Beyond the Diagnosis: Phase 1 Filming and What Comes Next
Over the last several months, Beyond the Diagnosis has grown from a vision into something vivid and deeply alive. This project has always been rooted in connection - to the Type 1 diabetes community and to the people who trust us with their most personal stories. Phase 1, centered around the 25th Annual Dancing for Diabetes show, marked our first major milestone - and it proved to be every bit as powerful as we hoped.
Capturing the Heart of a Movement
Dancing for Diabetes is more than a show; it’s a movement fueled by passion, resilience, and community. To honor that spirit, we brought together a professional team capable of matching the emotional weight of the night with equally strong visuals and sound.
I led the production alongside our Director of Photography, Boyd Hobbs, whose eye for light and human emotion elevated every frame. We filmed primarily on the ARRI Alexa Mini LF paired with VISTA Primes and ARRI Alura Lightweight Zooms (15.5–45mm T2.8 and 30–80mm T2.8) and incorporated an ARRI Alexa 35 production package to expand our coverage. Together, these tools gave us rich, cinematic images — warm skin tones, striking depth of field, and an intimacy that feels true to the story we’re telling. The footage is stunning, and I can’t wait to share it with our community.
What’s Ahead in Phase 2
Now that Phase 1 filming is complete, we’re moving into the most personal and story-driven portion of production. Beginning in March, we’ll start filming the individual storylines. This next chapter will include in-depth interviews, on-location filming, and dedicated time shaping each narrative so that every participant’s voice feels authentic and fully realized. We’re also working closely with scientists and doctors at the Diabetes Research Institute to bring scientific insight to the film in a way that feels accessible, accurate, and deeply human.
If Phase 1 was about witnessing a movement, Phase 2 is about stepping directly into the lives of the people who define it.
Why This Story Matters
From the beginning, Beyond the Diagnosis has been about revealing the unseen - the daily resilience of families, the relentless nature of Type 1 diabetes, the emotional weight behind every medical decision, and the moments of joy and triumph that break through despite it all.
We’re committed to capturing this truth with empathy, honesty, and cinematic care. Like every independent documentary, this project is powered by community, and we’re profoundly grateful to everyone who has shown their support so far.
Join Us: Evening of Impact
As we move into Phase 2, we’re actively fundraising to bring the next stage of production to life. One meaningful way to support the project is by attending our upcoming Evening of Impact in Orlando on February 21st - a night dedicated to storytelling, connection, and the mission behind this film.
The evening will feature live music, dinner, drinks, and a silent auction, along with the opportunity to hear from and mingle with the filmmakers and participants. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive premiere of the documentary trailer - a first look at what your support is helping make possible! It promises to be an inspiring celebration of community and impact.
If you’d like to attend or learn how to get involved, visit beyondthediagnosisfilm.com for more information, to donate, or to purchase tickets to the Evening of Impact Gala.
CREW NOTE: Camera coverage was carried by Matt Frazer, who operated A and B cameras with precision and artistry. Mike Fitzgerald handled sound with care, ensuring every backstage whisper, audience reaction, and heartfelt moment came through with clarity and depth. And our AD/PA, Jessica Giessman, kept our indie-sized crew running smoothly — managing time, gear, and logistics with the kind of leadership that’s invaluable on a feature doc with a small but mighty team. A huge THANK YOU to all involved.
