The studio’s first Emmys honor families who answered loss and legacy with a relentless commitment to the people around them
PITTSBURGH — Sept. 29, 2026 — Flying Scooter Productions, founded by Producing Partners Courtney Gumpf and Jennifer Schlieper, won two Emmy Awards on Saturday at the 44th Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards, presented by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) in Philadelphia. “The Ocean – Five Years” won in the Documentary category, and the Turner’s Dairy film “Turning Moments Into Memories for 95 Years” won in Lifestyle – Long Form Content. Schlieper wrote and directed both films, which she produced with Gumpf, Waya Moon Slater and Meg Eyerman.
The wins are a first for the studio, from nine career Emmy nominations. Flying Scooter’s record also includes 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 have two of them recognized by the Academy 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, our Director and Writer, Jenni. Our goal is to create impact and engage on a human level. These films do that.”
Documentary: “The Ocean – Five Years”
Ryan McCutcheon was 19, a college student and a gifted percussionist, when he was killed in a car accident in September 2017. His younger brother, Brett, used music to express his grief and to find hope and joy again. Five years after Ryan’s death, Brett released “The Ocean – Five Years,” an album written with his friend, vocalist June Bracken, and recorded with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
The film of the same name follows the album’s track list, moving between the music and the friends and family who share Brett’s journey – people determined to honor Ryan through music education, community and hope.
The documentary was Flying Scooter’s first film festival release. An official selection at 10 festivals internationally, it won Best Documentary at the Vienna Independent Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Pittsburgh Shorts & Script Competition, and it closed the 43rd Three Rivers Film Festival in November 2024.
“So many people shared that, for the first time, they felt truly seen,” said Christine Roe, president of the board of directors of Bereaved Parents of the USA.
Waya Moon Slater produced the film, with Brett, Bob and Dana McCutcheon serving as Executive Producers alongside Schlieper and Gumpf. Phil Atkins was Director of Photography, and Dylan White edited. Flying Scooter produced the film in partnership with The Vault Recording Studio and The Rhythm19 Fund. It is streaming on PBS Passport, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Lifestyle – Long Form Content: Turner’s Dairy “Turning Moments Into Memories for 95 Years”
Turner’s Dairy Farms started with three cows and a vision. Ninety-five years later, the family behind it is responsible for nourishing thousands of people through its products, and that responsibility begins with the farmers who supply its dairy.
The film is about how the Turner’s Dairy family carries that responsibility: supporting and honoring the farmers whose early mornings and care for their animals and land make every product possible, and holding to the values of hard work, family and community that have guided the company for generations. Schlieper and the crew filmed on local farms and in Turner’s production facilities, starting on a hillside farm as the sun came up on a cold morning.
Steve Turner served as Supervising Producer. Gumpf led the producing team with Line Producers Meg Eyerman and Waya Moon Slater across the multi-location production. Long-time collaborators, Phil Atkins was Director of Photography, and Ashley Gallardo edited. Flying Scooter produced the film in partnership with Steve Turner, Adriana Mazzotta and the Turner’s Dairy family. Watch the film here.
“We get to be in rooms and studios and on farms and in factories with people who are intentional about how they show up for their families and their communities,” said Jennifer Schlieper, Writer, Director and co-founder of Flying Scooter Productions. “The McCutcheons and the Turner Dairy family trusted us with that. I’m humbled by the recognition. This belongs to them, and to our crew.”
About Flying Scooter Productions
Flying Scooter Productions is an Emmy Award-winning, 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.