Future Projects

Chasing Tables is a cultural travelogue filmed across the state of South Dakota. Centered on host Jordan Taylor, a critically celebrated chef, restaurateur and South Dakota native, the series will showcase Jordan’s unique personality and no-nonsense insight on food, agriculture, alcohol and the diverse geography and culture of the state. Each episode will follow Jordan as he explores real – often unheralded – individuals contributing in unique ways to the progressive transformation of the foodscapes and culture of South Dakota.

Due to the federal elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other issues impacting the financial future of all PBS stations including SDPB, future episodes of Chasing Tables are uncertain. Basement Revolution Films, however, is not giving up on the project. We are seeking grant opportunities and alternative funding options to complete the first season of Chasing Tables.

This is where you come in. We are opening up crowd funding to aid us in producing future episodes. Please see the episode summaries below. If you, like us, believe these episodes and this project are valuable, please consider donating to help us complete the first season.

Planned Future Episodes:

Episode 1

Black Hills, S.D.: H-2B Workers in the Black Hills
Jordan travels to the Black Hills to explore the experiences of seasonal H-2B visa workers employed in resort towns. Viewers gain insight into the diverse cultural backgrounds of these workers, the challenges they face, and the imprints they leave on South Dakota’s hospitality industry.

Episode 2

Mission, S.D.: The Siċaŋġu Food Sovereignty Initiative
Chef Jordan Taylor visits the Rosebud Reservation to learn how the Siċaŋġu Food Sovereignty Initiative is revitalizing Indigenous food systems. Through conversations with community leaders and farmers, the episode showcases efforts to restore ancestral knowledge, promote food independence, and reconnect with Lakota traditions.

Episode 3

Huron, S.D.: The Karen and Hispanic Communities Transforming the Town
In Huron, Jordan meets members of the Karen community, refugees from Myanmar drawn to the town through commercial food processing. Jordan will explore the origins of Huron’s Karen diasporic community and explore the ways in which they are keeping their traditional food culture alive. Finally, Jordan will meet with Huron residents to discuss how the Karen and Hispanic immigrants are revitalizing and transforming a small South Dakota town.

Episode 4:

Investigating South Dakota’s Food Deserts
In the final episode, Jordan investigates the reality of food deserts in South Dakota—rural and urban areas where access to fresh, affordable food is limited. The episode highlights grassroots efforts, mobile markets, and community-led solutions aiming to nourish undeserved communities.

Executive Producers: Justin Bergh (justin.bergh@bhsu.edu), Skott Chandler (skott.chandler@bhsu.edu), and Allen Morris (allen.morris@bhsu.edu) teach multimedia journalism and photography at Black Hills State University.

Episode Funding Structure:

The production crew behind Chasing Tables does everything that they can to ensure efficiency in their episode budgets. A general breakdown of expected expenditures per episode is included below so you can see how your donations will be used.

Per Episode Estimated Budget Breakdown
Production (Crew & Gear Expenses): $20,000
Travel: $3000
Lodging: $2000
Food for production: $1000
Catering: $1500
Music Licensing: $2500
Total: $30,000