Husband-Wife Film Team Mix Reality TV with Classic Documentary

They've seen it all -- done it all. And during the May ratings sweeps, a Philadelphia area couple will share their experiences -- and video -- as they promote three new action documentaries.

They say that variety is the spice of life, and for filmmakers Amy Steelman-Angeli and Lou Angeli bringing variety to the screen has become a way of life. From working at Ground Zero -- to flying helicopters -- to demonstrating escape from high rise buildings, this husband-wife filmmaking team is like no other in the entertainment business.

The first is their most acclaimed work, "Bound By Courage," a documentary dealing with rescue and recovery at Ground Zero. As former firefighters, the couple has been documenting major disasters for over a decade. But September 11, 2001, and the sixteen days that followed, would prove to be their most important assignment.

"Courage" is told from Amy's perspective, as one of the few women firefighters to work at Ground Zero. Her journals -- and video -- serve as a chilling remembrance of this nation's most devastating disaster. But, more importantly, 'Courage" stands as a tribute to the thousands of rescue personnel, who responded to the WTC attack -- the disaster that was never to happen.

A revised edition of "Bound By Courage" has been developed to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the attack on America. In this updated version, the team revisits the disaster to discuss "lessons learned" in a controversial, new closing segment.

http://www.boundbycourage.com

Spinning off in a new direction:

In the recently completed documentary "Rotors," Amy and Lou treat audiences to a behind the scenes look at one of the world's most intriguing professions -- that of helicopter pilot.

"This is the first program in a number of years, that is dedicated solely to helicopters and their vital missions," says producer Amy Steelman-Angeli. Those who have previewed "Rotors" say that the show serves as a special tribute to the men and women who fly these remarkable machines.   

The 52 minute HDTV documentary comes to the screen during the 100th anniversary of aviation and has a very unique hook. As host, Amy is learning to fly rotary wing aircraft. While the team travels from city to city documenting various helicopter crews, she earns more hours behind the stick -- and more experience. Talking about Reality TV!

Saving our own:

And finally, the crew who documented the disaster at the WTC, comes forward with a compelling new hour entitled "When All Else Fails!" Following the events of 9/11, high rise workers and residents now realize that rescue during emergencies may not be quick. The fire or damage that traps them high above the street also prevents fire-rescue teams from reaching them.

This new documentary examines alternative means of escape as the filmmaking couple pose the question, "Could lives have been saved?"

Prior to 9/11/01, the producers spent several years documenting the development of various escape devices, including the Baker Life Chute, a nylon meshed escape tube; the Best Rescue Recoverall, a personal cable descent system; and the MSH-2000, a rescue elevator that climbs along a pre installed exterior track. The Angelis note that these devices, as well as others, had all been demonstrated to ranking FDNY officials long before the events of September 11th.

Why did officials scoff at these new ideas? Why were trapped victims denied a chance to save themselves? And what must we do to make these important safety tools mandatory for high rise structures? "When All Else Fails" answers the questions and more.

Nicknamed The FireFlirts by their fellow firefighters, Amy Steelman-Angeli and Lou Angeli are retired now from firefighting, but continue their firefighter advocacy by developing multi-media training programs for fire departments worldwide. They are based in Philadelphia.

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