/09/22 - Empire Builder Documentary Completed - Press Release (Montana) - View here
09/09/22 - Empire Builder Documentary Completed - Press Release (North Dakota) - View here
09/12/22 - Empire Builder Documentary Completed - Press Release (Oregon) - View here
09/14/22 - Empire Builder Documentary Completed - Press Release (Minnesota) - View here
For press inquiries contact Stephen Sadis at stephen@sadisfilmworks.com
GREAT NORTHERN FILMWORKS is a non-profit organization established by producers Stephen Sadis and Kyle Kegley to create compelling and entertaining historical documentaries. We collaborate with educational, historical and cultural institutions to create films that bring to life the stories of our shared American past. Our mission is to create a sustainable means to produce cost-effective films of the highest caliber.
Under the banner SADIS FILMWORKS, Stephen and Kyle have produced over a dozen documentaries, hundreds of videos for Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and museums over the past 25 years.
STEPHEN SADIS – PRODUCER, Director, Editor, Writer
Stephen’s filmmaking experience spans 30 years, working in Seattle, Los Angeles and New York. A multifaceted director, editor and writer, Stephen has produced 12 documentaries that have broadcast on PBS and cable, earning high ratings and critical praise. He received the National Eclipse Award for Outstanding Documentary for his film, The Miracle Strip. He was honored with the National American Public Works Award for The Seattle-Tacoma Interurban Railway, and most recently, The Power of Snoqualmie Falls was nominated for a regional Emmy. Stephen's instincts as a storyteller, eye for detail and care for his subject are always at the heart of his work.
KYLE KEGLEY – Producer, Director, EDITOR, CINEMATOGRAPHER
Kyle has worked as an editor and cinematographer on features, documentaries, corporate and commercial productions in Seattle and Los Angeles for over 15 years. His work as an editor on Ars Magna earned the POV Prize at Toronto Hot Docs film festival, along with a national Emmy nomination for Approaches to News & Documentary Programming. His work has been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival and PBS. Kyle’s technical knowledge of photography and editing give him the tools to create beautiful compositions and the ability to weave them into a compelling story.
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