about the person

Haha adai. My name is John Warren Borja Martín Austin, but you can call me “buhito”. It’s a way to say “little owl.” I’m an American of Filipino, CHamoru, and Western European descent.

Professionally, I’m a documentarian.

I’ve photographed, filmed, listened, observed, recorded, or archived in 30+ countries, reservations, and tribal territories. Especially fond of mangrove, wetland, and tropical jungle ecosystems.

Conscientious of the extractive nature of my profession, serious about addressing and reversing the harms of my professional predecessors and own actions, and intentional (but imperfect) in my reciprocity with the subjects and the environment. I make every attempt to use a restorative storytelling methodology to bring projects forward.

I research and create from a place of curiosity and advocacy. Projects are becoming more multimedia in nature as I challenge myself in new forms of expression and contemplation. I tend to work best in small teams of people who are solid at project management and who don’t attempt to whittle my ideas down as they flow. Can fly solo when needed, but prefer to create with a community.

Creative abilities

Documentary photography
Documentary filmmaking
Creative direction
Story production

Education

You think I went to school for this?! 🤣
The projects, the people, and the ecosystems I’m in have provided the lessons. The Indigenous ontology and approach come from deeper within my bones.

Tse bi tai (aka Shiprock) on the Navajo Trust Land, with my homie Esai.

This breathtaking landscape formed the backdrop for a short film about Indigenous foodways, funded by the First Nations Development Institute.

about the company

buhito productions is a one-person entity that relies on collaboration. For nearly every documentary project that comes our way, we’ll hire from a colorful collection of other creators.

We are focused on crafting bespoke documentary projects for small audiences. Then we help the work land by screening and presenting it in community over and over (and over) again.

How It Works

  • We receive a commission from an individual or organization. (Or we create a project on our own, then team up with another party to get the project into the community.)

  • We create the doc project using a restorative storytelling methodology.

  • We work with that individual or organization to distribute the work in community screenings.

Reciprocal Pricing Model

I use a reciprocal pricing structure. Here’s how it works:

  • All projects begin at $15,000

    • The price will rise based on scope and complexity

    • All travel expenses associated with the project are to be covered by you in addition to the project price

    • Distribution costs are not included in this base price and will require an additional budget

  • Without exception, up to 25% ($3750) of every project is eligible for non-financial contributions

    • You may negotiate a higher percentage, and I will be honest about what we can and can’t accept

We do not have a defined list of reciprocal contributions, but below are some examples:

  • In-kind services

  • An interview on your podcast or article on your site

  • An invitation to your summit

  • Artwork to hang on our wall or feature on our site

  • An experience that will enrich our relationship and/or the movement

If you have any questions about our reciprocal pricing structure, do not hesitate to ask us at any point in the process.