We recently connected with Tisha Robinson-Daly and have shared our conversation below.

Tisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

During my career, the most meaningful project I have worked on was the production of the episodic series titled “HIGH: Climber Stories.” This project was born out of a deeply impactful incident involving a tower climber named Joel Metz, whose tragic accident deeply affected me. I recognized the need to shed light on the lives of these brave individuals who often work in unsafe conditions and face significant challenges.

To address this, I took on the role of an activist within the telecommunications industry and became the writer, director, and producer of “HIGH: Climber Stories.” This twelve-episode series aims to advocate for climbers’ rights and chronicle their experiences. The show is broadcasted monthly on platforms like Vimeo, Facebook, IGTV, and now streams on the Higher Than 7 network.

Furthermore, in late 2020, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Hubble Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of fallen telecommunication tower technicians and promoting worker safety. Together, we produced a six-episode series titled “In Their Own Words,” giving climbers, their partners, and family members a voice and empowering them to share their stories and preserve their loved ones’ legacies.

In addition to my work in the episodic series, I am also a filmmaker, and I have written the script for a narrative feature film called “HIGH.” This project has received support and recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Sundance Institute, Tribeca, Stowe Story Labs, and Epic Games.

While “HIGH” delves into the idiosyncratic world of climbers, it also explores universal themes such as the challenges of raising a family while maintaining a partnership, preserving personal identity, and navigating financial pressures, including housing and healthcare. It captures the essence of an American family and addresses the complexities they face in today’s world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Tisha Robinson-Daly, a writer and director based in Philadelphia. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of writing, directing, and producing several short films, earning recognition and accolades along the way. I’m proud to have been honored by SAGindie and awarded fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the Sundance Institute and Knight Foundation. My dedication and talent have also led me to receive two Sundance/Knight Production and Development grants, participate as an alumna in the Stowe Story Labs program, and secure a grant from the Stowe/National Endowment for the Arts. Notably, I’ve been recognized by the Tribeca Institute and received the Epic Megagrant for my project “HIGH.”

As a telecom worker myself, I’ve leveraged my experiences to become a prominent voice in the industry. One of my significant accomplishments is the creation of the highly regarded episodic series called “HIGH: Climber Stories.” This twelve-episode series serves as a platform to advocate for the rights of tower climbers and provides an intimate portrayal of their lives and challenges. I take immense pride in using this series to shed light on the realities faced by tower climbers and to amplify their stories. The show airs monthly on Phillycam, a Philadelphia public access station, and can be found on platforms like Vimeo, Facebook, IGTV, and the Higher Than 7 network.

In 2020, I had the opportunity to collaborate with The Hubble Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by the dangers within the climbing community. Together, we produced “In Their Own Words,” a deeply impactful six-episode series that allows climbers, partners, and family members to share their stories and honor their loved ones’ legacies. This project has been incredibly meaningful to me, as it provides a voice to those directly impacted by the challenges and risks in the climbing community.

My journey as a filmmaker and advocate has been shaped by a deep commitment to storytelling and addressing social issues. I am grateful for the recognition and support I’ve received, and I remain passionate about using my craft to empower underrepresented communities and create meaningful change.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is fueled by my unwavering determination to make a positive impact in the world. Throughout my life, I have embraced my identity as a creative and writer, pouring my heart and soul into various artistic endeavors.

While I have encountered setbacks and faced rejection in the past, I have always found the strength to persist and continue pursuing my creative endeavors. One project, in particular, stands out among the rest – “HIGH.” For the past eight years, I have dedicated myself to this project, working tirelessly to bring awareness and visibility to tower climbers.

Through the film “HIGH” and my activism work, my goal is to shine a light on the pressing issues within the climbing industry. I am committed to advocating for the safety of climbers, urging for a thorough examination of safety regulations, and holding accountable the carriers and contract companies that impose unrealistic and unsafe deadlines.

My deep sense of purpose and the desire to make a positive difference in this lifetime are what drive me to persevere and never give up on this project. I believe that “HIGH” has the potential to initiate crucial conversations, spark meaningful change, and ultimately create a safer environment for climbers.

By raising awareness, uplifting the climbing community, and supporting their needs, I aim to bring about a significant shift in the industry. I am unwavering in my commitment to this mission, and my hope is that through my work, I can contribute to a world where safety is prioritized and climbers are respected and valued.

In summary, my creative journey is driven by a strong sense of purpose, a desire to create positive change, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of “HIGH.” It is my belief that through this project, I can bring about the necessary transformations and improve the lives and safety of climbers within the industry.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being creative is the ability to use my voice and talents as a catalyst for change. Through my work, I have the opportunity to address important social issues, amplify underrepresented voices, and spark meaningful conversations.

Creativity allows me to express my perspectives, emotions, and ideas in unique and compelling ways. Whether it’s through writing, directing, or producing, I find immense fulfillment in bringing stories to life and connecting with audiences on a deep, emotional level. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to evoke empathy, challenge perceptions, and inspire action.

Witnessing the impact of my creative endeavors, particularly when they resonate with others and ignite change, is profoundly rewarding. Seeing how art can spark conversations, raise awareness, and foster a sense of unity and understanding reaffirms the power of creativity in our society.

Moreover, being a creative allows me to continuously grow and explore new avenues of self-expression. It is a journey of personal and artistic development, where I can push boundaries, experiment with different mediums, and evolve as an artist. The process of creating, collaborating, and bringing ideas to fruition is incredibly fulfilling and fuels my passion to continue pursuing my craft.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to make a positive impact, inspire others, and contribute to the collective conversation. It is an honor to use my voice and talents to shed light on important issues and contribute to the cultural tapestry of our world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.highthemovement.com
• Instagram: @high_the_movement; @thefilmhigh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tisha.robinsondaly/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highthefilm
• Other: You can see the HIGH Climber Stories and In Their Own Words on the HIGH The Movement website or on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tisharobinsondaly?embedded=true&source=owner_portrait&owner=43941314

Image Credits
All images belong to Tisha Robinson-Daly and HIGH The Film LLC.