Filmmaking, Adventure & Storytelling with Greg Cairns

In this episode of WKRP Montrose, we sit down with professional filmmaker Greg Cairns, a seasoned storyteller whose documentary work has been featured at film festivals across the country and around the world. Greg shares his winding journey from the Midwest to Montana, Durango, and eventually Montrose, and how those landscapes shaped both his life and his creative voice behind the camera.

The conversation dives into Greg’s filmmaking process, from short-form branded adventure films to multi-year conservation documentaries. He talks about working largely solo, collaborating with a remote production team, and what it really takes to turn days—or years—of filming into just a few powerful minutes on screen. Greg also breaks down the realities of film festivals, pitching ideas to major brands and organizations, and why visibility and storytelling matter just as much as the final edit.

Along the way, Greg reflects on creativity, motivation, and the importance of getting outside—especially in mountain communities like Montrose. It’s an honest, insightful look at the business and art of filmmaking, the grind behind the scenes, and why telling meaningful stories is still worth the work.