Recovering Community
Recovering Community
This film focuses on the heartfelt stories of people with histories of addiction. As we explore the link between childhood trauma and substance use, we hope to instigate missing conversations in our communities. Why are so many people losing their lives, what are the root causes and what can we do?
This film focuses on the heartfelt stories of people with histories of addiction. As we explore the link between childhood trauma and substance use, we hope to instigate missing conversations in our communities. Why are so many people losing their lives, what are the root causes and what can we do?
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Story
Inclusion Statement
The film is produced by a female team dedicated to helping those effected by addiction. The participants featured cross all age, class, race, gender, sexuality and religious lines. These personal stories show that addiction does not discriminate and why it is so important to change the narrative.About The Project
“Recovering Community,” is an in-production documentary film produced by Hope Payson and Tory Estern Jadow of RC Productions, focusing on the undeniable correlation between childhood trauma and drug and alcohol addiction. While the Northwest Corner of Connecticut may seem, to some, a pocket of great beauty and tranquility, our communities are affected and devastated by addiction problems like the rest of the country. Our film focuses on the specific and heartfelt stories of people with histories of trauma and addiction, seen in different stages of recovery.
Our goal as filmmakers is to instigate critical “missing conversations” in our communities: Why are so many people losing their lives to addiction? What are its root causes? Lastly, what can we, in our towns and cities, do to help transform stigma and isolation into compassion and connection?
Through interviews and supplementary footage, the viewer is offered a unique window into the hardships and triumphs of an often marginalized, misunderstood, and stigmatized population. Additional footage will include commentary by notable experts in the addiction field, as well as current news and media coverage. The ultimate goal is to create a visually engaging and emotionally accessible film that promotes lasting solutions to this rapidly growing epidemic.
While we hope for a theatrical release, our film will be submitted to festivals around the country, as well as to a wide range of content providers on television and on the internet. Additionally, the film will serve as a valuable tool to support persons in early recovery in numerous settings, such as: addiction treatment centers, prisons, community mental health centers and schools. The film will also be an educational resource for treatment providers, the general public, and policy makers.
Please consider supporting our efforts in the making of this important and timely documentary by donating to our campaign.
Thank you.
Incentives
$10
Supporters
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page!
$25
Friends
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete!
$50
Champions
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website!
$100
Partners
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution!
$250
Patrons
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening!
$500
Director's Circle
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime and get to know one of the participants from the movie (your choice)!
$1,000
Benefactors
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to have dessert or coffee with one of the participants from the movie (your choice)!
Based on location and availability.
$2,000
The Chairman
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming!
$2,500
Associate Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming, PLUS an Associate Producer credit listing on IMDB!
$5,000
Co - Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contributionin our Special Thanks section, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming, PLUS a Co-Producer credit listing on IMDB!
$10,000
Executive Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution in our Special Thanks section, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS an Executive Producer Credit listing on IMDB, the opportunity to be on set during filming, and weekly personal updates during the production phase of the film!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Supporters
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page!
$25
Friends
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete!
$50
Champions
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website!
$100
Partners
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution!
$250
Patrons
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening!
$500
Director's Circle
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime and get to know one of the participants from the movie (your choice)!
$1,000
Benefactors
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to have dessert or coffee with one of the participants from the movie (your choice)!
Based on location and availability.
$2,000
The Chairman
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming!
$2,500
Associate Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming, PLUS an Associate Producer credit listing on IMDB!
$5,000
Co - Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contributionin our Special Thanks section, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS the chance to phone, Skype or Facetime one of the participants from the movie (your choice!), PLUS come to set for a day of filming, PLUS a Co-Producer credit listing on IMDB!
$10,000
Executive Producer
Receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, PLUS our unending thanks, PLUS a shout out on our Recovering Community Facebook Page, PLUS receive an early download of Recovering Community when it is complete, PLUS a credit in our Contributors section on our website, PLUS see your name on the big screen in the end credits as we acknowledge your contribution in our Special Thanks section, PLUS an invitation to a private screening to celebrate the opening, PLUS an Executive Producer Credit listing on IMDB, the opportunity to be on set during filming, and weekly personal updates during the production phase of the film!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Co-producer Hope Payson, LCSW, LADC is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Alcohol and Drug Counselor who specializes in the treatment of addiction and trauma. She has over 20 years of experience working in community mental health in the following capacities: director of a supportive housing program for domestic violence survivors, coordinator of an assertive community treatment team and originator of a homeless outreach program that included on-site assessment, treatment placement and long term follow up for clients with histories of addiction and trauma.
Hope was the Clinical Director for EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program for seven years, where the organizational mission included assuring underserved communities gain increased access to evidence based trauma treatment. She remains an active volunteer with this organization.
Hope currently coordinates a private practice in Winsted, CT and offers consultation services to other clinicians working in private and community settings, and provides training on issues related to addiction, recovery and trauma treatment. Hope Payson also identifies as a trauma survivor in long term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. She lives a peaceful life in the northwest corner of Connecticut and works tirelessly to assure that people with histories of trauma, neglect, or oppression gain access to their own version of a good life.
Co-producer Tory Estern Jadow, a 20-year veteran of the New York City film industry, worked as a lighting designer on shows such as Saturday Night Live andSesame Street, as well as countless feature films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Tory’s short narrative film, The Fall, was a prize winner at the ’88 Suffolk County Film Festival.
After moving to the northwest corner of Connecticut to raise a family, Tory founded the Indian Mountain School film program, of which she was the department chair from 2006 to 2014.
During that time, Tory supervised the making of over 45 student short films and introduced hundreds of students to the art and craft of filmmaking. In addition to teaching film at IMS, Tory regularly produced and shot videos for the school website for the purpose of marketing, alumni development, and fundraising. Of particular note, she created two successful video marketing campaigns, Student Voices and Teacher Voices, for Indian Mountain’s admissions department.
A freelancer once again, Tory works as a director, cinematographer, and editor. Recent projects include a music video for the Harlem Line Band, a documentary for the Salisbury Historical Association, and a promotional video for Fusion Sports Performance in New York City. Currently, she is editing a documentary for Cotton-Hussey Films on the artist Roy Lichtenstein. She is also co-founder of RC Productions and is directing and co-producing RCP’s inaugural project, Recovering Community, on the root causes of drug-addiction and the transformative power of recovery.
Tory received her BA from Wesleyan University, and her MFA from Bennington College. She lives in West Cornwall, CT with her two teenage children and her Black Labrador, Pearl.
Marina Kotchoubey, Marketing and Community Manager is an experienced marketing and project manger with a diverse portfolio. Originally from New York City and Cornwall, CT, Marina began her career in Paris, France where she managed an e-commerce platform and digital marketing for a major retail brand. Recently, Marina returned to her beloved Northwest Corner, CT and is a freelance marketing, social media and e-commerce manager. She is beyond excited to work on this important project, as she feels passionately about the subject matter and believes that this film can help to bring about real discussion and change, not only to the area, but accross the United States. Marina has a B.A. from Colby College in Waterville, ME.Evan Estern is a cinematographer and videographer (who also happens to be Tory's brother) with a broad background in film and digital media. He has shot numerous documentary films and commercial projects in the US and abroad. His areas of special interest include: Documentary, Travel and Adventure Storytelling, TV and Web Commercials featuring real people, marine and underwater cinematography. Evan received a B.A. from Oberlin College and an M.F.A from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. He is excited to be part of this important project.Director of Development Edie Dao Schechter spent her early career in sales and marketing in both the retail and wholesale business. Later, she spent 10 years as a partner at Parallel Capital in commercial real estate in New York City. Over the last 20 years Edie has worked for various non profit organizations in both New York City and Salisbury, CT. Since becoming a full time resident of Salisbury, she has served on the boards of Tri Arts (now The Sharon Playhouse), the Indian Mountain School, and the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service. We are thrilled to have Edie on board the RC production team. Business acumen combined with extensive non profit experience, Edie’s skillset will be invaluable as the fundraising effort continues and Recovering Community moves forward into production.Edie received her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a Masters in Business Administration from New York University.Professional photographer John Gruen lives in Lakeville, Connecticut, with his 14 year old son, Ben. John studied film in college in Washington DC, graduating from American University with a degree in Visual Media. Moving to New York to pursue work in the film industry, John enrolled at the School of Visual Arts, studying film and photography, and working as an assistant for some of the top fashion photographers in New York. “The ones I most admired were the ones that used mostly natural light, and had a knack for letting the moment happen in front of them as if it were a movie.” With that influence John built a portfolio and went to Milan for the next two years. “The muted colors, patina of the walls, and cobblestone streets were great locations to shoot pictures.” Returning to the US, John settled in Seattle and for the next five years shot fashion advertising for a major department store. Traveling frequently to shoot on location, he photographed the landscape around him, finding beauty in the inanimate as well as the animate. Ultimately returning to New York City, John quickly earned a reputation for his intimate, serene, and honest imagery. “The medium may change but everything I’ve learned about light, composition, and capturing a sense of the story in the moment is the same whether shooting stills or digital video.” Today John’s work is featured in numerous books and magazines, as well as in the documentary, Recovering Community. John reports that he’s proud to be a member of the RC camera team, and to serve as the production’s official still photographer. “Working on a project that has the potential to help people live more fulfilling lives makes my life more fulfilling too.”
Production Intern Charlotte Giraudet is a 21 year old McGill University student double majoring in psychology and theatre, and living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From an early age, Charlotte knew she wanted to work with people and found something that interlocks her love of art and science, so she is now striving to become a creative arts therapist. In addition to noticing the benefit that art has on children and adults with disabilities and mental illness, Charlotte has herself gained insight, clarity, and peace through theatre. From researching trauma and trauma outcomes for different characters in theatre, she has a brief and informal background; through working on this documentary she is looking forward to having an even better understanding of how trauma can manifest in addiction-related behaviours and how personal that manifestation is. Charlotte is so honoured to be part of this project and is excited to be a part of this new conversation about trauma and addiction.
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