Our Movement
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead
The Mission
There has never been a better time to have a brain illness. When that brain illness is identified in childhood, this can be a blessing in disguise.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 10-24. According to NAMI.org, one-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by the age of 24. In truth, nobody knows, really; the ones that are not diagnosed, not disclosed, hidden for one reason or another. We think they had a brain disease, but they’re dead now—or in jail—and drop into a new category.
Our mission is to change this.
A Crazy Thought will re-language the conversation surrounding children’s mental health from one of hopelessness and not-enough to one of hope, inspiration, and recovery. By listening to stories of those that have moved through their dark nights and emerged on the other end—or are still in the beginning/middle of their journey—viewers will reform a vision for the ones they love. By learning about cutting-edge discoveries by the world's brightest scientists, viewers will find new hope. Simply by seeing we are all in this together, the viewer will move from isolation to harnessing the power of community in shifting this landscape.The Series
About The Docuseries
Our docuseries and movement will change youth mental health
The intention of our docuseries is that viewers become keenly aware of the high stakes of moving too slowly with early intervention. Effective early intervention saves lives. Viewers will see a clear plan to move forward, one that is filled with hope, inspiration, and resolve. Through stories of cutting edge research, stories about what has worked for others with lived experience, and a look at a large variety of healing modalities not typically offered in the doctor’s office, viewers will find inspiration. From grass roots movements to peer models, the film will break down the silos all operating individually, and draw a recovery narrative through the series.
The Team
Jamie Weil
–Creator, Writer, Executive Producer
Youth mental health educator, activist, and writer in children's and adult markets. Owner Balsamic Moon Productions, LLC, a production company dedicated to creating films by women for women.
Katheryne KTEE Thomas
Producer, Co-Director, Editor
Critically-acclaimed filmmaker with over 45 credits included the documentary The Principle. 15 + years in mass media integration, new media content producer, and promotions manager.
Kevin May
Executive Producer
Award-winning director, editor, and cinematographer, Kevin loves telling
powerful stories like his documentary It’s Raining So What.
Sharon Weil
Writing Consultant
Sharon is an author of fiction and non-fiction books, and a screenwriter. She has been a director, producer, or editor of many films, television, and original theater productions including writing and performing her own work in one-woman shows and shared spoken-word evenings.
TL Green
Writing for Change Consultant
TL “the Ninja” Green is a freelance filmmaker based in Redding, CA. A University of Oregon History major, he has a lifelong interest in humanity and the stories that comes with it.
Nicole Bakirtjy
Co-Editor, iGen/ LGBTQ Outreach Consultant
Nicole started making films as a young child armed with a camcorder. She migrated from Chicago to Hollywood to follow her filmmaking passion, and after working in a variety of production positions, found her movie-making sweet spot in the editing room on the post production side of things.
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