“It is in the act of pursuing and defining our passions that we discover our personal uniqueness, while at the same time experiencing something universal to humanity”

Passion provides the focus, energy and creativity that brings things into existence.  It reflects what we care about most in our lives, whether briefly or throughout a lifetime.

Defining Passion is a series of short documentaries that take a look at the passions that drive individual’s lives.  Although each person’s path is unique, the emotional drive is universal.

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  • The Surgeon (55:23)

    The Surgeon (55:23)

    (password: thesurgeon)

    This episode of "Defining Passion: The Surgeon" is the story of Dr. David Elliott. Dave reached a turning point in his medical career and responded to a calling that required he go beyond his personal comfort zone and take risks he never imagined. He shares his experiences as a physician on missions with Doctors Without Borders through emotional and often painful stories of treating disease, injuries, wounds and the reality of war. His commitment to serving those in great need in trouble spots throughout Africa and the Middle East led to his greatest rewards as a physician and it was his love for his fellow man that guided him. "Defining Passion" is a series which tells stories of people living passion driven lives.
    To read more of Dave's accounts visit "The Healer of Wounded Hearts" at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YDQ481S
    As well as his novel "Brink of Disaster": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5OVTWE

    To learn more about Treehouse Dreams Films visit:
    www.treehousedreamsfilms.com

  • The Waterman trailer

    The Waterman trailer

    My work with JASON Learning led to the production of 'The Waterman', an episode in my series of short docs entitled 'Defining Passion'. Here is the trailer. This episode was jointly produced by JASON Learning and Treehouse Dreams Films.
  • Defining Passion: The Waterman (27:30)

    Defining Passion: The Waterman (27:30)

    When Peyton Mason was 12 years old there was a special moment when he decided he wanted to be a waterman when he grew up. From that moment on his passion for the life of a waterman only grew stronger. Despite the hard work and challenges facing people in the fishing industry Peyton's love and commitment to his career put him on a path of success and fulfillment.

  • Defining Passion: The Dancer  trailer.mov

    Defining Passion: The Dancer trailer.mov

    When Spence Ford was a young girl the outside world saw her as living the perfect life. She was smart, popular and everyone admired her dancing skills. But behind the cheerleader's beautiful smile Spence suffered depression and deep feelings of doubt and unworthiness which often led to thoughts of suicide as the way out. It was her passion for dancing that would not only bring her through the darkness and save her life but would carry her to great success as she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer on Broadway. (47:40)

    Defining Passion is a series produced by Les Owen and Treehouse Dreams Films dedicated to telling stories about people who live passion driven lives.
    https://www.treehousedreamsfilms.com
  • Defining Passion: The Dancer (47:40)

    Defining Passion: The Dancer (47:40)

    When Spence Ford was a young girl the outside world saw her as living the perfect life. She was smart, popular and everyone admired her dancing skills. But behind the cheerleader's beautiful smile Spence suffered depression and deep feelings of self doubt and unworthiness which often led to thoughts of suicide as the way out. It was her passion for dancing that would not only bring her through the darkness and save her life but would carry her to great success as she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer on Broadway. (47:40)

    Defining Passion is a series produced by Les Owen and Treehouse Dreams Films dedicated to telling stories about people who live passion driven lives.
    https://www.treehousedreamsfilms.com

  • Defining Passion, Trailer (2:23)

    Defining Passion, Trailer (2:23)

    The Defining Passion series shares glimpses of people’s passions and reminds us that the definition of passion, though universal in people, is as varied as humanity itself.

  • Defining Passion: Win Light

    Defining Passion: Win Light

    When motorsport drag racer Dan Osborne crashed on the track he was faced with the decision whether to continue racing or not. His passion for racing, as well as his team, lead him through the challenge and put him back on the track, doing the thing he loved most. Dan's story of the brotherhood of the racing community and the collective "race for the win light" is an inspiring chapter of Defining Passion.

    Defining Passion is a series produced by Les Owen and Treehouse Dreams Films and is dedicated to telling stories about people who live passion driven lives.
  • Defining Passion: GRIT

    Defining Passion: GRIT

    Jesse Tubb has committed his life to the competitive sport of adventure racing which involves running, cycling and kayaking. His love for the sport and the life lessons he has learned in the process led Jesse to create GRIT Adventures for the youth in his community. The young people that participate in the training and races learn lessons that will benefit them far beyond the sport itself.
    Defining Passion is a series produced by Les Owen and dedicated to telling stories about people who live passion driven lives. Please enjoy other episodes at www.treehousedreamsfilms.com
  • The Bike Shop Owner (16:48)

    The Bike Shop Owner (16:48)

    Bike shop owner, Michael DeNardo, talks about his life as a dedicated bicycle enthusiast, bike repairman and collector. The aging shop serves as both a place of business as well as a shrine to his life’s work. His vast, and seemingly overwhelming, collection of bikes, parts and various memorabilia help tell Mike’s story.

  • The Pianist (28:10)

    The Pianist (28:10)

    As she sought to achieve her dream it would be Melissa Marrion’s deep passion for playing piano that would see her through tragic set backs and challenges. Melissa overcame those seemingly insurmountable challenges and has left a legacy of successful students and professional musicians who continue to share their own passions for the piano.

  • The Percussionist (18:20)

    The Percussionist (18:20)

    Many of Percussionist Donnie Johns’ students fall in the underserved category economically. He uses music and percussion classes to teach young people valuable life lessons in responsibility, team work, participation and social awareness in order to build self esteem, improve thought process and help them in all areas of life.

  • One Mind (20:27)

    One Mind (20:27)

    Victor Hurtado has a very successful career as a musician, producer and talent coach, but due to emotional challenges and PTSD it was recommended he explore the use of a PTSD service dog to help him be more independent and feel safer while outside his home. It wasn’t until he met Holly that he began to find hope for greater happiness in his life.