The Chronicles Group: Biography and mission statement

The Chronicles Group is an international nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of communicators, scientists, policy leaders, professionals and academics whose mission is to accurately convey the existential threats confronting Earth in the 21st century. The Chronicles Group takes an aggressive, issue and solution-based approach to documenting these wide-ranging and urgent challenges humankind is currently facing, including: climate crisis, overpopulation, human rights violations, biodiversity loss, pandemics, weapons of mass destruction, and the water/ energy/ food security nexus.
Documentary filmmaker and policy influencer James Thebaut founded The Chronicles Group in 2000 as a tool of public advocacy. The organization uses media to raise awareness, educate, and propose solutions for profound issues that are critically affecting both human and ecological systems today. Thebaut initially applied his distinctive storytelling and visual style over a multitude of hard-hitting topics including history and true crime, evidenced by feature films such as “The Iceman Tapes,” and “A Deadly Business.” However, the last two decades of environmental upheaval have compelled him to focus on the growing dangers and unforeseen impacts of a broad range of issues related to water scarcity, international security threats, and climate crises.
Examples of some of the important works created by The Chronicles Group include: “California’s Watershed,” “Beyond the Brink: A Matter of National Security,” “Running Dry”(narrated by Jane Seymore), and “The Cold War and Beyond.”
The Chronicles Group is currently in development with “Turning Back the Doomsday Clock,” its most impactful project to date. The film places a spotlight on escalating global crises, highlighting science-based solutions for the myriad of existential threats confronting the planet.
Documentary filmmaker and policy influencer James Thebaut founded The Chronicles Group in 2000 as a tool of public advocacy. The organization uses media to raise awareness, educate, and propose solutions for profound issues that are critically affecting both human and ecological systems today. Thebaut initially applied his distinctive storytelling and visual style over a multitude of hard-hitting topics including history and true crime, evidenced by feature films such as “The Iceman Tapes,” and “A Deadly Business.” However, the last two decades of environmental upheaval have compelled him to focus on the growing dangers and unforeseen impacts of a broad range of issues related to water scarcity, international security threats, and climate crises.
Examples of some of the important works created by The Chronicles Group include: “California’s Watershed,” “Beyond the Brink: A Matter of National Security,” “Running Dry”(narrated by Jane Seymore), and “The Cold War and Beyond.”
The Chronicles Group is currently in development with “Turning Back the Doomsday Clock,” its most impactful project to date. The film places a spotlight on escalating global crises, highlighting science-based solutions for the myriad of existential threats confronting the planet.
James Thebaut, President/Founder, Executive Producer/Director
Jim Thebaut is a Los Angeles based documentary filmmaker and the president of The Chronicles Group. Jim has applied his distinctive storytelling and visual style over a multitude of topics including history and true crime, but the last two decades of environmental upheaval has demanded he focus on the growing threat and unforeseen impacts of climate change. Since the creation of his non-profit media company in 2000, Thebaut has been making films to raise awareness of coming the global water crisis, food shortages and the resulting dire effect on international security.
Thebaut’s catalogue of documentaries on climate change has awakened and activated a large audience. These titles include “Running Dry,” The American Southwest, Are We Running Dry,” “Beyond the Brink,” and “California’s Watershed: Beyond the Brink.” Throughout his career, Jim Thebaut has written, produced and directed an array of prominent, socially significant productions, including his 1992 Cable Ace Award-nominated "America Undercover" documentary for HBO, “The Iceman Tapes - Conversations with a Killer.” He has also produced A&E’s “Bad Cops” and “Execution at Midnight.” Thebaut was the executive producer for the CBS television dramatic special “A Deadly Business,” which exposed organized crime's involvement in the toxic waste business. He also directed/produced the documentary for Public Television, “The Cold War and Beyond,” which explored the Cold War brinksmanship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Prior to Thebaut's film career, he was a Regional Environmental Planner and responsible for numerous Environmental Impact Statements, Energy and Environmental Planning studies in Washington State, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska. Thebaut holds degrees from the University of Washington, San Francisco State University and UCLA. |
Ignacio Deregibus, Co-producer, Turning Back the Doomsday clock
Ignacio Deregibus is an international specialist who has covered and continues to further in project management, strategic planning and development, environmental policy and water resources management research, analysis and advice. He worked for more than 10 years with Prof. Alison E. Post at Harvard University, Accenture, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO and, nowadays, with the International Water Resources Association (IWRA).
Both an Italian and Argentinian national, Ignacio graduated from the University of Buenos Aires with a bachelor degree in Political Science specialized in International Relations, and holds a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) with concentration on Sustainability at l’Institut d'Études Politiques (IEP) Sciences-Po, Paris.
He is currently responsible for planning, implementation and monitoring of communications and outreach as well as project activities and event initiatives on sustainable development and water resources management. Mainly he contributes with IWRA’s Executive Board, Committees, Membership and Partners, National and Regional Chapters, projects on Smart Water Management, Water Quality, Water Security, Climate Change and the Science Policy Interface, as well as the World Water Congresses and Webinars, Data Protection, Publications, among others.
Ignacio collaborates also with IWRA’s key perspective and plan of action to address the challenges and priorities for the sustainable use and management of the world’s water resources and the environment in both developed and developing countries.
Both an Italian and Argentinian national, Ignacio graduated from the University of Buenos Aires with a bachelor degree in Political Science specialized in International Relations, and holds a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) with concentration on Sustainability at l’Institut d'Études Politiques (IEP) Sciences-Po, Paris.
He is currently responsible for planning, implementation and monitoring of communications and outreach as well as project activities and event initiatives on sustainable development and water resources management. Mainly he contributes with IWRA’s Executive Board, Committees, Membership and Partners, National and Regional Chapters, projects on Smart Water Management, Water Quality, Water Security, Climate Change and the Science Policy Interface, as well as the World Water Congresses and Webinars, Data Protection, Publications, among others.
Ignacio collaborates also with IWRA’s key perspective and plan of action to address the challenges and priorities for the sustainable use and management of the world’s water resources and the environment in both developed and developing countries.
James Qutami, Editor and Cameraman
James Qutami is a dedicated Producer/ Editor/ Writer/ Cinematographer working in Los Angeles and San Francisco. An industry veteran with decades of experience in all aspects of production and entertainment marketing. A passionate storyteller, Qutami has had the privilege to work and learn from some of the most influential advertisers and filmmakers in the business. See more at www.jamesqutami.com.
Felix N. Mendoza, Camera Operator
Felix N. Mendoza III is a Northern California based DP, camera operator, FAA certified drone operator and sound recordist. Born is San Jose, and raised in the Central Valley, Felix has witnessed first hand the importance of abundant water and thriving agriculture. In 2002, he started his career in television as a photojournalists, earning multiple Emmy® awards with the Univision affiliate in Sacramento. Later in his career, he explored the TV Production side of his career, as a staffer for Pacsat. There, he worked on shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Late Show with David Letterman. In 2019, Mendoza went independent and created a television production company in Sacramento called “FM3 Videography” with clients from PBS, Travel Channel to The Chronicles Group.
spelling communications
Spelling Communications is a full service public relations firm whose specialized practice areas include Charities and Non-Profit Organizations. With expertise in media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, digital PR and brand strategy, Spelling Communications offers its clients a customized suite of services to create compelling stories, maximize awareness, and spark interest.
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