LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – A new documentary series, “What Lies Unseen,” is about to make some waves in the world of environmental conservation, diving, and underwater exploration. Focused on scuba diving to remediate and protect our freshwater lakes, this series goes beyond cleanup—it uncovers hidden history, protects artifacts, educates the next generation about something we were never aware of, and shines the light on crucial research topics such as invasive species and climate change’s impact on algal blooms in our drinking water sources.

This series digs deep into the hard work and dedication that happens behind the scenes of a Tahoe-based nonprofit called Clean Up The Lake’s grassroots team, showcasing their commitment to preserving our freshwater lakes. Through compelling character development, beautiful cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, What Lies Unseen invites viewers to join the team on their eco-missions across the country. Viewers will have the opportunity with each episode to not only enjoy the show, but experience the stunning settings of a new lake, meet new characters and explore an important and unique topic in each episode such as altitude diving, underwater archeology, pilot research and so much more.

Produced by Clean Up The Lake’s media division, M.A.D. Media (Make A Difference Media), What Lies Unseen takes viewers beneath the surface of lakes across the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Sierra Nevada, and even as far as Minnesota. Viewers will witness firsthand the challenges the team faces and the solutions they’re implementing to combat invasive species, restore aquatic ecosystems, and safeguard historical underwater treasures. This series is the first project M.A.D. Media is debuting with another large film project on the lineup for later this winter.

“This series defines who we are. We’re telling our story, our adventure and our battle to protect our lakes” says Clean Up The Lake Founder Colin West, who given his former career in film and television is also the writer and director of the series. “I hope this series will inspire communities to take action by showing them what has been out of sight and out of mind for decades—that is, what What Lies Unseen really reveals.”

Cinematographer and editor Ludovic Fekete described What Lies Unseen as one of the most visually stunning projects he’s worked on, saying, “The team’s dedication and the remarkable locations make it one of the best visual documentary projects I’ve had the pleasure of working on.”

As part of ongoing efforts to make a meaningful impact on freshwater ecosystems, the production team is now pushing for further distribution of the series. Given this series has a shorter format, the goal is to get this project in the eyes of the communities it impacts. The team is speaking with networks, businesses, influencers, media companies, newspapers, and organizations that want to join our nonprofit’s mission to be M.A.D. [Making A Difference]—just as the namesake suggests — by sharing What Lies Unseen with their audiences. Whether through websites, social media, newsletters, broadcasts, or other platforms, the team invites others to reach out if they want to help amplify this much-needed message to protect our freshwater resources.

“Our mission goes beyond the screen,” says Producer Jenny Uvira. “This series is just the beginning—we’re unveiling hidden worlds beneath our lakes and inspiring action. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore, discover, and make an impact. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel @madmediaofficial – watch our series trailer hosted there – and join us for one of the in person premieres next month!”

Premiere Details:

  • In-Person Screenings: Sharing the first three episodes of the series at:
  • Alibi Ale Works, Truckee– March 6, 2025 / Doors @ 6PM Screening @ 7PM.
  • South Lake Brewing Company – South Lake Tahoe, CA – March 8, 2025 (Doors at 6:30 PM / Screening at 7:30 PM)
  • Streaming Location: Trailers are available now. The online premiere of Episode 1 is on March 9, 2025, on YouTube @makeadifferencecreative

Watch & Get Involved:

Watch the first episode on March 9: https://www.youtube.com/@makeadifferencecreative

Follow the Mission on Instagram: @CleanUpTheLake

Support Our Work: CleanUpTheLake.org