GSW WOMEN: Within an ongoing epidemic of violence, filmmaker, Jeffrey Teitler, tracks the life-saving efforts, courage, and resilience of three female practitioners and an entire medical team at Hartford Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center. VIEW ON MEDSCAPE HERE
GSW WOMEN was released on Medscape on December 19th. The Documentary Short Film was produced in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare, Jeffrey Teitler, Anya Romanowski, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Audrey Silver and Maria Del Sol and Medscape
Filmed as events unfold, trauma surgeon Dr Jane J. Keating, physician assistant Ashley Weisse, and emergency nurse Amber Langlois reveal an intimate glimpse within a preventable cycle of America’s violence epidemic — and the scars it leaves behind.
It remains an incredible honor to preserve these times and issues, while documenting the meaningful work and moments on Connecticut’s front lines. VIEW ON MEDSCAPE HERE
FULL CAST LIST – HARTFORD HOSPITAL – TRAUMA / EMERGENCY
JANE J. KEATING – ASHLEY WEISSE – AMBER LANGLOIS – AMBIKA ANAND – ISAAC ADELBURG – MARYALICONA – HYSEN ALLA – VALERIE ANDERSON – ALEXANDRA ARCARIA – SARAH BIALKOWSKI – RIGERS BICAKU – ALEXANDRA BRADLEY – JOKSHAN BRYANT – DEREK BRIGGS – TANISHA BUTLER – ROSSMARY CARTIER – SAMUEL COLO – KATHARINE DEVIN-HOLCOMBE – JACINTHA DEVILLIER – EMILY FIRENZE – DAN FREESS – BEN GARBUS – ALLISON GETZINGER – BRENDAN GONTARZ – NICHOLAS HASKELL – PAIGE HINE – COLIN HUGUENEL – SHANNA-KAY LEVY – NISHANT MERCHANT – CAITLYN NAPIERKOWSKI – SARAH OCAMPO – CHELSEA MCNALLY – ELIZABETH MERRITT – SAMANTHA MOHAMMED – MATTHEW MORRISON – AMBER MULLEN – MARISSA NGUYEN – KELLY OLESEN – CYNTHIA PRICE – ELIZABETH ROBINSON – GABRIELLE RUSCZYK – MELISSA SMITH – INAM SHAIKH – TRENT SHE– KELSEY SULLIVAN – ERIN STANKIEWICZ – EMILY TIEDEMANN – JAVIER VASQUEZ – MEGAN WARD
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, JONATHAN GATES, MD, MBA, FACS KENNETH ROBINSON, MD, AUDREY SILVER, RN PATRICIA VERONNEAU, RN GREG FRANI, RRT, EMT-P. PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, MELISSA TEITLER
Much more to come in 22/23
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Jeffrey Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape earn an Emmy® Award from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, (NATAS) Boston/New England Region during the 45th Annual Emmy® Celebration.
Recognized for outstanding achievement in the Short-Form, Societal Concerns category, COVIDLAND, a documentary film was produced by Jeff Teitler, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen and Eugenia Yun.
During the height of the pandemic, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team at Hartford Hospital selflessly cared for on onslaught of Connecticut’s most critical COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs, COVIDLAND is an intimate portrait of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
EMMY Ⓡ AWARD FOR COVIDLAND – National Academy of Arts and Sciences – Boston / New England Region
COVIDLAND was published by Medscape in January of 21. Soon after, the documentary was endorsed by WEBMD‘s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Whyte. COVIDLAND also won an Eddie and Ozzie Award from Folio Magazine as well as a Digital Health Award from the Health Information Resource Center.
We are so honored to preserve these important times, share such rarely-seen events and highlight the character, courage, skill and care, that occurs within Connecticut’s frontlines every day.
COVIDLAND CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL
We were also honored to receive an EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION for WHOLE AGAIN
Produced in collaboration with Tina Verona, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen along with Hartford HealthCare’s Emergency Department, after 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator, hospital security guard, Jay Bialkowski’s recovery from COVID-19 was nothing short of miraculous. It was also just the beginning of a brutal journey back to his life.
Thanks to the many medical practitioners and patients, who allowed their events, lives and care to be captured. We would also like to thank the National Academy of Arts and Sciences – Boston/New England Regional Chapter for the prestigious Emmy® Award and Emmy Nominations. Finally, thanks to Hartford HealthCare, Medscape and Peter Knox for your endless vision and partnership in telling these stories.
It remains the highest honor to do this work.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Much more to come in 22/23
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare, Medscape, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Verona and Eugenia Yun, are honored to announce two Emmy Nominations from the Boston/New England Region of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, (NATAS). The prestigious Nominations mark a new milestone within our production partnerships. The 45th Boston/New England Emmy® Awards Ceremony will be held at the Wang Theatre on Saturday, June 4, 2022
EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION FOR COVIDLAND
In COVIDLAND, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team selflessly care for on onslaught of COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs during the hight of the pandemic, COVIDLAND documents the mass of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
EMMY Ⓡ NOMINATION FOR WHOLE AGAIN
After 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator, hospital security guard, Jay Bialkowski’s recovery from COVID-19 was nothing short of miraculous. It was also just the beginning of a brutal journey back to his life.
On behalf of all, we are extraordinarily thankful to the many practitioners and patients, who so courageously allowed their events, lives and care to be captured during such vulnerable times. We would also like to thank the Academy’s Boston/New England Chapter for the prestigious Emmy nomination, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape for their vision, partnership and support.
Much more to come…
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director – Envision Films
Envision Films and Jeffrey Teitler, in collaboration with Medscape, Hartford Hospital’s, Emergency Department and Hartford Healthcare are pleased to announce, STATE OF EMERGENCY – A new micro-documentary series on the front lines of Emergency Medicine.
In THE NO JUDGEMENT ZONE, (Ep 1) emergency physician, Cynthia Price, along with her team of care-providers, confront the end of life, an ongoing pandemic and treat a transgender patient’s sudden paralysis. Yet for those on the front lines, it’s part of the shift. STATE OF EMERGENCY
We are pleased and honored by the engagement of Hartford Hospital’s patients and practitioners, along with the ability to tell their stories with Medscape. VIEW THE FIRST EPISODE HERE.
State of Emergency is produced by Anya Romanowski, in collaboration with Jeff Teitler and Hartford Healthcare.
SPECIAL THANKS
JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK and MELISSA TEITLER
COVIDLAND, a Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Jeff Teitler documentary, wins a prestigious, 2021 Eddie and Ozzie Award. The recognition, announced at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC, includes publications such as, Variety, People Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Science Magazine and others. The prestigious award recognizes excellence in 33 categories within Communication, Journalism and Digital Design.
Envision Films and Jeff Teitler are grateful to both the Eddie and Ozzie’s, along with our collaborating partners, Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Eugenia Yun.
In COVIDLAND, critical care physician, Megan Panico and her ICU team selflessly care for on onslaught of COVID-19 patients. Sacrificing their own health and family needs during the height of the pandemic, COVIDLAND documents the mass of courage and hope during the greatest healthcare crisis of our time.
COVIDLAND premiered on Medscape in January of 2021. It was also featured and endorsed in a WebMD segment by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Hoyt.
COVIDLAND won a Digital Health Award in June of 21, from the Health Information Resource Center – the largest review program of its kind in the United States.
COVIDLAND was produced in partnership with Medscape, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler / Envision Films.
CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Cancer is unforgiving. It robs our time, upends our lives and leaves indelible scars on all around. But it can also reveals our greatest gifts. In this Medscape, Jeff Teitler and Hartford Healthcare documentary, a diagnoses of breast and pancreatic cancer, inspires an entire health system to engage.
Jill Bertolini, Camelia Lawrence, Jeff Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape
FEATURED CAST:
CAMELIA LAWRENCE, MD, FACS, JILLENE BERTOLINI, MICHAEL FURLAN, ISAIAH LAWRENCE, SHIRLEY LAWRENCE, NATHAN PHILLIPS, ASHLEY PHILLIPS, ARMANDO E. GIULIANO, MD, FACS, GUSTAVO STRINGEL, MD, FACS, GARY HAVICAN JEFFREY FINKELSTEIN, MD, FACEP, SOO HWA HAN, MD, FACS, BRIAN JAMES BYRNE, MD SHERI CHROSTOWSKI, JOANNE STRANIERI, RN, SOPHIA PARE, RN JORDAN PROCKO, RN, JANE BROWN, RN, BOZENA SZCZYGIEL, RN, MEGHAN VACHON, RN, BRIAN SPYROS, KATHY ROSS
SPECIAL THANKS
THE HARTFORD HEALTHCARE CANCER INSTITUTE, HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL CONNECTICUT, MIDSTATE RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, EUGENIA YUN, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, F. PERRY WILSON, MD, MSCE, BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, BRIAN MICHAEL ALLEN, MD, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER, LD BRITT, MD, MPH, FACS , CHARLES V. FIRLOTTE, WESLEY HICKS, MD FACS, BRIDGET OPPONG, MD, FACS
The Oncologists reveals human moments in cancer, care and practice
After a long hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to announce, THE SWEETEST LAND has been selected to screen by Saint Louis Children’s Hospital w as part of their 2021 Pediatric Trauma Symposium.
With an up-tick in violent crime across the country, along with the film’s critical focus on violence prevention, we are honored and pleased the film is being utilized exactly as it was intended – to educate and save lives. On behalf of the cast and crew of THE SWEETEST LAND, we would like to thank Lydia Wood, Lori Beck and Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, for their amazing efforts in improving violence prevention and championing the film’s Saint Louis screening.
The Sweetest Land -Jeffrey Teitler
THE SWEETEST LAND – SYNOPSIS:
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartford HealthCare commissioned several short videos from Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, to explore the local health response. Today, we are so pleased to have collaborated with Hartford HealthCare and are honored by the multiple LAMPLIGHTER RECOGNITIONS those works have received.
In this first piece, a Hartford HealthCare, Registered Nurse uses her phone to capture her morning routine. On Facebook, the video received over 60,000 views in its first week.
Jay Bialkowski’s story begins on a typical day. Yet, in a matter of minutes, his world changed forever. He couldn’t breathe and was rushed to Hartford Hospital. His condition spiraled quickly as he was on the brink of death – until something miraculous happened,
After producing on this story of recovery, it was broadcast on NBC CT as it rapidly received over 31,000 views on social media. That’s when it was noticed by National Geographic’s science editor, Nsikan Aspen, who invited the story on their national podcast.
Keith Grant, APRN, Senior Director, Infection Prevention, shares why he has hope for the future and how safety is at the forefront of everything Hartford HealthCare does.
How do you tell the stories of Hospice to people who may not want to listen? This story is about patients and their families. How they were born, lived and how they wanted to experience life at the end -surrounded by loved ones LAMPLIGHTER AWARD IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
We are deeply honored by the Lamplighter recognitions and to have Hartford HealthCare, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen and Tina Verona as our collaborating and producing partners. Much more to come…
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Prior to the pandemic, several members of CCSU’s production faculty ran a pilot program in studio production. Collaborating with Josh Therriault, an ESPN production artist and former CCSU Film graduate, we developed a comprehensive studio curriculum, collaborated with industry artists and developed the most advanced productions and curriculum ever seen within CCSU’s studio.
The new curriculum not only engaged CCSU film alumni, (as studio-mentors), but the changes also created a well-trained production team, which has been achieving unprecedented success ever since
From producing national segments for ESPN to developing award-winning films at festivals, the team also collaborated with grammy award winning artist, Pharoahe Monch to create his latest music video. That production even inspired a Rolling Stone feature.
While such accomplishments might seem unlikely at a state university, ensuring high standards, qualified instructors and student/alumni success, is the job.
In this latest milestone, CCSU’s pilot program alumni and students recently filmed, th1rt3en, which aired on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Unfortunately, even as the student achievements continue, the pilot program was illogically discontinued. While perplexing, producing student outcomes, skills and achievements, is our job… and we have a long HISTORY OF SUCCESS…
Posted by Jeff Teitler, Professor Central Connecticut State University
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Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Envision Films / Jeff Teitler win a Silver Digital Health Award for COVIDLAND – A documentary Film about survival and hope in the ICU.
TheDigital Health Awards hosts the largest review program of its kind in the United States. Sponsored by the Health Information Resource Center, The Digital Health Awards recognizes high-quality digital health resources for consumers and health professionals.
In COVIDLAND critical care physician, Megan Panico and her team’s care for COVID-19 patient, Brian Woffard, as they sacrifice their health and family needs during the 20/21 pandemic. The film was produced in partnership with Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler. COVIDLAND premiered on Medscape in January of 2021 . VIEW COVIDLAND ON MEDSCAPE
WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Whyte produced another segment on WebMD, which endorsed COVIDLAND.
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler are grateful for our partners and those who participated in the creation of COVIDLAND. A special thanks to the Digital Health Awards for including the film in this recognition.
COVIDLAND was produced in partnership with Medscape, Hartford HealthCare, Hartford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Rebecca Stewart and Nick Dethlefsen. Produced by Eugenia Yun and Directed by Jeffrey Teitler / Envision Films.
CAST
MEGAN PANICO, MD – BRIAN WOFFARD – SAJJAD S. RAZA, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS – BRITTANY WOZNIAK, PA-C – KALISTA RUOFF, PCA – EMILY CONCA, RN – ELVIRA SYED, RRT – JENNIFER CULLINANE, RN, BSN – JARED INCILLO, RN – KATHRYN LAFLEUR – PA-C ELIZABETH VERHAGEN, APRN, AGACNP-BC – MIRANDA BENGTSON, RN, BSN – STEPHANIE WHEELER PA-C – ISABELLA PANICO – DAVID RICE, RRT – JEREMY BROTHERS, RN – BRITTANY LAURENZA, RN, BSN – CHRISTINA WOOD RN AND THE ENTIRE ICU TEAM AT HARTFORD HOSPITAL.
SPECIAL THANKS
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE, JEFFREY FLAKS, JEFFREY COHEN, MD FACS, AJAY KUMAR, MD, ADAM STEINBERG, DO, FACS, FACOG, FFPMRS, REBECCA STEWART, NICK DETHLEFSEN, TINA VARONA, EUGENIA YUN, NIAMEY WILSON, MD, FACS, MD, MSCE, F. PERRY WILSON , BRET SCHIPPER, MD, FACS, CPE, PETER KNOX, RON KOWALCZYK, MELISSA TEITLER
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Margot Noelle, DFX, Michelle Fischer Paul and Nicole Nascimento present ONE IN FOUR, a short documentary film.
There are many empowering benefits of dance, but healing from sexual assault was never supposed to be one of them.
ONE IN FOUR premiered at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, while also receiving official selections at the Dance is Activism Film Festival, 21, Indie Shorts Awards Miami, Voices Rising Film Festival, 21, and the Fine Arts Film Festival. ONE IN FOUR will screen, Wednesday, September 8th at the I WILL TELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Envision Films / Jeff Teitler, in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare (Connecticut’s largest HealthCare system) and Medscape, (a leading online Medical Journal) launch THE ONCOLOGISTS – a new documentary film series exploring the unforeseeable challenges, triumphs and the human experiences within the treatment of cancer patients.
Unpredictable Endings are only the beginning of a delicate dance surgical teams go through with every case. In Episode 1, Chief of Oncological Surgery, Dr. Bret Schipper faces a crucial moment in the OR that few ever see….and the stakes could not be higher.
THE ONCOLOGISTS is currently scheduled to produce four episode to premiere on Medscape.
Special Thanks to: Lauri Graham, Gabriel Miller, Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by JeI Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Following the premiere of COVIDLAND on Medscape, the documentary film captured the attention of WebMD’s, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Whyte. Soon after, Whyte interviewed Dr. Panico about being in COVIDLAND, her experiences as a critical care physician, along with the wins and sacrifices, that continue on the front lines today.
Dr. Megan Panico spends nights and weekends caring for extreme COVID- 19 cases. In doing so, she also sacrifices urgent family needs and time with her daughter. But for those on the front lines, within the most complicated health crisis of our time, there is no choice.
On behalf of the cast and crew of COVIDLAND, we would like to thank Dr. Whyte, for producing this segment and engaging interview. COVIDLAND was created through a unique collaboration between, Jeffrey Teitler, Hartford HealthCare and Medscape.
COVIDLAND also features Brian Woffard, Sajjad S. Raza, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Brittany Wozniak, PA-C, Kalista Ruoff, PCA, Emily Conca, RN, Elvira Syed, RRT, Jennifer Cullinane, RN, BSN, Jared Incillo, RN, Kathryn LaFleur, PA-C Elizabeth Verhagen, APRN, AGACNP-BC, Miranda Bengtson, RN, BSN, Stephanie Wheeler, PA-C, Isabella Panico, David Rice, RRT, Jeremy Brothers, RN, Brittany Laurenza, RN, BSN, Christina Wood, RN and the entire ICU team at Hartford Hospital.
CREDITS
Special Thanks to: Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
Medscape, Hartford HealthCare and Envision Films /JeI Teitler. are pleased to announce the premiere of COVIDLAND: A Film About Survival and Hope in the ICU.
Dr. Megan Panico spends nights and weekends caring for extreme COVID- 19 cases. In doing so, she also sacrifices urgent family needs and time with her daughter. But for those on the front lines, within the most complicated health crisis of our time, there is no choice.
We are pleased the film is premiering on MEDSCAPE. COVIDLAND also features Brian Woffard, Sajjad S. Raza, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Brittany Wozniak, PA-C, Kalista Ruoff, PCA, Emily Conca, RN Elvira Syed, RRT, Jennifer Cullinane, RN, BSN, Jared Incillo, RN, Kathryn LaFleur, PA-C Elizabeth Verhagen, APRN, AGACNP-BC, Miranda Bengtson, RN, BSN, Stephanie Wheeler, PA-C
Isabella Panico, David Rice, RRT, Jeremy Brothers, RN, Brittany Laurenza, RN, BSN, Christina Wood, RN and the entire ICU team at Hartford Hospital.
CREDITS
Special Thanks to: Eugenia Yun, JeIrey Flaks, Rebecca Stewart, Nick Dethlefsen, Tina Varona, Hartford Hospital, Niamey Wilson, MD, FACS, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, Peter Knox, Ron Kowalczyk and Melissa Teitler
Stay tuned for additional Medscape premieres – Posted by Jeff Teitler – Director Envision Films, LLC
In the midst of the Coronavirus, Envision Films / JeIf Teitler set up several photo sessions to honor the stories of health providers during the 2020 pandemic. Immediately, profound moments of concern, poignancy and beauty emerged.
After introducing the project to Medscape, a leading online destination for healthcare professionals, it quickly evolved into a moving, personal and vulnerable media series from health providers on the front lines.
We are both pleased and honored that Medscape is publishing these pieces and recognizing the stories from those on the front lines. It is the perfect placement for their perspectives to be preserved and shared.
After producing a short film on Jay Bailkowski, a security supervisor at Hartford Hospital, who just spent 17 days clinging to life on a ventilator with COVID-19, his ICU physician, Dr. Megan Panico never gave up.
Their hopeful story of recovery, (seen above) was broadcast on NBC CT as it rapidly received over 31,000 views on Facebook. That’s when it was noticed by National Geographic’s science editor, Nsikan Aspen, who invited the story on their national podcast.
We are pleased to have collaborated with Hartford HealthCare to eIectively tell this story. We’re also thrilled it inspired National Geographic’s engagement, which told their story to nearly 200,000 individuals across the nation. That is the power of a story!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical practitioners and first responders documented their experiences with their phones. In an eIort to preserve their times, they allowed us to edit that footage into 8 mini episodes within the pandemic.
Click Image to View Clip
Today, we are pleased to announce, the Hartford Courant began publishing ON THE FRONT episodes.
Through partnership with The Hartford Courant, we are pleased the actions and stories of those on the front lines can be seen.
Unlike traditional lecture classes, film-students not only dream up ideas, they cast, rehearse, costume, explore and produce their thoughts into well-crafted films.
For CCSU Film student, Abe Azab, fighting for transgender rights – a topic he freely chose, was not just an idea, he went on an artistic process to realize his idea.
Today, we are so pleased to announce that Abe Azab has won a Jury Award from the Campus Movie Festival – the worlds largest student film festival, sponsored by the Walt Disney Company, Lumix and Goldman Sachs to name a few.
When you’re transgender, merely using the bathroom is a risk.” THE MEN’S ROOM – an intimate portrait on a need for privacy, dignity and respect.
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Professor of Communication
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In a new milestone, CCSU Film alumni and students produce with Grammy Award Winning Artist, Pharoahe Monch and Filmmaker/NYU Film professor, Tatjana Kretevski.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, GRAMMY ARTIST, PHAROAHE MONCH AND CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY?
With an unprecedented uptick in accolades and achievements over the last decade, CCSU Film students have been accepted to top tier film schools, are selected in film festivals, have been recognized by the United States Congressional Black Caucus, produce for ESPN, NESN, Luis Vuitton, commended by the Governor and the list goes on. But they are also connected to where it began…at CCSU.
In 2018, CCSU’s Film program wanted to test and re-invent our Studio Production curriculum. To do so, we called on CCSU Film alumni and current ESPN production artist, Joshua Therriault. Spending an entire summer developing and overhauling the way production could be taught, the pilot was so successful, it netted over 40 production contracts for our students and participating alumni.
Since that time, CCSU’s production team remains in close touch. So much so, that when CCSU Film Alumni Rashad Frett, a current MFA Film student at NYU reached out to Therriault to help produce Pharoahe Monch’s music video, Therriault knew what to do. He immediately sold the team on shooting in Bristol CT and engaged the producing students and alumni at CCSU. Knowing the skills they developed, the 3 day production directed by Kretevski, included, CCSU Alumni Arianna Thibodeau, steadicam operator, along with CCSU students, Courtney Rush, David Rawolle, Cody Charneski and Ricky Hamilton – all of which gained official credit in the music video. In fact, since the successful drop of Thirteen’s “Fight”, it has been featured in Rolling Stones magazine.
This work is yet another milestone in what a state university film program can do. Another music video in the works in the next few weeks, which will also use the CCSU pilot studio participants.
Posted by Jeff Teitler, Professor Central Connecticut State University
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Envision Films / Jeffrey Teitler in collaboration with F. Perry Wilson, MD MSCE, MEDSCAPE and Yale New Haven Hospital release a 9-minute editorial. MEDSCAPE DOCUMENTARY PUBLICATION
Entirely phone-shot, Wilson provides a visual, insightful and compassionate account on the front lines of COVID-19. Wilson, whose science communications can also be found in the Huffington Post, NPR, and his own editorial channels as well offers a rare glimpse into a COVID-19 ward.
Envision Films, LLC / Jeffrey B. Teitler and Hartford HealthCare agree to collaborate on 4 film-portraits. Noting the historical significance of the Corona Virus along with the heroic acts of healthcare providers, Hartford Health will feature a new tribute film on the front lines, every week this month.
In this first piece, a Hartford Health Care, Registered Nurse uses her phone to capture her morning routine. The Video received over 66,000 views on Facebook in its first week.
Jay Bialkowski, a 54-year-old Glastonbury man and security guard at Hartford Hospital, spent several weeks as a patient with COVID-19 at Hartford Hospital. The team never gave up hope. Megan Panico, MD, was part of that team and helped him get back to his family. This video was seen more than 40,000 times on social media
Keith Grant, APRN, Senior Director, Infection Prevention, shares why he has hope for the future and how safety is at the forefront of everything Hartford HealthCare does.
Several colleagues at Hartford HealthCare have been redeployed to serve on the frontline. They fearlessly face whatever comes their way to help those who need it most. Wherever you stand, we stand with you
Unapologetically, Filmmaking deals with human issues, characters and conditions. It is a complicated educational process, requiring technical, aesthetic and directorial instruction.
With an industry-endorsed curriculum and unprecedented student-outcomes, last year, politics and university power-plays engaged in an all-out assault on film education, workforce collaboration and academic freedom.These actions illogically hurt our students, diminished their curriculum, tossed out alumni-volunteers and cancelled our film mentorship programs. (We will have much to say and film about this in the future.).
But fighting for student-excellence has its rewards. Today, we are so pleased to announce another CCSU Film student milestone.After completing her second Film class, Mya S. Gray has been awarded a prestigious UNITED STATES CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP – 20/21.The scholarship is awarded to students who show “exemplarity potential or mastery of a visual art.”
These are the outcomes we fight for. They are achievable by all students, when proper processes, standards and qualified instructors are in-place.
IN HER OWN WORDS – FILM STUDENT, MYA SAREE’ GRAY
From a short film created in only my second film class, I ended up with a scholarship, the beginning of my skill and an experience that changed my life forever.
While I was taking my first film class at CCSU, I became pregnant. At that time, I also started getting hooked on filmmaking. I actually doubled up and produced two final projects in that first film class. As my pregnancy continued in my second film class, we learned new cameras, techniques and broadened our story telling abilities.It was challenging and I was pushed hard.
As a new filmmaker, I believe life’s experiences can fuel the creative process. I decided to create a story about the intimacy between a couple approaching the birth of their first child.I filmed and developed the same scenes twice a week for the entire 17-week semester.I filmed right up until the week I gave birth.
I practiced character motivations, lighting and camera control while being regularly mentored on improvements in my filmmaking.
In only two semesters, I developed an amazing result.So much so, the film I created won a visual arts scholarship from the United States Congressional Black Caucus for Fall 2020-Spring 2021 The experience and film education changed my life.
Blog by Mya S. Gray
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Professor of Communication
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CCSU Film student and 2020 graduate, Tyler Helmbrecht is on the brink of success…This is his story.
TYLER: In the early winter of 2019, I wanted to create a short film centering on my work at McDonald’s. To be honest, I had never dedicated enough time to my filmmaking as sticking to one project was difficult. While I always carried my camera, like most of us, I had strong mental blockades that I needed to break. It was also challenging to not get discouraged throughout the process. But don’t!
In my McDonald’s film, I wanted to highlight my experiences as an employee, which also included a McDonald’s scholarship for my CCSU education as a filmmaker. On March 4th, 2020, I completed the first draft. It was forty-eight seconds long, cheesy and simple. Later, I had completed a second draft, which still needed work.
That’s when the battle began. There were long pauses in between drafts, which were supported with deadline extensions and regular prods to continue from CCSU’s Film program. But the more I filmed, the better my style, quality and message improved. As I said before, the process was tough, but much of it was mental.
During my last semester at CCSU, Corona virus hit and classes were no longer live. Feedback from CCSU’s Film program continued. Slowly, I plowed through…and then, after about 10 drafts, it happened. I finished.
As I uploaded the final version on YouTube, I did not list it. Instead, I sent a private link to my general manager at McDonalds, who sent it to her manager. Six hours later the franchise owner called my personal cell phone while I was closing the store. Within 24 hours, so many people had shared the private link, that it had over 500 views. So, I made it public. In doing so, I’ve connected with industry professionals on LinkedIn and even exchanged emails with
the Senior Vice President of corporate McDonald’s – other higher ups as well. Because of this film, corporate McDonald’s connected me with their primary advertising firm and today, I am on my second interview for employment at that firm.
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Professor of Communication
Production and Performance Studies
Central Connecticut State University
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The IndieFEST Film Awards, recognized by IMDB and a top 100 reviewed film festival on Film Freeway, has awarded THE SWEETEST LAND a Humanitarian Award of Distinction. Each year IndieFEST bestows Humanitarian Awards to deserving filmmakers who are committed to making a difference through impactful filmmaking that highlights a critical need of our time while demonstrating exceptional filmmaking skill.
This Humanitarian Award honors filmmakers who bring awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice, Health and Wellness, combined with outstanding production techniques.
This is not an award that can be submitted for. Rather, selections are hand picked by the staff and judges from films received throughout the year.
On behalf of the cast and crew of THE SWEETEST LAND, we are honored for the recognition and thank the IndieFest Film Awards. We remain committed to advocacy efforts which focus on the highest quality, evidence-based prevention programs and strategies for youth and families in-need. Violence is preventable.
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.
Sand Diego Black Film Festival – The Sweetest Land, Directed by Jeffrey Teitler
We are honored to announce the SAN DIEGO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL has selected THE SWEETEST LAND. Founded in 2002, the San Diego Black Film Festival has grown to become one of the largest black film festivals in the country. THE SWEETEST LAND will screen on Saturday Feb 1st. For tickets and additional information CLICK HERE
In urban America, there are community promises made, triumphant political speeches performed and conditions, which rarely change. Yet when the gunshots sound and blood spills, who shows up?
From the midnight surgeons, to a community on the brink of hope and sacrifice, THE SWEETEST LAND investigates real stories of violence, prevention and change, where complacency can no longer be an option.