STORYTELLERS: Jill Garreffi

Introducing the Storytellers Series

Over the years, a skilled and passionate community of filmmakers, editors, producers, and technicians have shaped Jackson Hole into a world-class creative hub. At Out In Space Studios, we’ve had the privilege to work hand in hand with countless creatives on our team who push the boundaries of storytelling, production, and adventure filmmaking in Jackson and beyond. 

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We’ve watched a powerful ecosystem emerge; one where local businesses, non-profits, and brands work symbiotically with local production crews. 

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From commercial campaigns to conservation stories, aerial sequences to action sports, this region has nurtured a generation of filmmakers who know how to navigate uncertainty and still shoot with purpose.

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The STORYTELLERS blog series is our way of celebrating that community – shedding light on the people behind the camera who make stories from the Tetons come to life.

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How One Storyteller Found Her Voice in the Mountains

At the nucleus of Jackson’s outdoor creative community is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Beyond providing epic terrain for skiers and snowboarders around the world, JHMR provides locals with a place to play, work, gather, and grow. 

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“The Jackson Hole community is home to a depth of filmmaking talent that rivals major production houses around the world. Time and again, small, focused creative teams here have proven they can deliver a higher-quality product while remaining far more efficient with budget,” says Eric Seymour, Former Director of Communications and Content at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 

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The resort continues to support our community in telling powerful stories by putting their effort and resources towards days of training, development, and filming. 

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Behind the Camera: Jill Garreffi

As Jackson Hole Mountain Resort celebrates 60 years with their new film, Layers of Time, we wanted to pause to take a look at the creator behind the anniversary film: Local cinematographer and storyteller, Jill Garreffi, who embodies the unbridled drive, passion, and spirit of the Jackson creative community. 

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Jill moved to Jackson in ‘08  – the same year the new tram was completed – and has since built a thriving community and career centered around the mountains.  An internship at Teton Gravity Research was Jill’s first job in the valley. She went on to work at Teton Gravity Research for 12 years,  traveling all over the earth, and carving out her own space, relationships, and opportunities within the world of adventure filmmaking. 

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After studying film at Emerson College, Jill noticed quickly that working in film in Jackson looked a little bit different than the rest of the world. Jill shares, “Everything felt different – it was way more western.  I was hooked.” 

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As Jill transitioned to independent cinematography work, one of her first projects she directed was for JHMR and focused on the aerial tram and the mechanical team that keeps it spinning year round. “The Crows Nest” (LINK) has over 120,000 views and is referenced often as one of the resort’s best storytelling videos they released.

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Even if it’s -20° and blowing 60 mph, Jackson hole filmmakers and photographers still get the job done. But it’s not just being comfortable in the elements that distinguishes this group for their unique skills – it’s the ability to balance protecting and operating equipment while prioritizing safety and efficiency, and still telling an authentic story. By putting in years of backcountry safety and wilderness training, this group is built to endure adversity in the field. 

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Jill quickly became a driving force in the community, epitomizing the grit, strong will, resilience, and creativity that distinguishes Jackson professionals. She continues to be a core member of the video production community who is actively shaping the visual and narrative identity of the Mountain West.

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Why Layers of Time

Jill’s role in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s 60th anniversary video was a natural extension of her experience and strengths: a sharp eye for narrative, deep knowledge of Jackson Hole’s history, and a thoughtful editorial approach. She crafted a piece that felt rooted, nostalgic, and forward-looking — a reflection of both the place and the people that make Jackson Hole Mountain Resort an anomaly.

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For many, 60 years of JHMR is a look back at seasons of deep powder, steep lines, and unforgettable memories. Early on, however, Jill decided she wanted to take a nuanced approach to what Jackson’s history really meant and find a storyline that hadn't been told and took all of those moments and found their common thread. 

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In order to do so, Jill dove into months of researching, exploring, and digging into JHMR’s people and past. While doing so, Jill pulled inspiration from her old roommate who was a geologist with an enthusiasm and love for rocks. 

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Suddenly it clicked: there was no better way to look at the history of the mountain than through the layers of rock  that most skiers and adventurers so often take for granted. 

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Jill shared, “The resort is 60 years old, but the mountain has been forming for eons before us. Humans are just a speck.” So she went back to how it all started millions of years ago.

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The development of the film required Jill to learn the world of geology, one that was mostly foreign to her before she started the project. With the help and guidance of local geologist, Dominique Brough, she gained a  better understanding of how the teton range formed.

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Jill states, “I hope people develop a stronger appreciation for the terrain they are skiing over and the powerful natural forces that sculpted it – sheer cliff faces that defy gravity, the scarp of a land slide, rocks formed from magma that have broken off, tumbled down and found a new home – Every nook of this fabulous landscape has its own story to tell.”

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Layers of Time calls attention to the humbling fortitude of the mountains we call home and the dreamers and hard-workers who put in blood, sweat, and tears to make it what it is today. Jill’s commitment to the process, passion, and purpose of a story looks quite similar. 

“I’ve collaborated with Jill on multiple projects, and she consistently brings creativity, an unmatched commitment to research, and an exceptional ability to turn an idea into a powerful story,” shares Seymour. He continues, “She leaves no stone unturned, captures the details others miss, and never hesitates to shoulder the heavy pack to get the shot. That dedication is evident in every film she creates.”

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Jill’s work on this film was a culmination of her many years working with the resort on previous projects, and is an incredible representation of the thriving ecosystem present in Jackson and the hard-working creatives who keep it pushing forward.

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Celebrating the People Behind the Stories

When chatting with Jill about her work in the valley over the years, it was clear that there was an unspoken language she shared with her fellow creatives. When referring to her colleagues, it was often only as last names or abbreviated letters and sounds. When talking over radios, effective and efficient communication is key, which is why they often go by a unique  name.

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But from the outside looking in I saw something much clearer: the Jackson Hole freelance creative community much closer resembles a family rather than competitors; The crew are team players, they show up for each other, they balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses, they put their lives in each other’s hands, and they always find the story. 

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As we continue to take on large-scale productions and original documentaries, we remain committed to growing with the creative community that helped us get here. There are many car commercials, music videos, and other corporate projects that use Jackson Hole as a location. Over time, however, those productions are starting to realize that an incredibly strong talent pool, network of equipment resources, and diverse body of expertise already exists here. 

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Lastly, we want to extend a big shout out and thank you first to Jill, for her collaboration, leadership, and willingness to share her story! And to our fellow team – we love doing this work with you and look forward to featuring more of your stories…stay tuned.