Builders Of The Desert
A cinematic docu-podcast uncovering the architects, Freemasons, and makers who shaped El Paso.
Watch Episodes
Film + podcast drops.
Explore the History Board
Mosaic of historic El Paso images.
Submit a Story
Share photos, leads, or lore.
About Builders of the Desert
Builders of the Desert is a docu-podcast uncovering the Freemasons, architects, craftspeople, and community leaders who shaped El Paso. We blend archival film, animated photographs, and on-site interviews to turn local history into a living legacy and shareable stories. We’re planning 18–24 months to reach the first festival cut, which will also be donated
to the Historical Archives of the Grand Lodge of Texas. The first 12 months are devoted to interviewing as many El Paso brethren as possible; the following months focus on archival integration, editing, score, captions, and finishing. We’ll post progress updates as key milestones are met; timing may shift based on interview availability, archive access, and funding.
Ways to Get Involved
Four simple ways to tell El Paso’s story and honor the brethren’s legacy.
Schedule an Interview
If you’re an El Paso Mason—or family—add your voice. 40–60 min on-camera; we’ll come to you when possible.
Contribute to the Archive
Share photos, programs, yearbooks, or lodge materials. We could digitize and return originals, with proper credit in the film.
Watch & Share
Follow our channel and stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes. Subscribe, leave a review, and share clips to help the story travel.
Production Log
What we’re working on right now—research, interviews, and edits.
Current Focus: Oral Histories
Months 1–12 • Interviews & Story Capture
We’re recording conversations with El Paso brethren and families, logging names, dates, and lodge moments. If you have a lead, photo, or memory, we’d love to hear from you.
Archive Intake
Scanning & Cataloging
Programs, yearbooks, photos, and clippings are being digitized and tagged for the HistoryBoard.
Edit Bench
Rough Cuts & Assembly
Structuring the doc with interview selects, Trost imagery, and period footage.
Sound & Score
Voice, Room Tone, Music
Cleaning audio, arranging cues, and planning recording sessions for original score.
Field Notes
Finds & Footnotes
Short dispatches from site visits, reading lists, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.
Transcripts & Captions
Accessibility & Indexing
Transcribing interviews and building bilingual (EN/ES) captions so stories are searchable and screen-ready.
Rights & Clearances
Permissions & Attribution
Confirming usage rights, credit lines, and donor paperwork; tracking PD status and licenses ahead of our archive donation.
Staff
Brethren in service of memory: directing, editing, and archiving the city’s story—powered by the team at Elevate El Paso (digital marketing • PR • production).
Jean Carlo Sanchez, 32°
Creative Director
Jean Carlo is a filmmaker and brand storyteller specializing in visual narrative, design, and video production. He shapes the look and feel of the series—camera, color, motion, and edit—so archival memory and present-day voices meet on screen.
Masonic affiliation: Master Mason at Five Points Lodge #1137, 32° Scottish Rite, and founding member of the Grotto (MOVPER).
Project focus: Cinematography, editing, motion design, and episode packaging.
Email: JeanCarlo@ElevateElPaso.com
H. Caleb Lara, 32°
Founder / Host & Producer
Caleb is a marketing strategist, award-winning filmmaker, and photographer. He leads story development, on-camera interviews, and partnerships—blending culture, research, and cinematic craft to bring local history to life.
Masonic affiliation: Master Mason at Wallace Houghston Lodge #1393, 32° Scottish Rite, and founding member of the Grotto (MOVPER).
Project focus: Oral histories, editorial direction, partnerships, and community outreach.
Email: Caleb@ElevateElPaso.com
James Pleasant II, 32°
Director of Business Operations
James optimizes systems, budgets, and workflows so the crew can focus on the story. Oversees schedules, budgets, inventory and technology—integrating
data and process to keep production moving efficiently.
Masonic affiliation: Master Mason Wallace Houghston Lodge #1393, 32° Scottish Rite, and founding member of the Grotto (MOVPER).
Project focus: Production operations, rights & clearances, and logistics.
Email: James@ElevateElPaso.com
Get Involved
Help us record El Paso’s Masonic history. Over the next 12 months we’re interviewing brethren and families; then we’ll edit, score, and deliver a festival cut donated to the Grand Lodge of Texas Archives. Your leads, artifacts, and support move the work forward.