Return to the Film Interview and Overview

Reposted from http://c4lchaseteam.blogspot.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013

New film touches crew before it is finished

Video Link     http://www.chasing4life.org/reach4thelight

When amateur filmmaker Ted Fillhart was asked to shoot a video on the effects of responder stress, he had no idea it would change his life.

“This film should change the way all of us look at our responders”, explained Fillhart.  It is not until you find yourself in their world that you realize how much they really sacrifice for each of us!”

“I always had an admiration of first responders. While filming "Return to the Station" my eyes were opened to a whole new world and now have a better understanding of what the men and women who are first responders go through”, said Fillhart. “ I spent some time at the Transformations Treatment Center too and it is an incredible place where these people can get help, support and take back their lives.”

The film Fillhart was to film was a unique 10 minute music video that portrays the life of one firefighter who collapses under the weight and horrors of his job.  The film, written by C4L & Associates founder Eddy Weiss shows one year in the life of a firefighter as he struggles with the pressures of his job, reaches rock bottom and then is picked up by those closest to him.  After undergoing treatment, the firefighter returns to the station.

The main character of the film is played by Weiss who shared, “Over and over we see these scenarios amongst responders but rarely do we get to see the whole progression and a solution all in 10 minutes. The purpose of this film was to create awareness amongst responders and those in their lives; to bring them hope.”

The “hope” Weiss refers to is the ending of the film when the main characters wife (played by Brittani Clarkson) calls the 1^st Responder Treatment Center in Southeastern Florida.  1^st Responder Treatment Founder Mark Lamplugh (who plays himself in the film) hopes that the film showsthat the job of a firefighter is demanding and tough

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“The nature of the job makes it very easy for a firefighter to turn to drugs an alcohol,” Lamplugh explained.  “the film shows how hard it can be on the marriage as well. The whole worlds of a responder is incredibly demanding and not everyone copes with it the same.”

Lamplugh hopes that everyone walks away from viewing the film will understand there is a way out and that “…home life and work life can be normal again”.

Return To The Station is just the first of a series of short films Lamplugh plans to release in the next year.  Plans are underway to film again in early 2014.

According to Weiss, the trailer for Return To The Station has received amazing reviews and already the responder community has rallied behind the project.

“People are used to a three minute music video or a two hour movie,” said Weiss. “Return To The Station is a full two years crammed in 10 minutes. It was a difficult task to pull that off but people are responding to it very well.”

Fillhart summed up the film with this statement: “Unless you are actually inside a blazing fire, risking your life, or taking part of a dangerous situation you really don't know what it is like to be under that type of pressure.  However, I got a close glimpse of what goes on mentally and physically as I worked on this project by filming the scenes and watching hours of real life unedited helmet cam video footage.  Seeing first hand through the eyes of a firefighter really changed my perspective on what goes on in their lives and how it can affect their personal lives and health.”

“I hope people see the reality of what first responders go through.  Many times those first responders struggle with the sense they can't control their own personal issues because what they do for a job is so dependent in helping others.” 

Watch RETURN TO THE STATION by CLICKING HERE

You can find out more about the film at www.Reach4TheLight.com 

Music from the film was made possible by artists such as Kole Kruger, EverLife and Brian Houston. Soundtracks from the film can be downloaded on the Reach4TheLight website. 

House Concert with Ted!

Now booking "The Living Room" series!  An intimate singer/songwriter concert brought to your home or place of worship!  
Click here to learn more!

What could be better than a Christian Concert for you and your friends in the comfort of your home?

It's so affordable and there is not much you have to do except invite people to your house.  It could even be part of a Bible study, a celebration or just a time of worship and fellowship with the people you care about.

Here’s how a house concert works. You and Ted will set a date for the concert, which will be played at your house, your living room, or even your backyard. You send an invite to friends, family and neighbors.  Less than 50 guests would be ideal.  Then decide if the event will include beverages, light snacks, desserts, or have your guests bring their favorite dish to share.  You should also suggest in your invitation a donation of $10 per person or $15 per couple.  Of course, this is your event, you set the donation amount.  Finally, Ted will need a place for his CDs to be displayed for those who may wish to purchase them.

That's it!

You then just sit back and enjoy the music, the stories and scriptures behind the songs.  All this in the company of friends and family enjoying great night of fun, uplifting and encouraging Christian music.

A typical house concert usually consists of two 30-40 minute sets of music with an intermission in between, or can run straight through for about an hour.  Ted has all the equipment needed for a backyard event or the intimacy of a living room concert.  Ted's house concerts have a singer songwriter feel to it.  Much like the way the songs were written before recorded and produced.  Ted also prefers to bring along an acoustic guitarist to perform and share the evening with.  

Do want to learn more about House Concerts?  The following websites would be helpful in answering some questions you may have.
No set rules you have to follow! 
It's your place, your event - you set the rules :)

                    http://www.jodykessler.com/houseconcerts.html

                    http://www.houseconcerts.us/resources.html

               Email Ted today and let's plan a House Concert together!

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

This Blog was written by my good friend, Eddy Weiss. After reading it I felt compelled to re-Blog it so his message to reach more people. Please read on.
Thanks,
Ted

Despite my busy schedule, I can sometimes steal a moment or two to just stop and observe my children. These brief moments are filled with amazement, joy and yes, fear. I love to watch my little ones as they discover new things, try new foods, experience new sights or surroundings. The wonderment in their eyes and the concentration they apply to the learning process is amazing to me.

The fear stems from what I know of the world in which we live. While my daughter seems enthralled with the amusement of an iPad and the magic of a touch screen, she is also drawn to the street and its traffic, to the top of our stairs and to climbing a ladder left unattended by her brothers. The fear that grips me at times is because I know that the human mind is made for discovery and while my little daughter will discover many wonderful things in her life, she will also discover the ugliness of the world. She will meet hateful people, she will fall and get hurt, she will learn that trust is not always the best option. Hopefully she will not fall from that ladder, fall down the stairs or walk into traffic.

Watching the heroics of the last 24 hours in Oklahoma is beyond heartwarming as once again the American Spirit has risen above the debris piles and real-life heroes are standing in Moore, Oklahoma. Tears filled my eyes as I listened to the interviews of these outstanding individuals, watched firefighters crawl through piles to rescue small children and as neighbors grasped the hands of neighbors in support.

Watching these heroics has also brought out the father in me… the fear. As I watch these responders crawl through Moore, Oklahoma, I cannot help but consider what will become of them as they get older… what is it that they are actually discovering right now in this devastated place that they once called home.

Will they walk away from Moore new men and women with a revived call to respond in their community for a lifetime? Will this experience cause one or two to write inspirational music or a book? Surely a few will become motivational speakers and tell their stories.

How many more will wake up in the middle of the night one year from now sweating from head to toe believing they hear the screams of school children from under year-old rubble? How many will shiver or become ill when the next tornado siren sounds? How many will find a hiding place from their memories of May 20, 2013 in a bottle of Jack Daniels or a bottle of pain killers?

Each and every year we discover a little more about the effects of trauma on the human mind and especially on the minds of those called to serve their community. Unfortunately, it was only a few days ago that a firefighter told me that Responder PTSD was only a sign of weakness in a responder… an ignorance that has killed before.

What will we offer yesterday’s heroes next year? Will it be a program of support and open communication or will we brush off the need for psychological first aid training nationwide in our fire halls and police departments? It has been our goal for many years to bring new programs to the responders of this country that encourage openness and sharing. Programs for the spouses of responders training them to help through memories and stray thoughts. Classes that enlighten entire agencies as to how to recognize signs and symptoms of a brother or sister in need of counsel.

As a father, I see much more than the news coverage on television… I fear I am watching the birth of new children… the children of disaster and pain. While I pray that a majority of these brave men and women walk away from Moore healthy and encouraged, I know in my heart that there will be some that return to their everyday work world not even realizing what their minds discovered. Will their families and fellow responders be ready for them? If you know a hero, whether one from Moore or another place and time, take the time to listen, to support and to encourage. Learn the signs of trauma-induced fatigue, stress or PTSD. Offer help and counsel. Create a means for assistance for those that become overwhelmed.

If you are a department or agency, have you adjusted and grown to accommodate regular trainings in psychological first aid? Have you created an open forum for those struggling with traumas they have experienced? Have you built a system that supports those who have so much more to give but feel they have expired due to pressure, memories or experiences?

In a conversation the other day with a friend, the concept of scars being attractive was brought up. Many times I have been asked about some of my scars. Like in the movie Lethal Weapon, scars are great discussion starters, can be considered sexy and event exciting… they are usually accompanied by a hair-raising story which is only enhanced by the visual of the scar itself… a badge of courage if you will.

But we discussed the other scars as well… the scars that will be there a year from now and years from now that nobody will ever see but represent the deepest cuts… it is these scars that will ruin a home and marriage, cause early retirement, unexplained illness, addictions and even suicide.

Are we watching? Will we watch? Will we remember the works of yesterday’s heroes or will we remember to care for them in the future.

The homes of Moore will be rebuilt, but as they are, we need to build a system that is set to catch the heroes should they stumble.

Chasing4Life is presently working on creating a national psychological first aid for responder program tour and has been in discussion with several entities that have pledged to support this new endeavor. The purpose of this new campaign is to intercept the course of trauma before intervention, treatment or drastic actions are needed by encouraging responders themselves to become each other’s support system in the field of psychological first aid. Keep visiting this blog, our FaceBook and website for more in the near future.

ART (reBlog)

I subscribe to J Michael Dolan's Blogs and wanted to share this particular one with you all

ART (Read time 0:57)

Art is NOT “in the eye of the beholder” like some would say. Rather art is the heart and soul of the artist, living at risk. It’s the blisters on the fingertips of the guitarist, the steady hand of the painter and the filthy fingernails of the sculptor. Art is the skilled precision of the bassist, the surgical timing of the drummer and the naked emotions of the singer. It’s the angst of the writer, the eye of the designer, the ear of the producer and the skilled savvy of a good manager. Art also lives in the fearless entrepreneur who willingly puts at risk who she is, for who she could become. Art begins with spontaneous inspiration from who knows where, and ends when the artist says it’s finished. Art dwells patiently in the deepest part of the soul wondering with uncertainty whether it will ever get the chance to be noticed, let alone loved.

However, the artist has an enemy. The enemy is neither the self-serving critic nor the unimpassioned financier. Art’s regal foe is the demon of doubt; tempting and taunting the artist to back down, give up and do something more meaningful—more responsible. When that happens, the true artist, the courageous entrepreneur, the creative professional knows exactly what to do. They put on their boots, grab their shovel and get back to work. It’s the only way they can ever get closer and closer to their impossible vision.

Best selling author J Michael Dolan is the founder and former CEO/publisher of Music Connection magazine. Today he writes, speaks and leads a creative think-tank specializing in "innovative solutions to impossible challenges."

January 17, 2013

Well 2013 has certainly started off very interestingly! Some of it I can discuss at this time, but there are some things I have to keep under wraps for a while longer. Let's just say things are moving along musically for me!

Shadows Down ended 2012 on a strong note as we played in the Richmond, VA area and in Charlotte, NC. The guys in Shadows Down are writing new songs and beginning to record new material in which I will be adding some keyboard track to the project.

So I am looking forward to working on some of the band's new material.

I decided to join yet another band... I know what was I thinking, right? My buddy Paul Barton (who recorded and produced 4 of my 6 CD projects) recently invited me to jam with the band he is currently singing and playing guitar with. He gave the background of what the band was all about and it was right up my alley - a Christian rock band with a mix of classic rock and blues sounds! How could I resist? I went and met and played with the band and it was a great fit. Great people and fantastic musicians. They are already an established band so it won't be long before I will be doing some live gigs with them.
The Band is called: Jordan River Band Based out of Garner, NC. The band is willing and ready to travel complete with tour bus and awesome music! Anybody out there reading this let me know if you are interested!!!

I am still working on my own original music when I have time in my home studio. Although it's been a challenge getting time to work on my material when I am spending a lot of time working on the other music projects. I guess that is one downfall of being involved in 2,3, or 4 bands is that you're own personal agenda comes last. I don't mid for I spent quite a few years traveling around and playing a lot of solo gigs using music that I wrote and recorded.

With all that said, I had mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I was able to discuss some of what is going on. There is more, but that may have to wait until my next blog!!!

I would love to hear from you and please check out my web site at www.tedfillhart.org! eMail me, text me if you have my number or make a comment here on the blog.