Team Type 1 is one of the most visible and successful public faces of Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes News Hound editor Chris Frankie sat down with Greer Wylder, Executive Producer of “One Shot,” for a question and answer session about the exciting upcoming documentary chronicling Team Type 1’s quest to make it to the Tour de France 2012.
DNH: What’s the movie about?
Wylder: “One Shot” chronicles the journey of Team Type 1 as they battle to become the first professional cycling team with Type 1 diabetes to compete in the Tour de France 2012.
DNH: Why is this film important?
Wylder: 1 in 3 people born after 2000 will have diabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Type 1 diabetes is a life threatening, incurable autoimmune disease. Fourty children a day are diagnosed with little or no warning. These numbers alone demonstrate that there is a massive market for a searing documentary about living with and overcoming diabetes.
“One Shot” will help inspire those struggling with diabetes and educate those who are not aware of the extent of this illness. The subjects of the film, Team Type 1, strive to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. The team believes that through active management with the latest medical innovations, one can
achieve their goals, dreams, and potential. But we won’t sugarcoat what it’s like to live with this disease. That’s very important to us.
DNH: Who is making it and what connection do they have to diabetes?
Wylder: The project is comprised of veteran documentary filmmakers, Guy Mossman and Lisa Hepner of Vox Pop Films and Jon Dunham who feel impassioned by the subject. They are in a unique position to tell this story. Hepner, the director has had Type 1 diabetes for 18 years, and is very familiar with the challenges of living with the condition. She will bring that empathy and sensibility to the film.
DNH: How did you get involved?
Wylder: I am very passionate about Type 1 diabetes research and finding a cure. I’m on the board of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and one of my four sons, Tristan, 18, was diagnosed four years ago. I know the minute-to-minute struggles that diabetics go through. They never get a break from their disease.
I was introduced to the filmmakers and Phil Southerland, Team Type 1’s founder last year at an event and I was so impressed by what they are setting out to accomplish. I believe this film will inspire my son and others to believe that despite having diabetes, anything is possible. And the end goal is to spread awareness, and ultimately find a cure to save lives.
DNH: Where can people see this film?
Wylder: This film will reach a worldwide audience. Because the filming of “One Shot” will be over the course of two years, the documentary will be delivered episodically throughout each year on the Internet, and as a feature documentary for theatrical and broadcast release in 2013. We also envision the film screening at schools around the world, in hospital rooms where someone newly-diagnosed with diabetes is coping with the news. You can view the trailer below.
DNH: How is the film being funded?
Wylder: “One Shot” depends heavily on the generosity of people who have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by diabetes. Tenth Muse Films welcomes tax-deductible contributions of any size. Donors will be acknowledged in the credits of the film. You can check out the film’s website here or find more info on the filmmakers here.
JDRF has endorsed “One Shot”. So has Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD).
Everyone with diabetes has a story, it’s time that story is told.
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