ABOUT THE FILM

Fossilist racks focus on how paleontology has seen itself for decades, by uniting professionals across disciplines—and across its greatest divide—with what they all love most: the fossils themselves. For the first time, a landmark moment of collaboration between academics, entrepreneurs, and landowners has been captured on film. This new model of working together can define the future of field work, lab work, research—and crucial relationships that define our favorite science, education, and business.

Fossils whisper tales of Earth’s prehistoric giants, but those who find them are anything but silent. Fossilist unearths a compelling human drama—one of passion, rivalry, and unexpected alliances—that often inspires sensational headlines. Fossilist travels beneath the surface to reveal a landscape far more nuanced than what the public perceives, where the thrill of discovery clashes with thorny issues of fossil poaching, debates over excavation practices, and the ethics of fossil sales. From 19th-century "Bone Wars" to modern-day excavations, Fossilist traces the evolution of a field caught between scientific pursuit and market forces. And the lines are not as clearly drawn as they might seem.

Fossilist dives into the past through perhaps our most fantastical cultural obsession—real-life “magical” creatures. We uncover what’s really behind the human divide—not to mention the headlines. In this narrow, esoteric field, is the true debate over skill, education, experience, research errors, ethics, and money—or something more personal? 

 Fossilist pulls back the veil on our oldest human story—competition—to understand what’s really at stake. Audiences will experience the fieldwork, the lab work, the technology, the creativity, the problem solving, the research, and negotiations that happen across the divide, and across the industry. We’ll meet pure academics, entrepreneurs, land managers, and landowners—all of whom play crucial roles in the preservation of specimens, the advancement of science, and the generation of paychecks. 

For the first time in half a century, a potential path forward is introduced—paved with mutual respect between independent and academic paleontologists. Fossilist forecasts a "Golden Age of Paleontology"—and it proposes a seismic paradigm shift, the dawning of a new paleontological zeitgeist. This new direction honors both scientific rigor and the public's enduring fascination with dinosaurs, urging that the future of paleontology might be brighter if all sides can nurture the common ground that has been underfoot all along. Fossilist celebrates the unsung heroes getting the work done beyond the media’s glare. 

Fossilist invites you into a world where curiosity, grit, and shared passion forge paleontology's future. It’s a celebration of profound love for prehistoric giants that once roamed our planet—and the people who bring them back to life. 

THE CHARACTERS

BEHIND THE SCENES

- Distribution and Press Information -

Fossilist

Who Owns The Dinosaurs? Reckoning with the Golden Era of Paleontology

(1) 75 - 90 minute feature-length film

Currently in the late stages of production, early stages of post-production

Ready for Distribution - 2026** Budget contingent

Fossilist Film - Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

Production Studio - Traverse Cinema Studio

Executive Producer - Thomas Kolicko

Director - Abby Pellien

Producers - Margaret Anne Camp + Tori Dellwardt

Co-Producer - Kristin Donnan

Associate Producer - Caden James Reynolds

Cinematographers - Hunter Thompson, Cameron Smith, and Abby Pellien

For all Business Inquiries please contact: tom@traverseimage.com

What’s behind the name of the film?

Fossilist pays homage to the legendary 19th-century paleontologist Mary Anning. Anning, a self-taught fossil collector and dealer from England made groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life. Despite facing significant challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Anning's relentless passion for unearthing and studying fossils laid the foundation for modern paleontology. The term "Fossilist" encapsulates the spirit of those who, like Anning, dedicate their lives to the pursuit of prehistoric knowledge, whether they come from academic or commercial backgrounds. It represents the shared passion, curiosity, and determination that drives individuals to uncover the secrets of our planet's ancient past.

- ABOUT TRAVERSE CINEMA STUDIO -

At Traverse Cinema Studio, we are passionate about creating captivating non-fiction films that inspire, educate, and awaken audiences to the wonders of the natural world. Based in the Colorado Rockies, we pour our hearts into crafting original documentaries that showcase the beauty and importance of the environment. Our goal is to cinematically immerse viewers in each story, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and igniting a desire to protect it. We are all explorers.