Why I Fly
One hundred years ago, aviation was everywhere. People were in love with this cool, new invention that was the airplane. Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle, and many others performed incredible feats in the air. People couldn’t get enough of it. Since that Golden Age of Aviation, the interest has lagged. The history of aviation isn’t taught, smaller airports are closing and many people’s experience with aviation entails crowded airline trips. We want to see that enthusiasm for flight again, to bring back the magic, by highlighting people who already feel it.
Why I Fly interviews people in everyday walks of life telling their aviation story; why they fly, or have aviation be a part of their life. We hope that if you are just sparking an interest in aviation or a long-time veteran, these videos will inspire you to keep flying.
Why We Fly
The Why I Fly series was created by Adam and Kara White at Hemlock Films. With a specialty in aviation cinema, they have a passion for telling stories of the dreamers and doers in aviation and aerospace.
Adam White
Director / Cinematographer
Adam graduated in 1995 with a degree in Motion Picture Production from Wright State University’s prestigious film program. He has won multiple Emmys for his films The Restorers, Red Tail Reborn and Space Chase USA. Adam won an Emmy for Best Cinematography for his work on the PBS film Generations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In 2011, Adam and his company Hemlock Films received the “Special Achievement” award from the International Council of Airshows for their film Rise Above.
With over 20 years of experience, Adam has worked on big budget Hollywood films, TV shows, award winning documentaries, and commercials in various roles. He now concentrates his time as a Director/Cinematographer with a specialty in SteadiCam. Adam is a licensed pilot and makes a mean bowl of chili.
Kara White
Producer/Director
Kara is an award-winning Director and Producer of multiple documentaries, web videos, and commercials. With a love for storytelling and passion for tales of strong women in history, she has Directed the documentary films Rise Above: WASP about the Women Airforce Service Pilots from WWII, and PBS’ Beyond the Powder, telling the story of the first women’s cross-country air race and the women who still race today. She excels at highlighting the beauty of people’s passions and getting the audience to feel that emotion and making them care about the subjects.
She has received Emmy nominations for Director, Writing, and Research and has won Emmy awards for Writing, Best Documentary, and Technical Achievement, along with multiple film festival awards. She produced the Emmy Award winning documentaries The Restorers (TV series) and Space Chase USA for PBS, and Rise Above: Tuskegee Airmen. Her feature length script, The Aviatrix, was selected as a finalist in the Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival.
Kara started her career in New York City, working as a Producer creating spots for Food Network, USA, and Touchstone Energy.
Watch Our Stories
Why I Fly – Marc Frances
A video gamer at heart, Marc found his way into the aerospace industry through the VR and AR world. He landed an internship at NASA, helping the agency collaborate, visualize[…]
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Why I Fly – Laura Humphries
Growing up, Laura never knew she could have the aviation life. After making her own discoveries as a flight attendant and a pilot, she wants to help others find their[…]
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Why I Fly – Brooke Desrochers
From flying worldwide to serving with a solid team, aviation is the life for Brooke Desrochers. Brooke joined the Navy in her youth and is now a Navy squadron commander![…]
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