What began on a kitchen table with a few color flood bulbs and makeshift switches has grown into a hub of creativity and cultural preservation. From those humble beginnings, a studio emerged that not only nurtured local talent but also found its way onto the global stage. Behind the magic of sound, lighting, and production that brings stories to life whether in music, film, or animation stands a visionary whose passion transforms every project into an experience.
Lawrence F. Archambault is a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Nation whose journey blends heritage, innovation, and artistry. From helping artists record promotional demos to producing ADR for films, including the 2012 “Avengers” Lakota language dub streaming on Disney+, his work bridges culture and cutting-edge production. With two studio locations and a legacy of mentorship and collaboration, Lawrence continues to expand access to the Lakota language through founding Grey Willow Music Studios LLC while elevating the art of sound and production, proving that storytelling is as much about heart and culture as it is about technology.
Standing Rock to the Silver Screen
Growing up on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in Bullhead (Rock Creek, South Dakota), a small town of about 130 people, Lawrence F. Archambault was immersed in music and culture from an early age. Raised by his grandparents, he was surrounded by musical instruments and the sounds of gospel music played almost every Sunday by his grandfather, Cyril Archambault, who, despite being blind, was a talented multi-instrumentalist and skilled at repairing sound equipment.
Lawrence’s uncles would sing gospel hymns in the Lakota language, embedding both music and heritage into his upbringing. By the time he was a child, he was drumming along with his grandfather’s saxophone a saxophone that remains in his main studio today and experimenting with old radios to build stages, nurturing an early passion for event production.
At the age of 12, an unexpected opportunity arose when his father’s band was short a bass player due to a snowstorm. Lawrence was asked to fill in on the drums, and he never looked back. Traveling with his father’s band throughout his childhood, he also assisted in setting up audio and lighting using improvised equipment, including old coffee cans and a homemade house switcher that controlled a few color flood bulbs. These early experiences honed his skills in live production and technical problem-solving.
Two decades later, returning home, Lawrence noticed a decline in musical engagement within his community. Schools lacked music programs, and access to instruments was limited. Motivated to make a difference, he opened a shop with a studio and affordable musical instruments, teaching children and adults the basics of playing instruments and fostering a renewed love for music. The studio quickly grew to support artists needing promotional demos and projects preserving the Lakota/Dakota language. This work eventually led to high-profile opportunities, including contributing to the Lakota language dub of the 2012 “Avengers,” now streaming on Disney+, marking a milestone in both his professional journey and his mission to celebrate and preserve his heritage.
Preserving Lakota Language Through Music and Film
One thing Lawrence always knew was music. During his senior year, he auditioned for and was accepted into the Musicians Institute of Technology now known as the College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, California. After graduating high school, leaving the Reservation was one of his greatest ambitions, little knowing that his journey would eventually bring him right back home.
Though he had grown up working alongside his father in production, his time at MIT deepened his understanding of the behind-the-scenes aspects of shows. Over time, he transitioned from performing on stage as a drummer to focusing on production work, where his passion truly flourished.
One of Lawrence’s most significant accomplishments came with his work on the Lakota language dubs for the 2012 “Avengers,” now streaming on Disney+. This project was not only professionally rewarding but deeply personal, as it allowed him to reconnect with his son, Xavier Archambault, who became the chief engineer of Grey Willow Studio. Having spent much of Xavier’s childhood on the road, Lawrence cherished the opportunity to rebuild their bond while working together on a project that celebrated and preserved their culture. Xavier’s technical expertise and shared love for music made him an invaluable collaborator, earning him full credit for the ADR work on the project.
The initiative was a community effort, involving 32 language learners from across Native Country in the Dakotas, guided by first-language speakers and elders such as Grace Draskovic, Ruby Shoe String, and Myron Uses Arrow. Key figures, including Cyril Archambault, Dallas Nelson, and Ray Taken Alive, were instrumental in initiating the project and bringing Grey Willow Studios on board.
The project gained remarkable attention when lead actors Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Hemsworth all participated in recording their lines in Lakota, creating the iconic “Avengers Assembled Scene.” One of the most memorable moments for Lawrence was screening the film for elders on another Reservation in a local elderly care facility. Witnessing their astonishment and pride as they heard the Avengers speaking their language underscored the cultural significance of the project. By making a globally recognized film accessible in Lakota, Lawrence and his team instilled a renewed sense of pride in the community and inspired younger generations to engage with their heritage in a meaningful way.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Operating in the rural heart of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation across North and South Dakota, Lawrence recognized early on the need for innovation. Establishing a professional recording studio in such a remote location was itself a bold statement providing access to high-quality music and production services for the local community. By leveraging today’s technology, Lawrence has enabled aspiring musicians and storytellers on the Reservation to pursue their passions without leaving home.
Through innovative approaches, Grey Willow Studio has expanded its capabilities to perform ADR work for international films, maintaining direct communication with producers, directors, and studios worldwide. Despite the challenges of operating from a rural location, Lawrence has built a global network, receiving referrals from major studios across the world. Recent projects include an animation ADR collaboration with a studio in France, as well as a partnership with KIWA Digital in New Zealand, the creators of Voice Q, a unique tool for voice actors akin to a karaoke platform. Technology continues to drive the studio’s growth, bridging the gap between remote geography and global industry opportunities.
Translation dubs, particularly in the Lakota language, have become a defining feature of Grey Willow’s success. Producing the first “Lakota Language Dub” on such a high-profile platform brought international attention, showcasing the power of language preservation through media. The Lakota language, spoken by iconic leaders such as Sitting Bull, remains central to Lawrence’s mission. As a Hunkpapa Lakota from Standing Rock Nation, he prioritizes ensuring that his culture and community are at the heart of his work.
While maintaining a strong focus on cultural projects, Lawrence also seeks to expand into broader areas. Grey Willow Studio has worked on non-indigenous films and local music releases, demonstrating that creative excellence and cultural preservation can coexist while reaching wider audiences.
A Family-Driven Studio Bridging Heritage
Operating as a Native American company in a rural area presents unique challenges, particularly in attracting high-profile projects. Lawrence notes that, as a Native-owned studio, Grey Willow often has to outperform non-Native competitors to secure work, especially on projects that involve Native content or are otherwise overlooked by others. This pressure has driven the team to constantly perform at their best, ensuring that the studio remains a sought-after destination for creative and culturally significant production work.
Family plays a central role in Grey Willow’s operations, and collaboration with loved ones is a source of both inspiration and strength. Lawrence’s brother, Cyril “Chuck” Archambault, was instrumental in the Lakota Dub of The Avengers, initiating the conversations with Mark Ruffalo and Disney/Marvel Studios. Sharing these accomplishments with family members who carry a shared history and passion for the work adds a deeply personal dimension to the studio’s success.
Lawrence approaches sound production with a client-centered mindset, listening carefully to the client’s vision and then creatively thinking outside the box to bring it to life. When it comes to language preservation, the framework is guided by respect and cultural continuity: elders are involved at every step of the process, providing knowledge and direction. At the same time, Grey Willow ensures that the Lakota language is presented in ways that are accessible and engaging for youth, fostering pride in their heritage and reinforcing a connection to their community.
From Kitchen Table Dreams to a Cultural Legacy
When Lawrence first founded Grey Willow, skepticism surrounded the endeavor, yet he remained steadfast in his vision to serve and uplift his community. Guided by passion and determination, he embraced the idea that failure is an essential part of success. He often shares this philosophy with local youth, emphasizing that true progress comes from trying, failing, learning, and persevering. In a recent high school presentation, he encouraged students to view failure as a sign of effort and commitment: if you don’t fail, you’re not pushing hard enough.
Lawrence’s dedication extends beyond music and production; he is also a lifelong learner of the Lakota language. One of his elders shared a guiding principle: “If you take care of the language, the language will take care of you.” This ethos underscores his work at Grey Willow, reflecting a deep respect for his heritage and the enduring strength of his people.
Hailing from a rural, often poverty-stricken reservation, Lawrence draws inspiration from the resilience and cultural richness of his community. What began as a modest project on his kitchen table has now grown into a thriving operation with two studio locations, demonstrating that vision, perseverance, and cultural pride can transform dreams into reality.