Category: Mental Health Documentary

Erasing Family (2020)

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Introduction

In North America, over 25 million parents are being erased from their children’s lives after divorce and separation.

The Erasing Family documentary follows young adults fighting to reunite with their broken families.

Outline

This documentary exposes the failure of family courts to keep children from being used as a weapon after separation. Courts decision ends up completely erasing one parent causing severe emotional trauma to children.

Psychologist refer to extreme cases as parental alienation which is a form of Child Psychological
Abuse.

Essentially brainwashing and manipulating children by one parent to hate or despise the other parent.

This results in severe psychological damage based on scientific findings, including depression, low self esteem, drug abuse, and being alienated from own children and suicide.

Family court reform is badly needed as this is preventable pandemic affecting over 20 million children in the United States.

Happy endings are possible! The film ends with children and parents being reunited on screen and will inspire other kids to reach out to #erased parents, siblings and grandparents.

The film will show how programmes that encourage mediation and shared parenting which will prevent future childhood trauma, making divorce and separation less costly both financially and emotionally.

Help

For those in the US, text HELP to (865)-4FAMILY between 8am-10pm ET to get emotional support if you are an erased kid or parent (not legal advice).

Find further information on the documentary @ https://erasingfamily.org/.

Production & Filming Details

  • Director(s): Ginger Gentile.
  • Producer(s):
    • Gabriel Balanovsky … producer.
    • Joe Barrow … associate producer.
    • Bernadette Bernstein … associate producer.
    • Elizabeth Bingham … associate producer.
    • Christina Campbell … associate producer.
    • Lisa Carle … associate producer.
    • Chad Cassiday … associate producer.
    • Chad Cassidy … associate producer.
    • Leslie Chambers … associate producer.
    • James Chance … associate producer.
    • Johanna Chua … associate producer.
    • Brian Conrad … associate producer.
    • Linda Conrad … associate producer.
    • Judy Cook … associate producer.
    • Frank DiMarco … associate producer.
    • Nancy Fein … associate producer.
    • Felicia Fox … associate producer.
    • Michael Fox … associate producer.
    • Jeffrey Gardere … co-producer.
    • Ginger Gentile … producer.
    • Christine Giancarlo … associate producer.
    • Jonathan Goodman … associate producer.
    • Joe Gorham … associate producer.
    • Michael Griffin … associate producer.
    • Kelly Gunn … associate producer.
    • Evie Hagist … associate producer.
    • Camilla Hall … producer.
    • Gail Hamilton … associate producer.
    • Lorne Hamilton … associate producer.
    • Emily Hastings … associate producer.
    • Helen Hazel … associate producer.
    • Uli Hesse … field producer.
    • Doug Hooks … associate producer.
    • Sandra Hooks … associate producer.
    • Henri Isenberg … associate producer.
    • Julie Janata … executive producer.
    • Michelle Jordan … associate producer.
    • Eddie Judge … associate producer.
    • Edward N. Judge … associate producer.
    • Tamra Judge … associate producer.
    • Brandy Koenig … associate producer.
    • Javier Lopez … associate producer.
    • Brian Ludmer … associate producer.
    • William B. Macomber … producer.
    • Denis McAteer … associate producer.
    • Kim McCord … associate producer.
    • Jeff Morgan … associate producer.
    • Erin O’Donnell … associate producer.
    • Margaret Olnek … associate producer.
    • Jennifer Peck … associate producer.
    • Jennifer Peters … associate producer.
    • Joseph Pietrafesa … associate producer.
    • Dorcy Pruter … associate producer.
    • Rebecca Reyes … line producer.
    • Don Saxton … associate producer.
    • Elvin N. Serrano … associate producer.
    • Robert Showers … associate producer.
    • Dave Slotter … associate producer.
    • Michelle Slotter … associate producer.
    • Krissy Smith … associate producer.
    • Joseph Sorge … associate producer.
    • Marah Strauch … executive producer.
    • Tamara Sweeney … associate producer.
    • David Tayani … associate producer.
    • Phillip Taylor … associate producer.
    • Tyler Thorne … associate producer.
    • Richard Tobin … associate producer.
    • Paul Trizonis … associate producer.
    • Kim Ully-McCord … associate producer.
    • Jodi Vest … associate producer.
    • Charles Anthony Ward … associate producer.
    • Carrie Weiss … associate producer.
    • Lila Yomtoob … line producer.
  • Writer(s): Blake Bruns (Voice Over Writer).
  • Music: Rafael Leloup.
  • Cinematography: Melanie Aronson, John Barnhardt, Jason Blalock, Ignacio Genzon, and Aimee Galicia Torres.
  • Editor(s): Sean Jarret.
  • Production:
  • Distributor(s): Glass House Distribution.
  • Release Date: 25 April 2020 (Internet).
  • Running Time: minutes.
  • Rating: Unknown.
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

Video Link

Dogs of War Reality TV Series Overview

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Introduction

Veterans struggling with PTSD are paired with service dogs as they undergo rehabilitation.

Outline

Man’s best friend is living up to its moniker in this docuseries. It presents stories of shelter dogs trained to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder re-acclimate to civilian life.

Each hourlong episode chronicles the rigorous process involved with pairing a vet with a service dog, an emotional journey whereby a suffering person and an abandoned dog come together to help each other.

Facilitating the unions is Paws and Stripes, the brainchild of Lindsey Stanek. Her husband, Jim – a retired US Army staff sergeant who served three tours in Iraq – suffered from severe PTSD before visits with a service dog helped him relax.

Inspired by his experience, and motivated by her love of dogs and country, Lindsey created the non-profit organisation that allows veterans to participate at no cost.

Dogs of War Series

The links take you to our sister website ‘MilitaryGogglebox.com’.

Production & Filming Details

  • Director(s):
    • Peter LoGreco … (2 episodes, 2014).
  • Producer(s):
    • Peter LoGreco … executive producer (5 episodes, 2014).
    • Kurt Schemper … supervising producer (5 episodes, 2014).
    • Ashley York … producer (5 episodes, 2014).
    • Erik Christensen … senior producer / Senior Producer / producer (4 episodes, 2014).
    • Joe Makdisi … associate story producer (4 episodes, 2014).
    • Ben Bloodwell … field producer (2 episodes, 2014).
    • Sandra C. Alvarez … producer (1 episode, 2014).
    • Joel Nassan … field producer (1 episode, 2014).
    • Christopher Burke … executive producer (unknown episodes).
    • Jared Cotton … executive producer (unknown episodes).
    • Steve Stockman … executive producer (unknown episodes).
  • Writer(s):
  • Music:
    • Christian Lundberg … (5 episodes, 2014).
  • Cinematography:
    • Ben Bloodwell … (4 episodes, 2014).
  • Editor(s):
    • Erik Christensen … (5 episodes, 2014).
    • Doyle Esch … (3 episodes, 2014).
  • Production: Custom Productions and Redtail Media.
  • Distributor(s): A+E Networks.
  • Release Date: 11 November 2014 to 07 December 2014.
  • Running Time: 60 minutes.
  • Rating: PG.
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

Video Link

A Brilliant Madness (2002)

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

A science documentary hosted by Liev Schreiber, published by PBS in 2002 with English narration.

Part of the American Experience series.

Outline

John Nash, often called one of the most remarkable mathematicians in history, tells his version of the strange, tragic and inspiring events that took him from genius to immobilising illness to the Nobel Prize.

Suffering a devastating breakdown at the age of 30 and later diagnosed with schizophrenia, Nash was the focus of the 2001 Oscar-winning film ‘A Beautiful Mind‘.

Production & Filming Details

  • Director(s): Marks Samuels.
  • Producer(s):
    • Margaret Drain … executive producer.
    • Sharon Grimberg … series editor.
    • Randall MacLowry … producer.
    • Melissa Martin … associate producer.
    • Susan Mottau … coordinating producer.
    • Mark Samels … senior producer.
    • Greg Shea … post production producer.
  • Writer(s): Marks Samuels and Randall MacLowery.
  • Music: Tom Philips.
  • Cinematography: Peter Donahue.
  • Editor(s): Karen Schmeer.
  • Production:
    • WGBH Educational Foundation.
    • WGBH.
    • Yellow Jersey Films (as A Yellow Jersey Films Production for American Experience).
  • Distributor(s): PBS.
  • Release Date: 28 April 2002.
  • Running Time:
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

Video Link

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E06

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

A lifetime of animosity between Dominick and Ray spills over in public at an inopportune time.

After an unexpected tragedy, Dominick seeks reconciliation with those he has hurt.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 14 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E05

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Upon learning details of his Sicilian grandfather’s arrival in the 1900s Dominick, becomes convinced his family is cursed.

A startling update on Thomas from an unlikely source prompts Dominick to take drastic action.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 07 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E04

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Despite the protestations of those closest to him, Dominick returns to work before fully recovering from his accident.

Heavily medicated, Dominick recalls the disturbing incident that lead to Thomas’s first hospitalisation.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 31 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E03

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Sheffer preps Dominick for a pivotal hearing with Hatch’s review board that could decide Thomas’ fate.

A chance encounter with an old classmate brings painful childhood memories to the surface.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 24 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E02

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Tensions rise between Dominick Joy as the media takes an interest in Thomas’s case.

In an attempt to have Thomas released from Hatch Forensic Institute, Dominick learns that helping his brother may be more difficult than expected.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 17 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4KBGydqlVk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU9bL9JnCvU

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E01

Published on by Andrew Marshall1 Comment

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

After paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Birdsey has a violent public breakdown, Dominick Birdsey finds himself stepping up to defend his identical twin brother in unexpected ways.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True TV Series Overview

Published on by Andrew Marshall6 Comments

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Middle-aged Dominick Birdsey recounts his troubled relationship with Thomas, his paranoid schizophrenic twin brother, and his efforts to get him released from an asylum.

Cast

  • Main:
    • Mark Ruffalo as Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Melissa Leo as Ma, Dominick and Thomas’ mother. It is later revealed her full name is Concettina Ipolita Tempesta Birdsey.
    • John Procaccino as Ray Birdsey, Dominick and Thomas’ stepfather
    • Rob Huebel as Leo[3], Dominick’s best friend.
    • Michael Greyeyes as Ralph Drinkwater, a former classmate from Dominick and Thomas’ youth whose life intersects once again with Dominick.
    • Gabe Fazio as Shawn Tudesco, a weightlifter down at hard-bodies. Fazio also played Dominick and Thomas Birdsey as a stand-in for scenes where both of them would appear.
    • Juliette Lewis as Nedra Frank, a self-absorbed grad student hired by Dominick.
    • Kathryn Hahn as Dessa Constantine, Dominick’s ex-wife.
    • Rosie O’Donnell as Lisa Sheffer, a social worker for unit two at the Hatch Forensic Institute.
    • Imogen Poots as Joy Hanks, Dominick’s live-in girlfriend.
    • Archie Panjabi as Dr. Patel, Thomas’ newly appointed psychologist.
    • Philip Ettinger as Young Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Aisling Franciosi as Young Dessa
    • Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Hume.
    • Marcello Fonte as Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ maternal grandfather from Sicily.
    • Harris Yulin as Father LaVie.
  • Recurring:
    • Donnie Masihi as 8-Year Old Dominick Birdsey.
    • Rocco Masihi as 8-Year Old Thomas Birdsey.
    • Joseph Ragno as Henrey Rood.
    • Laura Esterman as Ruth Rood.
    • Annie Fitzgerald as Miss Hanker.
    • Irene Muscara as Prosperine Tucci (“The Monkey”), Ignazia’s best friend and lover, loathed by Domenico Tempesta.
    • Matt Helm as Young Leo.
    • Agatha Nowicki as Angie Constantine, Dessa’s sister.
    • Tatanka Means as Nabby Drinkwater.
    • Achakos Johnson as Penny Ann Drinkwater.
  • Guest:
    • Brian Goodman as Al (“One”).
    • Guillermo Diaz as Sergeant Mercado (“One”).
    • Laura Silverman as Kristin (“One”).
    • Joe Grifasi as Steve Falice (“Four”).
    • Felix Solis as Nurse (“Four”).
    • Sue Jean Kim as Dr. Yup (“Four”).
    • Roberta Rigano as Ignazia Tucci Tempesta (Violetta d’Annunzio), Dominick’s grandmother from Pescara. (“Five”).
    • Simone Coppo as Vincenzo Tempesta, youngest brother of Domenico Tempesta. (“Five”).
    • Zaria Degenhardt as Concettina Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ mother as a young girl (“Six”).

Trivia

  • In June 1998, it was announced that 20th Century Fox had acquired film rights to I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb, with Clinica Estetico producing, and Jonathan Demme potentially directing.
    • In July 2000, it was announced Matt Damon would star in the film, with Jim Sheridan directing from a screenplay by Richard Friedenberg.
    • In July 2004, it was announced Gina Prince-Bythewood would direct and re-write the film.
    • The film rights expired and reverted back to Lamb, who thought the novel would be better adapted into a miniseries rather than a film. Being a fan of Mark Ruffalo’s work, Lamb suggested Ruffalo should play the role of the twins.
    • Ruffalo was sent the book and wrote an e-mail to Lamb confessing his love for the novel, stating he definitely wanted to be involved.
  • Ruffalo had been interested in working with Derek Cianfrance, and reached out to see if Cianfrance would be interested in directing and writing the series.
    • Lamb told Cianfrance and Ruffalo to make the material their own, and did not ask to see the scripts.
    • In October 2017, it was announced HBO would produce and distribute the series, with Ruffalo starring and executive producing, Cianfrance directing writing, executive-producing alongside Lamb, with FilmNation Entertainment producing the series.
    • In October 2018, the series was greenlit.
  • Ruffalo first shot all of his scenes as Dominick, requiring him to lose 15 lb (6.8 kg).
    • After finishing his scenes as Dominick, Ruffalo took a six-week break to gain 30 lb (14 kg) and then shoot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Gabe Fazio portrayed the roles of both Dominick and Thomas.
    • He is the same height as Ruffalo and lost thirty pounds to play Dominick when Ruffalo shot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Production concluded in October 2019.
  • The members of the Psychiatric Security Review Board in Episode 4 are played by some local officials in Dutchess County, New York, where most of the series was filmed: State Senator Sue Serino, sheriff Butch Anderson, and his wife Danielle, president of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie.
  • Principal photography began in April 2019, in New York’s Hudson Valley.
    • On 09 May 2019 a fire erupted on the set of the series at a used car dealership in Ellenville.
    • The building, film equipment and 20 vintage cars were destroyed.
    • There were no injuries but it put filming on hold.

I Know This Much Is True Series

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020 to 14 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.