Through Their Eyes (2010) - The screenplay was written by Peers graduate Margaret Welch. Margaret was also the chief camera person. This story follows the lives of three people who are dealing with the sometime tragic consequences of dating and domestic violence. This is a new issue for Peers and everyone was motivated to do it justice. This was the finest cast we have ever worked with.
The Nothingness Company (2008) - The screenplay was written by Peers graduate and graduate of SUNY Purchase, Samantha Sklaar and directed by another former Peers member, Jeremy Redleaf. The story follows the lives of three high school seniors and how each girl's decisions affects their life and those around them. The camera work was done by Margaret Welch. Asked to make the show have the look of popular TV series "Friday Night Lights" Margaret, under the direction of our Technical Advisor and Director of Photography, Edward Catapano, nailed it! "The Nothingness Company" recently was awarded a Gold Aurora Award.
Pure Choice (2007) - This project was written, filmed, directed and edited by a very talented New Zealand film student, Reece Baker. Pure Choice addresses the disastrous effects of Methamphetamine use on a young man and his family. Reece was the recipiant of "Most Promising Young Filmmaker" Recognition by the Action/Cut Short Film Competition for this effort.
Nod and Smile (2006) - In response to calls for better education and information in the wake of the recent series of student suicides at New York University, Alex Rivera, an NYU film student, has proposed a video production addressing those issues. As a participant in Peers as a high school student, Rivera felt the highly effective student-to-student approach used in Peers programs would be an ideal medium for this topic. Rivera and his fellow students from NYU renowned Tisch School of the Arts, wrote, produced, edited and appeared in the production. They probed the reasons for and responses to college student signs of depression and campus suicides.
A Perfect Senior Year (2005) - The winner of the 2006 Houston Film Festival Silver Remi Award. This story was written by Jesse, a junior at Putnam Valley High School in 2004. It was based upon an actual incident that occurred in a local community. The story looks at Mike, the main character, whose choices and actions have tragic consequences. Through the intercession of the family priest he comes to grips with his responsibilities. This is our longest drama lasting 40 minutes. First aired on "Peers Influence Peers XI", April 2005. Anthony J. Cassio wrote the musical score. Webcast available at SAMHSA National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information..
My Name is Amber (2003) - The winner of the 2004 Houston Film Festival Gold Remi Award. Ray Roy and Ryan Crimmins wrote the screenplay for this 30-minute drama. The self-centered Amber finds her life crashing around her due the tragic death of her boyfriend, Jonah. Again, the intervention of good friends leads Amber to seek professional help. The program deals with the signs of depression in teens and how to recognize them. Much research went into this effort to assure an accurate portrayal. Special thanks to Josh Heller of Next Millennium for his technical assistance and to Mike Lee and Tony Disera who wrote the musical score. First aired on "Peers Influence Peers IX", April 2003.
I'll Be Your Shelter (2001) - The winner of the 2002 Houston Film Festival Silver Remi Award. The title of this thirty-minute drama is the title of an original song written and performed by one of the most talented members that Peers Partnership ever had, Ray Roy. Jeremy Redleaf, an incredible talent in his own right and a most important member assisted Ray vocally for the title track. The story treats the breakdown of a family due to an impending divorce and the effects on young Eric. Through the intercession of friends he seeks counseling. Gerry Micera wrote the musical score. First aired on "Peers Influence Peers VII", April 2001.
Just One Night (2000) - Our first thirty minute drama was the winner of the 2001 Houston Film Festival Silver Remi Award. "Just One Night" was inspired by an actual event. It shows the possible consequences to family and friends of just one bad decision made one fateful night. The script was organized by screenwriter Randy Easterbrook and the students wrote the dialogue. Much was improved at the time of shooting. The powerful performances of the students and adults make this an especially moving drama. We shot the majority of this during winter break with cast and crew putting in over 100 hours of work that week. Special thanks goes to Brook Jones who as our technical advisor helped to mold our student production crew into a real professional unit. Thanks must also be given to our director's wife, Caroline Heller, who played the role of the mother in such a powerful way and to Ryan Odell wrote who the powerfull musical score. First aired on "Peers Influence Peers VI", April 2000.