Meet the Beyond the Myth Team
Libby Sherrill
Writer/Producer/Director
Beyond the Myth: A Film About Pit Bulls and Breed Discrimination
This documentary is my first film and is truly independent. I took my own savings and combined it with an investment from family to pay for the production. I did not receive any sponsorships or endorsements prior to the production or completion of the edit that resulted in control over the content. It has always been very important to me to have the film unassociated with any particular animal organization.
I developed the concept as part of my senior project while attending graduate school at The University of Tennessee. After I received my M.S. in Communications, I left an eight-year career with Scripps Networks (HGTV) to produce Beyond The Myth.
This project holds personal significance for me because I have a “pit bull” (or what looks to be some variation of an American Pit Bull Terrier), Fern Blossom and a American Staffordshire Terrier mix , Joey.
Fern was rescued from the streets of Knoxville, Tennessee and when a co-worker approached me with her pictures…well, I just couldn’t resist. I adopted her just one month after starting production, and she has been the most incredibly positive influence in my life. I adopted Joey from CHAKO rescue in California after attending a fundraiser for the film. He’s been the perfect companion and taught me a lot about myself as well; They are my family.
But even before I rescued Fern and Joey, I knew two other pit bulls: Angus and Boris. They won my heart immediately. Even my 75-year-old mother (who is generally afraid of dogs) fell in love with them and learned that they are not bad dogs, simply because they are of the bully breed. Angus and Boris are rescues too, and what a pair they are. Angus is hyper and needy and Boris is laid back and confident. Both are handsome fellows. Before Angus and Boris came into my life, I really didn’t know anything about pit bulls or the discrimination they and their owners face.
Now, I am one of those owners. Now, I would be a vicious dog harborer if I moved to Ohio, because in Ohio, all “pit bulls” are considered vicious, regardless of their behavior. And, if I wanted to move to Cincinnati with Fern, I couldn’t, unless I wanted to break the law by bringing my pit bull type dog with me, who despite her calm and gentle demeanor, is banned and illegal to own in Cincinnati.
Unfortunately, breed specific legislation (BSL) is not limited to Cincinnati; it has spread far and wide in the United States, on a both local and state levels. You can find out more about BSL on this website or visit the resources section that will lead you to more in-depth information.
I am grateful to Angus, Boris, Fern and all the other wonderful dogs that have touched my life during this filmmaking journey. This film is for them.
Above photo of Libby & Fern by Leslie Karnowski
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Paul Izbicki
Videography / Technical Advisor
A veteran of both the video production and multi-image staging industries, Paul’s career started as a Vietnam era Air Force Electronic Specialist. He has a 23 year history of broadcast and Corporate video production, management and consulting, and before setting out on his own, was the Director of Broadcast Production at Jewelry Television Network, in Knoxville TN.
Paul is currently serving as an Adjunct Professor of Video Production at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville and spends his spare time working as a freelance producer, director, videographer and editor and indie filmmaker.
Because his passion for indie filmmaking runs so deep, Paul founded a grass roots 10 Hour Film Festival in Knoxville five years ago, which has now grown by leaps and bounds and most recently became known as the Marble City 10 Hour Film Festival.
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Amanda Meyer
Graphic Designer
Amanda Meyer is a designer for HGTV (Home and Garden TV) working with the Creative Services and Marketing department to conceptualize ideas as well as design and animate on-air graphics for show promotions on HGTV. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2004. She is an animal advocate and finds joy in volunteering with the local Humane Society, and helping dogs in need whenever possible. The opportunity to help with the documentary, Beyond The Myth, seemed like a true fit.
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Leigh Shoemaker
Web Design & Development
Leigh is a web designer currently working for The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. When she freelances, it’s as Ditto Device Design. She is the proud owner of one of Fern’s friends, a pit bull mix named Matilda, and three rescued cats—Minnie (pictured), Pris, and Starbuck.
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Jimmy Hinson
Music & composition
Jimmy Hinson (also known to many as Big Giant Circles) is a composer based out of Knoxville, TN. He has written and produced music for Scripps Networks, including titles like Design Star, Showdown, HGTV Challenge, and many more. His most recent work was in BioWare’s highly anticipated blockbuster game Mass Effect 2, which is now the second highest ranked game for the XBox 360. When not writing music, he enjoys gaming, food, the outdoors, and playing with his two cats. Jimmy is a supporter of many good causes. Apart from this documentary, he is a contributor to the Songs for the Cure charity album, which can be purchased to aid research against cancer. To learn more about Jimmy, visit his website.
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Dylen Terflinger
Audio Engineer & Sound Designer
Dylen Terflinger has been an Audio Engineer for nearly a decade and has mixed, composed, and recorded for clients such as Discovery, MTV, A&E, History, SPEED, ESPN, and many other major networks and clients within the advertising, music and political media. Born and raised in California, Dylen is a graduate of SAE and is the owner of Knox Sound Studios.
When Dylen is not using his ears for media, he can be found acting like a husband and father to an 11 year old and a 4 year old. Fifteen years ago on his way to Knoxville, TN, Dylen found a Rottweiler puppy in Northern California. He was traveling via his thumb & Greyhound bus and managed to smuggle the pup 2500 miles. Gives new meaning to the phrase “road dog,” I’d say.
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Scott Gerow
Sound Designer
Scott Gerow is the owner of Battery Lane Music and works as independent producer, writer, and engineer in Nashville, TN. Currently, Scott spends his time writing, recording, and producing music. He has worked on numerous award winning records and for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Crystal Gayle, and Cedric Dent (of Take 6). He has also produced music for a large variety of television series including Prison Break, Sons of Anarchy, and Dexter.
