Hourglass

"Emotion and Pain: Understanding Self-Injury" is a compelling and in-depth look at the phenomenon of "cutting", a disorder whereby people harm themselves to relieve stress from abuse, trauma, and other unmanageable emotions. Though the majority of sufferers are women, millions of people throughout the world cut themselves to feel some control over their lives.

Recently, a number of celebrities have come forward about their own struggles with self-injury. Given the growing amount of attention paid to the subject by the popular media and the medical community, Hourglass presents a film that demystifies this largely misunderstood disorder and encourages those suffering to seek help.

The film features personal stories and interviews with cutters and their families. In addition, insight and commentary are provided throughout the film by Dr. Wendy Lader and Karen Conterio, founders of the unique and groundbreaking S.A.F.E. Alternatives treatment center for self-injurers.

This film is intended to help aide both sufferers and supporters in dealing with this disorder. Ultimately, the main goal is to encourage self-injurers to receive treatment for a hopeful future.”

"Emotion and Pain: Understanding Self-Injury" was a Telly Award finalist for documentary in 2002.

Beyond the Looking Glass begins: “It’s how you feel about who you are.” The film was produced with teenagers and their parents in mind. It features candid commentary on the subject of body image and self esteem.

It hits upon such topics as Looks, Your Body, Media, Gender, Love, Feeling Connected, Role Models, Empowerment, and Uniqueness. The film gives a comprehensive overview of the elements that make up a person’s self-esteem.

To guide the audience through these sometimes overwhelming topics, the film relies on the knowledge of Dr. Rita Freedman, a clinical psychologist and author, Educator Patricia DeBarbieri and Plus-size model, Carolyn Strauss.

Beyond the Looking Glass won the Award of Excellence from the Society of Technical Communication and recieved a 4-Star rating from Video Rating Guide for Libraries.

When Food Becomes an Obsession is recommended nationally by the Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention (EDAP). It is highly regarded and has been presented by the American Anorexia Bulimia Association (AABA).

The film features Emma, a charming and attractive 17 year-old recovering anorexic, and her parents. Emma talks openly and sincerely about her struggle with anorexia. While Emma’s parents grew more and more concerned about her rapid weight loss, others praised her for her dedication to her slim body.

"When Food Becomes an Obsession" also features insight from Susanna Feder, a recovered bulimic who is now a psychologist and counselor specializing in eating disorders. Doctor Diane W. Mickley, M.D., F.A.C.P., Director of the Wilkins Center for Eating Disorders, is interviewed and details the medical and psychological aspects of this affliction.

The film received a Bronze Award at the 43rd Columbus Film Festival. Booklist Magazine said of the video, “Neither preachy nor overly dramatic, this impressive program slowly commands attention with its fine mix of visuals, interviews and commentary.”

"When Food Becomes an Obsession" was shot in Betacam SP and includes a stylized “B” roll shot in black and white Super 8 film.

Nothing is more overwhelming than suddenly facing the reality of death. Dealing with the passing of a family member, friend or school acquaintance can be devastating for young people. Many adolescents resist the concept that grief is a normal or necessary emotion.

This video is a resource with information that will teach audiences that death and grieving are natural, inevitable and manageable parts of life. To order a copy or download go to http://www.timelytv.com/sales The producer worked closely with Friends in Deed, an organization which is dedicated to and excels at grief and loss counseling and support. Friends in Deed was the New York City-appointed grieving organization for 9/11. With the help of Friends In Deed, the film's director, Eric Marciano, identified key elements of the grieving process, found teenagers who articulated their loss, and reknowned experts willing to share their knowledge. While the film is emotionally compelling, it is neither melodramatic nor sentimental. Instead, it explores and demonstrates that while grief can be overwhelming and can't be ignored or The film includes powerful and poignant interviews with grieving expert Earl Grollman ("Straight Talk About Death and Bereavement") and Robert Ludwig, Head of the Children's Grief Center at Long Island College in Brooklyn, New York. Social worker Andrea Freshman and the students from Edward Murrow High School also share their personal and intimate experiences with this subject.

"When Someone Dies: Understanding Grief " offer viewers a sense of confidence so that they can move on with their lives after suffering a personal loss. When Someone Dies: Understanding Grief is the first of a three-part series. Two new parts will focus on children and adult's experiences.

The road to adulthood is filled with ups and downs. Most adolescents sustain only minor scrapes along the way while others spiral out of control. Part of this problem is that across this planet 7% of all adolescents suffer from Major Depressive Disorder.

In an attempt to help and inform those who suffer from this disorder American Montage Inc has partnered with teens suffering from depression and those on the frontlines of fighting it have come together to create the latest in the series Growth Under Pressure: Teenage Depression.

This film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of our four teens dealing with depression. This is intertwined with advice from two experienced mental health professionals : Dr Moira Rynn, an Associate Psychiatrist at Columbia University and Ernest P.S Smith, a Psychoanalyst based in New York City, who also counsels troubled youth. Through intimate insight from our protagonists this film will help to understand and identify the early symptoms and possible roots causes.

Ultimately encouraging those who struggle with it to get help, while providing others with constructive coping mechanisms for the future.

Artificial Athletes is Hourglass Productions' second film on the subject of performance-enhancing drugs. Their first documentary on the subject, "Anabolic Steroids: Quest for Superman," was called "the best drug-prevention film ever made" by the FBI. A copy was ordered for every FBI field office.

That program met with numerous accolades, winning a Silver Cindy and a New York Film and Video Festival award. It also received the highest rating from the Video Rating Guide for Libraries.

"Artificial Athletes" updates this controversial subject in a powerful and informitive manner. The program features a number of insightful interviews: Dr. Charles Yesalis, one of the world’s foremost authorities on sports enhancement drugs; Pat Connolly, who coached Olympic Gold Medallist sprinter Evelyn Ashford, NFL Pro Bowl offensive lineman Steve Courson; World-Class body builder Steve Mihalik; and NY Islanders’ team physician Dr. Anthony Maddallo. Perhaps the most compelling participant is Blaine Keys, the father of a teen who committed suicide under the influence of steroids. His emotional account is a powerful and clear warning about steroids abuse.

Hourglass Production’s latest film takes the school bully by the horns! This essential program was designed for young viewers to demystify their school and peer environment.

Interviews with teenagers, dramatic scenarios, and expert advice, all contribute to give young adolescents the tools to deal with bullying situations.

Dr. Michael Thompson, Ph. D. co-author of the New York Times best seller “Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys” and “Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children,” says that “Bullying: You Don’t Have to Take it Anymore” will “encourage and support those children who want to do something to stop bullying-- and that is the vast majority of children.”