THE BTM 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 have not received any sponsorships or endorsements. I developed the concept as part of my senior project while attending graduate school at The University of Tennessee. I received my M.S. in Communications a little over a year ago, and just recently left an eight-year career with Scripps Networks (HGTV) to produce Beyond The Myth.

This project holds personal significance for me because I have an American Pit Bull Terrier (or what looks to be), Fern Blossom. She was rescued from the streets of Knoxville, Tennessee and when a co-worker approached me with her pictures…well, I just couldn’t resist. My co-worker had heard that I was producing a film about pit bulls and so she thought, hey this would be a perfect fit. On this page, you can see the first picture I saw of her. What a hambone.

But even before I rescued Fern, 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

 

TANYA STRICKLAND
Graphic Designer

Tanya Strickland is a graphic designer / art director currently working in Denver, Co. Tanya received a B.A. in Radio, TV and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and then later attended the The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, to study Graphic and Desktop Design.

In addition to fighting BSL, T is involved with WildEarth Guardians' efforts to protect and encourage cohabitation with wildlife.  Her horse, Riley, was adopted through the BLM Wild Horse program.

 

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 Pellisssippi 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.  

 

NICK ZOCCOLANTE
Video Editor

Nichole Zoccolante is a freelance editor and videographer with a passion for sports and animals.  Her work has garnered 4 Telly Awards and a Crystal Communicator. She currently works in Denver, Co.  Nichole and her partner Tanya Strickland own a small production company, splyce creative.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

DYLAN 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, Dylan 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.

 

JULIE GUNTER
Promotions/PR

Julie is a native of Knoxville, TN, and worked for years as an advertising and marketing executive for Citadel Broadcasting before coming to work on Beyond The Myth. She also has extensive experience creating promotional events and public relations functions. In addition to working on Beyond The Myth, she is currently working with Kimber Cleveland, the recording artist who wrote the song "Strong For You" for this movie.  

Julie is a longtime animal lover who grew up with all kinds of animals. She currently has two rescued cats and volunteers weekly with her daughter at Horse Haven of Tennessee.