Project Objectives
Demonstrate how Thresholds aids its clients in recovery from mental health and substance use conditions. This video was showcased at a virtual fundraising gala during the pandemic.

Challenges and Solutions
The client was concerned about how we could create the same type of dynamic and engaging gala video as in past years within the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. We began filming in 2020, but production was put on hold and resumed in 2021. A big part of recovery is socialization and being around others, which we lacked in a period of social distancing. B-roll shot before the pandemic of Ellen and her therapist speaking in close proximity and hugging was suddenly unusable. In an interview outtake, Jamie mentioned that she enjoyed playing tennis with her therapist. Thankfully this was an activity that could be safely filmed outdoors. I suggested filming a tennis match between Jaime and her therapist as a way to visually demonstrate the friendship and intimacy Thresholds provides. Recovery is not a straightforward path. There is progress and setbacks, but the key to a successful recovery is determination and resilience. It was a happy accident that Jamie was pretty bad at tennis. I was able to use the tennis game as a visual metaphor for the recovery process, illustrating Jamie’s willingness to keep trying as her therapist coached her onwards.

Outcomes
The client loved how the tennis match brought recovery to life, and said we not only met but exceeded their expectations for a pandemic era gala video. This idea inspired improvements to future projects, as we’ve continued to film clients and Thresholds staff engaging in fun activities together beyond the traditional therapy setting.