The female-led studio has a career total of nine of Emmy nominations for film
Flying Scooter Productions, founded by producing partners Jennifer Schlieper and Courtney Gumpf, has earned two Emmy nominations from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). The nominations recognize “The Ocean – Five Years” and the Turner’s Dairy documentary “Turning Moments Into Memories for 95 Years,” both co-produced with Gumpf, scripted and directed by Schlieper. With these two nominations, Flying Scooter Productions has now received nine Emmy nominations, two Webby nominations, four Anthem Awards (one Gold, one Silver, two Bronze), 17 Telly Awards (five Gold, nine Silver, three Bronze), a Silver Anvil Award and a CLIO nomination.
“We get to share incredible stories and to be recognized for our work is an honor,” said Courtney Gumpf, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Flying Scooter Productions. “I’m proud of our crew and my producing-partner, Jenni. Our goal is to create impact and engage on a human level. These films showcase that.”
“The Ocean – Five Years”
“The Ocean – Five Years” tells the story behind the album of the same name. Ryan McCutcheon, a 19-year-old college student and percussionist, was killed in a car accident in September 2017. Five years later, his younger brother, Brett, recorded “The Ocean – Five Years” with June Bracken and members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The film showcases the album’s score while telling the story of a brother and family determined to give back to their community through hope and music.
“We are so grateful to Flying Scooter for their compassion and the care they took while telling Brett’s story.” Said Bob McCutcheon, Ryan and Brett’s father, and owner of The Vault Recording Studio. “Dana, Brett and I are humbled by the support this story has received. It is not just a story of grief, but also one of love and hope.”
The documentary is Flying Scooter’s first film festival release. Officially selected and screened internationally at 10 film festivals, it won Best Documentary at the Vienna Independent Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Pittsburgh Shorts & Script Competition, closing the 43rd Three Rivers Film Festival in November 2024. It is now streaming on PBS Passport, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
The film was produced by Waya Moon Slater, edited by Dylan White and shot by Phil Atkins, director of photography, in partnership with The Vault Recording Studio, the McCutcheon Family and The Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund.
Turner’s Dairy: “Turning Moments Into Memories for 95 Years”
The second nomination is for a brand documentary tracing Turner Dairy Farms from its start with three cows and a vision to its place today as a Pennsylvania dairy institution. The film was shot on location across local farms and Turner’s Dairy production facilities, following the multigenerational team who runs them.
“As a fourth-generation Turner, it is an honor to continue my family’s legacy at Turner’s as we approach nearly 100 years in business. Our commitment to partnering with local, family-owned farms and serving our neighbors in the Pittsburgh area has never changed.” Said Steve Turner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Turner’s Dairy. “It is humbling to receive this nomination, which wouldn’t be possible without the work of our partners at Flying Scooter Productions!”
Producers Waya Moon Slater and Meg Eyerman led the multi-location production. Ashley Gallardo edited the film, with Phil Atkins as director of photography. Flying Scooter produced the film in partnership with Steve Turner, Adriana Mazzotta and the Turner’s Dairy family. Watch the film here: Turner’s Documentary
Flying Scooter Productions
Flying Scooter Productions is a certified, women-owned brand strategy and film studio founded in 2017 by producing partners Jennifer Schlieper and Courtney Gumpf, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The studio drives strategic initiatives and brand activations, and produces commercials, documentaries, branded content and corporate videos for clients across manufacturing, construction, tourism, beauty, nonprofits and consumer products. Learn more at flyingscooterproductions.com.
The Vault Recording Studio
The Vault Recording is a world-class studio with an award-winning team, located in Pittsburgh, PA. It’s state of the art technology coupled with vintage gear, like the 1977 NEVE 8058 console (Owned by Pete Drake (Geroge Harrison, Ringo Starr), then Scott Litt (REM, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Studer A800 MKIII 24 Track tape machine (Used by Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Sound Garden). At the Vault, our mission is to develop an ecosystem of engineers, producers and aspiring artists in both music and Film. By providing them access to a world-class recording facility, educational programs and industry resources, we will elevate the experience and enhance Pittsburgh’s music industry profile on a global scale. Learn more about The Vault Recording Studio at thevaultrecording.com
The Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation
Founded after the passing of their son, Ryan, in an automobile accident in September 2017, the mission of The Rhythm19 Fund is to honor Ryan’s memory by providing access to art and music education for children and youth. Through charitable contributions and volunteerism, the fund seeks to provide access to music for children and to use music to enrich the lives of those with challenges or special needs. The fund also seeks to strongly encourage the continuation of music programs for school children. Learn more about The Rhythm19 Fund at thevaultrecording.com/rhythm19-fund.
Turner’s Dairy
Founded in 1930, Turner Dairy Farms is a family-owned and operated company committed to bringing the freshest, best-tasting dairy products from local farms to local families – because your family deserves it. Turner’s has earned over 100 awards nationally for taste and quality and partners exclusively with farms within 70 miles of their processing facility. Turner Dairy Farms’ products are available in convenience, grocery, and natural food stores throughout the Western Pennsylvania area.