Jessica's Story

Client: McLean Hospital

When Erin Collins-Moore called from McLean Hospital, a prestigious psychiatric hospital in the Boston area, and asked us to make films for their annual Gala, we were excited and concerned. This seemed like a rare opportunity to make films on sensitive subjects with both patient and hospital collaboration. Our worry was, could we make honest films and protect patient privacy?

The answers came from the subjects themselves.  We've now had the opportunity to work with several different patients from McLean and each has been eager to share their story for the sake of others who might also benefit from help and treatment. 

Jessica was being treated at McLean for schizoaffective disorder, a condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Although she initially had concerns about talking on film, she decided to participate because of her interest in finding ways to lessen the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Jessica made suggestions about what and where we might film and how best to tell her story.