Risan Studies

Risan Studies has developed the Cresta Alta Field Guide which is included in screenings of Cresta Alta film screenings and assists viewers in understanding the terminology and research methodology featured in Cresta Alta.

Todd's film documenting his travels, his interviews with leading scientists across the world, and the amazing cinematography was a great experience for our students. There were multiple entry points for discussion, including from scientific, creative arts, geopolitical, and humanistic angles. I highly recommend Todd's work for any school looking to bring real-world examples of the impact of climate change, and what the next generation can do about it.

Christopher Young, North Country Union High School Principal, Newport, VT

A must see for not just environmentalists but anyone that cares about the future and how melting glaciers will impact those that live near and far from them. Very well done movie, will see it again if able!

Stacey Bond Shinske, Abany, NY

We had a chance to watch it over the weekend and really enjoyed it.  It is striking to think about how much of this research may be affected by the current restrictions on funding and the USAID closure.  So much important work...

Keith, Telluride, CO

Todd Anders Johnson is an environmental filmmaker, snowboard mountaineer, socially-conscious musician and educator. With the Risan Brands’ family of companies, Todd merges his passions for the environment, the arts and outdoor recreation. With a foundational perspective that more sustainable policies are imperative and that there are effective renewable and sustainable options to employ regionally, nationally and globally, Todd has dedicated himself to the arts in creating entertaining and educational film, music and events. 

Todd studied international development at the University of Washington and has been a panelist and presenter with Bono’s One Campaign and with the United Nations' International Mountain Day. Todd has coordinated solar powered concert events with the Nantucket Land Council and with the City of Aspen and has established partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian Climate Project and Protect Our Winters.

With Risan Media, Todd has produced videos for Snoop Dogg’s MERRY JANE, Leafly, Burley, Hearthstone, Krosswood Doors and the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund. Todd independently produced The Cresta Alta Film, a feature length environmental documentary that he filmed in Alaska, Iceland, Chile and Peru. With Risan Studies, Todd has been leading climate change and sustainability discussions with high school and college students following film screenings of Cresta Alta at over 25 events that he has produced throughout the US in 2025. 

Todd is the drummer, vocalist and songwriter for the Colorado-based socially-conscious powder-hound band, 

Salem. With the Risan Project, he has designed multi-media concert and film tours throughout North America prioritizing the powder highways of Alaska, British Columbia and the Lower 48 at festivals, colleges, concert venues and with guiding companies, snowsport conventions and competitive snowsport competitions. Salem has soundtracks with a variety of outdoor brands and with ski and snowboard film companies. 

Todd has taught drumming, percussion, ethnomusicology, rock band and digital media throughout Seattle, Arizona and Colorado at high schools, colleges and after-school youth programs. He as served on the board of directors with Rock-School and Iamedia in Seattle and has helped to produce fundraising concert events with youth programs. 

Risan Consulting Group specializes in cannabis industry content production, marketing and business development. With Risan Consulting Group, Todd has developed partnerships with some of the largest cannabis brands in North America and has developed and managed sales, content production, event activations and sponsorships throughout the US and Canada.

Todd’s passions for exploring big mountains brought him from Vermont to Seattle and then Alaska, where his first of many tours and expeditions began throughout the glaciated state. Todd now lives with his family high in the mountains of Colorado.