Grain & Thunder is based in Minot, North Dakota.

We make commercials, documentaries, branded content, and original work for clients across the country.

Grain & Thunder founder Derek Olson on location at night
Derek Olson on location

Derek Olson

Founder and creative director

In the press

Minot Daily News

“Minot native brings stories to screen,” September 2026

Minot State University

“MSU connections help bring local talent together for television pilot,” October 2026

Derek has worked in journalism, studio production, and independent film. He photographed the Sochi Olympics, worked on stages in Los Angeles, and produced work for Disney's Maker Studios that reached more than 100 million views.

After returning to North Dakota, he founded Grain & Thunder. He leads the company's creative and production work.

Millennial Taekwondo Tortoises, an animated pilot Olson wrote, directed, and performed in, received a Bronze at the 47th Annual Telly Awards — in the same comedy animation category where South Park took Gold.

Read the announcement

How projects are staffed

We keep a small core team and bring in additional crew when a production needs it. One producer handles the job from the first call through delivery.

The team

Corey Long

Corey Long

Producer and account manager

Corey handles client communication and schedules. His background includes public service, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy.

Nicole DesRosier

Nicole DesRosier

Producer and project coordinator

Nicole coordinates production. Her background includes broadcast news, communications, design, and work with community organizations.

Camera team

Cutter Flory operating a cinema camera

Cutter Flory

Camera operator and DP

Grant Gathman working on a production set

Grant Gathman

Camera operator and PA

Have a project in mind?

Tell us what you're making, where it needs to happen, and when you need it.

Start a project