Terra Draconis: posterity and prosperity of fossils in the modern age

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The film documents the long-standing divide between a variety of interests involved in the ownership of dinosaur fossils on the individual, academic, legal, and multi-million dollar markets. Following interests based in Montana, Colorado, and South Dakota (some of the "hot-beds" of fossil collection in the Western United States), the film involves the opinions and values geared towards the ownership of fossils from among the following sides of the debate:

Commercialization and profit of fossils: since the beginning of fossil hunting as a commercially viable interest in the 19th century, a growing market has developed to hunt for and sell fossils on the multi-million dollar venues and at smaller scales across the globe. This film will document multiple accounts of the commercial market for dinosaur bones across the Western United States and the influence they have over academic, legal, and private bases for the ownership of fossils.

Academic study and posterity of fossils: academic research and study of scientifically significant specimens has always been a key driver in the drive for fossil collection, preservation, and expanding human knowledge on the bones of the past. In the early days of the field, however, most specimens were either purchased for research and display in the early museums of the United States, or fossil hunting crews were hired to collect specimens in the Wild West to be sent back for study and preparation for museum display. Notable repositories for collections were the Smithsonian and Peabody Museums and even private collections over time. This film will explore the modern influence of the early days of fossil collection and what that means for the ownership of fossils during the modern day.

Legal basis for fossil ownership: a recent ruling updated the legal basis for the ownership of fossils in the United States depending on the land-owning entity (private, state, federal, public) and who has vested interests in dinosaur fossils as a resource for posterity or profit. Over the centuries of this debate, the legal standpoint has been changed, unclear, or updated to incorporate relevant changes in the world of fossil hunting and ownership across private, academic, and commercial interests. This film will document the accounts of legal experts to recount the current basis for the ownership of fossils in the eye of the law.

Private ownership of fossils: many landowners who have land with dinosaur fossils buried beneath (or exposed on the surface land) can attest to the complexity of determining what to do with this seemingly priceless resource. Can you put a price tag on a fossil that took millions of years to make available for humans to "own"? Is it fair to sell a specimen for a quick profit or should the fossils be kept for further study to make way for advancements in the realm of paleontology and our understanding of a prehistoric puzzle piece? This film will explore the opinions and basis for the ownership of fossils by private landowners, and how they can influence the vested interests of academia, commercial entities, and legal possession of fossils in the modern age.