Unveiling the Masterminds: The Crew Behind "Dog Doc The Film"

“The Dog Doc” is more than just a film; it’s a profound exploration into animal care, veterinary science, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions. To achieve such a deeply moving and insightful documentary, it takes a team of dedicated, experienced, and visionary filmmakers. This article introduces you to the award-winning individuals who brought “Dog Doc The Film” to life, showcasing their expertise and significant contributions that have garnered critical acclaim and resonated with audiences worldwide. Their collective talent ensures that the story of Dr. Marty Goldstein and his integrative approach to veterinary medicine is told with precision, empathy, and cinematic brilliance. For those interested in stories of canine heroism and impactful narratives, diving into films that celebrate our beloved pets, like a compelling dog film based on true story, often reveals the depth of these bonds.

Cindy Meehl – Director and Visionary

Cindy Meehl stands at the helm of “The Dog Doc” as its director and producer, bringing her seasoned eye for storytelling to this important subject. Her journey in filmmaking began in 2008 with the establishment of Cedar Creek Productions. Meehl’s directorial debut, the documentary feature “BUCK,” premiered to great success at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, where it was honored with the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and later shortlisted for the 2011 Academy Award® – Best Documentary Feature. This early achievement set a high standard for her subsequent work.

Meehl’s influence extends beyond directing, as she has served as an executive producer on a diverse array of critically acclaimed films. These include “REWIND,” which premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and later aired on Independent Lens on PBS, and “THE RIVER AND THE WALL,” a 2019 SXSW premiere that earned the prestigious Louis Black Lone Star Award. Her dedication to impactful narratives is further evidenced by her executive production roles in films like “FOR THE BIRDS” (Netflix), “TRAPPED” (Sundance 2016 Jury Prize for Social Impact Filmmaking, Peabody Award), and “UNBRANDED” (Hot Docs 2015 Audience Award). She also supported “DOGS ON THE INSIDE” (2014), a documentary exploring a rehabilitation program that pairs inmates with stray and abused dogs, showcasing her long-standing commitment to stories involving canines. Cindy currently resides in Connecticut, sharing her home with a loving family of dogs, cats, horses, and chickens, embodying her passion for animal welfare.

Cindy Meehl, Director of The Dog Doc, with her dog

Alice Henty – The Experienced Producer

A British expatriate based in New York, Alice Henty has cultivated a stellar career spanning over two decades, collaborating with many leading producers and directors in the documentary field. Her extensive credits as a line producer include award-winning films such as “ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER” and “THE TILLMAN STORY,” as well as “BUCK,” a film she shared with Cindy Meehl. Henty’s talents also shone as a co-producer for “BEWARE OF MR BAKER” and “SKYLADDER” before she took on her first feature documentary, “THE WORK,” in 2012. Hailed as a verite cinema masterpiece, “THE WORK” received widespread critical acclaim, securing the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW and the Audience Award at Sheffield, alongside numerous prestigious nominations. Alice’s deep expertise and commitment have been integral to “The Dog Doc” since its early stages, and she is thrilled to bring the film’s message to a global audience.

Steve Heffner – A Talented Editor Remembered

Steve Heffner was a highly respected picture and sound editor whose contributions enriched numerous documentary and television projects. His impressive filmography includes the award-winning “INDIAN POINT” for director Ivy Meeropol, the Emmy-nominated “BROTHERS IN WAR” for NatGeo, and the successful independent release “THE AMERICAN NURSE.” Heffner’s precision and skill were also evident in Emmy-nominated series like “WWII IN HD” and “VIETNAM IN HD” for History Channel. Additionally, he earned several Cine Golden Eagle awards for his educational work and broadcast projects. Beyond his crucial role on “The Dog Doc,” Steve directed an episode of “THE APOLLO CHRONICLES” for The CW Network and edited the television documentary “CURED” for Story Center Productions. Sadly, Steve passed away from cancer in 2021, and his talent and presence are deeply missed by the film community.

Steve Heffner, film editor for The Dog Doc

Jen Stamps – Assistant Editor and Director

Jennifer Stamps is a freelance editor and assistant editor based in the Hudson Valley, recognized for her work on many acclaimed films. Her credits include the Emmy Award-winning “ERNIE & JOE: CRISIS COPS,” the Sundance Audience Award winner “BUCK,” the Peabody Award-winning “HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO,” “MOTHERS OF BEDFORD,” “THAT WAY MADNESS LIES,” and “INDIAN POINT.” She also contributed to “7 CLINICS WITH BUCK BRANNAMAN,” a popular video series. In 2018, Jennifer made her directorial debut with the equine educational DVD “HORSE SPEAK – FIRST CONVERSATIONS.” More recently, she completed two feature documentaries, “THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD: THE STORY OF WILLIAM FAULKNER” and “UNFINISHED BUSINESS,” which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. Her diverse experience and dedication to detailed storytelling are invaluable to “Dog Doc The Film.”

Brittany Batterton – Associate Producer and Coordinator

Brittany Batterton began her journey in the documentary world with Cedar Creek Productions in 2013, quickly becoming an indispensable part of the team. She served as a field coordinator for “DOGS ON THE INSIDE,” a film that aligns with “Dog Care Story”‘s interest in the welfare of canines, much like how many would appreciate a comprehensive dog movie true story list exploring impactful narratives. Brittany has worked closely with Cindy Meehl on several critically acclaimed projects, including “UNBRANDED,” “TRAPPED” (Sundance 2016), and “REWIND.” Most recently, she held the role of Associate Producer for “FOR THE BIRDS” (2018), which premiered globally at Sheffield Doc/Fest as a New Talent Award Nominee and had its American premiere at AFI Docs, continuing to gather awards on the festival circuit. Her organizational skills and commitment to authentic storytelling were crucial in bringing “The Dog Doc” to fruition.

Brittany Batterton, Associate Producer on set

Toby Shimin – Acclaimed Consulting Editor

Toby Shimin is a celebrated editor whose career began in sound editing before transitioning to picture editing in 1988 with “THE CHILDREN’S STOREFRONT,” an Academy Award-nominated film. Since then, she has edited numerous films that have premiered at Sundance, including “HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO” (Peabody Award), “A LEAP OF FAITH,” “MARTHA & ETHEL,” “MISS AMERICA,” “EVERYTHING’S COOL,” and the Sundance Audience Award winners “OUT OF THE PAST” and “BUCK,” which was also shortlisted for an Academy Award. In 2017, she received the prestigious Documentary Editing Award at the Woodstock Film Festival for HBO’s “32 PILLS: MY SISTER’S SUICIDE.” Her film “This is Home” won the Audience Award in World Cinema at Sundance in 2018, and “ERNIE & JOE” premiered at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival. Toby’s keen editorial eye and extensive experience contributed significantly to shaping the narrative of “Dog Doc The Film.”

Nelson Hume – Director of Photography

Nelson Hume’s passion for art converged with the booming New York independent film scene in the mid-1980s, leading him to enroll at NYU Graduate School of Film and Television, where he was awarded the Johnson Fellowship. His narrative film training underpins all his work as a cinematographer, bringing a sophisticated visual language to documentaries. Nelson emphasizes the challenge of documentaries: “you have to keep up and make choices quickly.” He meticulously pre-plans with directors, making decisions on cameras, lenses, and lighting, but always remains open to the “surprises” that life unfolds, aiming to capture “something totally unexpected and beautiful.” His recent documentary credits include “WHITNEY,” “LONG STRANGE TRIP,” “DIRTY MONEY: CARTEL BANK,” and the documentary series “WHY WE HATE.” Nelson’s ability to capture intimate and compelling visuals was essential for the impactful storytelling within “The Dog Doc.”

Nelson Hume, Director of Photography, with camera equipment

Christian Chapman – Cameraman and Storyteller

Christian Chapman, a cameraman, director, and graphic artist from Easton, CT, discovered his passion for visual storytelling at just 13 years old. He honed his digital filmmaking skills at The Art Institute of California–Los Angeles and subsequently managed The Maysles Cinema, a non-profit documentary center dedicated to social evolution through film. As co-founder of Resonator Films, Christian is driven to introduce audiences to extraordinary characters and the visible and invisible landscapes they inhabit. His short film, “DOG IN THE WOODS,” premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, showcasing his unique approach to canine narratives. Chapman’s camera work in “Dog Doc The Film” captures the sensitive interactions and profound moments that define the film’s emotional core, contributing to its narrative depth.

Brian Fish – Master of Sound

Brian Fish is a multifaceted talent—a passionate screenwriter, audio engineer, and electronic musician. A graduate with honors from New York University’s film program, Brian hails from the rural hills of Western Massachusetts. With over two decades of global industry experience, he has traveled extensively for productions across South America, East Asia, and Africa. His work spans narrative features, documentaries, and television, collaborating with Discovery Channel, Nat Geo, and numerous top-tier directors. Notable projects include Michael Moore’s health care documentary “SICKO,” Alex Gibney’s “FINDING FELA,” and James Redford’s “HAPPENING: A CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION.” Brian’s recent portfolio also features the Cuban boxing documentary “Teofilo,” “Gretchen Carlson: Breaking The Silence,” and “America Inside Out with Katie Couric.” His meticulous sound engineering ensured that every nuance of “Dog Doc The Film” was captured, enhancing its immersive quality.

Todd Griffin, Composer of The Dog Doc

Todd Griffin – The Composer Behind the Score

Todd Griffin is an accomplished composer, having created scores for over 40 feature-length films and dozens of live and multimedia projects. His impressive body of work includes the Academy Award-nominated “LIFE, ANIMATED” and multiple festival award winners such as “QUEST” and “WELCOME TO LEITH.” He also composed for Oscar-shortlisted films “ONE OF US,” “CHARM CITY,” and “THE OVERNIGHTERS,” as well as the Oscar-nominated short film “ENDGAME.” Griffin’s musical talent extends to television, composing for Showtime’s 8-episode documentary series “ACTIVE SHOOTER” and two episodes of Netflix’s “DIRTY MONEY.” He has performed his scores in live film/music events internationally, collaborating with filmmakers like Sam Green and Jem Cohen. A fellow at the Sundance Composers’ Lab in 2008 and a two-time Cinema Eye Honors nominee for Original Music Score, Todd is based in Brooklyn, New York. His emotive compositions for “Dog Doc The Film” provide a powerful backdrop, enhancing the film’s narrative and emotional impact. Just as a captivating narrative can be a book told from dog’s perspective, Todd’s music gives the film its unique emotional voice, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the story and its canine subjects.

Joy E. Reed – Animation Specialist

Joy E. Reed brings over a decade of experience in documentary filmmaking as an associate editor for films like “HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO” and “THIS IS HOME,” and as an animator for “32 PILLS: MY SISTER’S SUICIDE.” She has been a creative team member on several films that premiered at Sundance, including “BUCK” (Audience Award 2011). Joy is a principal of Oh, My! Productions, and her work has been featured on PBS, HBO, and various festivals worldwide. She is particularly drawn to character-driven documentaries that, through skillful editing, foster relatability and connections with a broader audience. Joy’s feature directorial debut, “LITTLE MISS WESTIE,” premiered at DOCNYC 2018. Her animation skills in “The Dog Doc” help to clarify complex medical concepts and add a distinctive visual layer to the film. Learning about unique contributions to films, such as the compelling visual elements in a stubby dog movie true story, highlights the diverse talents needed to bring a true story to the screen effectively.

Conclusion

The creation of “The Dog Doc” is a testament to the collaborative spirit and exceptional talent of its filmmaking team. From Cindy Meehl’s guiding vision to the intricate details handled by each producer, editor, cinematographer, sound mixer, composer, and animator, every individual played a pivotal role in crafting a documentary that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Their collective experience, celebrated awards, and unwavering dedication ensure that “Dog Doc The Film” stands as a powerful and trustworthy voice in the realm of animal welfare and holistic veterinary care. We encourage you to watch “The Dog Doc” and experience firsthand the profound impact of their work. Explore more stories and insights into canine health and care on Dog Care Story, where we celebrate the lives and well-being of our furry friends.

Dog Stories

Unveiling the Masterminds: The Crew Behind “Dog Doc The Film”