Beyond Our Senses
Bank Swallows
September 20th, 2025 at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium in Waukesha, Wisconsin
December 4th, 2025 at Glounthaune Community Hall, hosted by BirdWatch Ireland
Beyond Our Senses explores the intersection between life and perceptions.
Explore the story of how thousands of Bank Swallows migrate to Lake Michigan bluffs each spring to build colonies, mate and raise their young.
Guided by extraordinary perceptions like tetrachromatic vision, magnetic senses, and aerial mastery, they navigate predators, rivals, and the relentless demands of survival in a hidden world beyond human perception.
Available in Full Dome Planetarium Format
…and Standard Screen Theatrical Format
For Educators
Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows is a scientifically grounded film that brings animal behavior, ecosystems, and sensory biology to life. By immersing students in the hidden world of Bank Swallows, it connects core NGSS science standards to an unforgettable story of survival, adaptation, and flight.
Aligns directly with NGSS standards across life sciences, earth sciences, and physics.
Explores animal behavior, migration, adaptation, and sensory biology in a way that feels tangible and inspiring.
Uses cinematic storytelling to help students visualize abstract concepts like aerodynamics, ecosystems, and unseen sensory perception.
Includes ready-to-use supplemental classroom materials (worksheets, coloring pages, 3D print files, and citations) to extend learning.
Encourages curiosity about the natural world and critical thinking about how science connects to everyday life.
Shout Outs
Soundtrack by Dave Olson
The soundtrack was created by the master composer Dave Olson. He used a combination of analog synths and digital tools to create the immersive soundscape.
Harper’s Island Nature Preserve
The nest cam footage was kindly provided by Harper’s Island Wetlands Steering Group in Cork Harbour, Ireland. A researcher, Jim Wilson, is conducting a long-term study on bank swallows.
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The Team
David Andrew Busse - Creator
David is a four-time Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award-winning video producer and filmmaker based in Wisconsin. His work blends stunning visuals with immersive storytelling that invites audiences to rediscover the natural world.
Jack Chapman - Co-Writer
Jack brings deep storytelling expertise as a producer, director, and story consultant with credits on National Geographic and BBC series. He enjoys working on similar projects and would love to hear from you to collaborate.
Luke Tyrrell, PhD
Luke served as the film’s science advisor, and his research on vision in swallows is featured in the film. He is an Associate Professor at SUNY Plattsburgh and received his PhD in Biological Sciences from Purdue University.
Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium
The team at the planetarium helped convert this project from a theatrical screen to a full-dome, immersive experience. They play full-dome shows throughout the year and are located on a gorgeous nature preserve.
CI Design
CI Design provided Production support in the form of equipment, collaborators, stock footage, and more. They provide clients with creative solutions for their marketing needs every day.