DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
We met the McCutcheon’s about 7 years ago. We had begun working with them on some studio branding and there was an instant connection with the family and our team.
About six months into our work engagement, Ryan was killed in a car accident. Bob called me at 7 that next morning to tell me the news. I was in shock. We were all in shock. We were all grief stricken. We couldn’t believe he was gone. It was instantly numbing, like a loud ringing in my ears. Courtney and I went to the funeral. There was a flood of people for hours. Hundreds of students, teachers, friends, family and more students – all day and into the night. Everyone surrounding this family in what I can only describe as protection and love. It was beautiful to witness but also overwhelming to understand. How could this family who had just lost a son be so gracious to so many people during the most devastating time?
We would come to understand it’s just who the McCutcheons are – always.
They immediately started a foundation in Ryan’s honor. They opened the studio to kids who had never experienced music. They found ways to pour into people’s lives. Brett was the same way. He was purposed to finish high school and go to college.
We were brought in to film the original “The Ocean” project the next year. Brett and June talked openly about composing and writing the music and Ryan’s connection to it. You could see Brett’s intention to honor Ryan’s legacy and also find a way to work through the tremendous grief he was experiencing.
“The Ocean” 3-track EP was released with a five-minute video explaining the narrative. The music found an audience and resonated deeply with the family and friends who loved Ryan, Brett, Dana and Bob.
Brett continued at Slippery Rock University, following in Ryan’s legacy to become a teacher. When Covid hit America, Bob had contacted us about doing some pro-bono scripting and editing work to celebrate and honor front-line workers and then again to help raise money for restaurant workers who were struggling with their bills through an online 24-hour concert. The McCutcheons were always including us in ways to help others and we did just that.
And then I began to hear rumblings that Brett was working on new music and reworking some of his original “The Ocean” pieces. He was playing with orchestration and had new ideas based on his journey through grief.
Bob texted and said he and Brett wanted to talk, and talk we did. Brett explained he had written new music and overhauled the current three tracks. He wanted to share his story but do it in a way that wasn’t focused on him. He wanted to offer hope to people dealing with grief. He thought an animated video for one of the tracks might work.
I listened and said I had another idea. If they were going to hire Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians as the orchestra backing, let us film the recording and also film some of the people who have been helpers to them during this time. I thought we should give the background of creating the music but let’s really make it an expression of love for Ryan.
They agreed. Bob sent me the tracks and I cried for an entire month listening to them. I was honored they were bringing us along on this journey.
We filmed and then I went to work on the script. I wanted to keep the alignment of the track placement going from “Intro”, to “Sinking”, to “The Bottom”, to “Floating” and then to “The Shore.” I also didn’t want to sensationalize anything. I didn’t want to shock the viewer or make them feel uncomfortable. I wanted to give them time to get to know Brett, Dana, Bob and Ryan. I wanted them to feel safe in what they are seeing and let the story flow in the emotion of the music. I wanted them to know if they are grieving, they can also experience hope.
We filmed the glorious PSO musicians and friends, conducted interviews and then spent time with the family over the course of five days. I had Brett record personal video diaries for me explaining each of the tracks, what did they mean, why did he use the instrumentation, how was he feeling, what was this process like for him? He was still at Slippery Rock University, so we would get uploads and I would watch him tell me things he never said on our Zoom calls. He’s private but he’s also very vulnerable. His diaries told me stories and helped direct me to what I needed to capture. Some of those diary entries are in the film and I think some of the best pieces of raw emotion.
I broke a few rules in this film. The fourth wall disappears. I wanted you to feel like you were in the room with everyone. We pushed in and didn’t keep perfect framing. It mirrors how a person would be in a room, where they would stand or sit if they were listening in. We kept in moments where Bob or Brett look at the camera. I wanted to try and establish a familiarity with them. We let things linger a little. Letting the quiet of the moment just sit. That’s how grief is sometimes. I wanted you to feel that. In “Floating” you’ll notice the bottom right rectangle is kept open during the entire cut of that piece. That’s for Ryan. There are nods to him and space for him throughout this film. In the emptiness, his spirit lives. In the filming of the orchestra, I wanted you to feel as if you were in the room, close to the musicians or sitting in the orchestra. We kept lighting minimal. Just pops of light to symbolize hope and the memory of Ryan. We were respectful and honored the vulnerability of each story.
Brett wanted to make sure we had a voice outside of family and friends. He wanted someone who always offered help to kids and families experiencing grief. That’s where Terese came into our orbit. Brett had gone to The Caring Place after Ryan had died. He was moved by what they offered kids. He wanted to give them a platform to tell others there is help. Terese LaVallee not only agreed to be part of this project, she opened her space for us to learn and be part of the healing. I’m forever grateful.
We filmed in the early summer 2023 and began editing through fall into the beginning of January 2024. I called Brett and Bob in early December and asked if Brett would have time to score the film. We had just about locked the story and one month until our first submission. He worked over the holiday break and completed the score in early January. I think it brings an added level of cohesion and emotion to the piece. There’s a low hum throughout. To me, it’s a heart cry. I love it.
Grief affects each of us. We’ve all had tremendous loss at one time or another. Each of us has our own story to tell. I’m grateful we’ve been able to be part of sharing Brett’s beautiful composition, his story and his love for his brother. My hope is that it gives hope to those who need it.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Click here to learn more about the creators of The Ocean – Five Years.
DIRECTOR
Jennifer Schlieper
Emmy-nominated, award-winning filmmaker, director, producer and writer, Schlieper didn’t start her career in film. She cut her teeth as a Creative Strategist at one of the largest PR firms in the world, launching products and services for Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 power brands. Making a leap into the corporate side, she led GNC’s global marketing efforts as one of the youngest female senior executives.
Flying Scooter Productions® was born in 2017 out of a need to do something that mattered for those who matter. The intent – to impact through client partnerships, mission-based non-profits and stories silenced by those who fear the truth.
A seven-time Emmy nominee and multi-award winner, Schlieper has written, directed and co-produced hundreds of stories in the last eight years with producing partner Courtney Gumpf. The Ocean-Five Years is their first film festival release, winning Best Documentary at VIFF and an Audience Award for Best Documentary Short at Pittsburgh Shorts & Script Competition and Officially Selected at Cleveland International Film Festival, Milan FFI, Documentaries without Borders International Film Festival, Red Rose Film Festival, Toronto International Women Film Festival, and Venice Shorts (As of May 2025).
Schlieper continues to lead strategic initiatives for Flying Scooter’s clients while raising millions of dollars and telling the stories of Pittsburgh’s homeless and underserved children.
She sits on the boards of the Beauty Restores Foundation, The Amelia Project® and the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association (PAFIA)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Courtney Gumpf
Emmy-nominated, award-winning Executive Producer, Courtney Gumpf’s career began behind-the-scenes in movie making, casting on films such as Perks of Being a Wallflower, Out of the Furnace, Jack Reacher and The Dark Knight Rises. The jump to producing was a natural progression, working to manage production teams for clients like FedEx, Giant Eagle and the PA Lottery.
Today, along with her producing partner, Jennifer Schlieper, she is the co-founder of Flying Scooter Productions®. Gumpf co-produces short & long-form media for some of the largest regional and national brands, along with documentaries that range from extensive exposés on addiction, mental health, and homelessness to the Emmy-nominated series Front Row for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Their work is some of the most innovative and visually appealing storytelling in the industry, and they have been creating unforgettable imagery with their crew of cinematographers, photographers, grips and gaffers for more than a decade.
In the Spring of 2023, they were granted 501(c)(3) status for The Amelia Project® to help high school and college students receive hands-on experience in filmmaking through impact-driven, purpose-filled projects. By providing career-ready experience and workforce development, The Amelia Project® gives students opportunities to explore storytelling in an open and safe environment, steeped in experience.
Gumpf continues to lead the FSP digital marketing, team, securing and converting thousands of leads for clients in all sectors. She also sits on the boards of the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association (PAFIA) and The Amelia Project®.
COMPOSER
BRETT McCutcheon
Brett McCutcheon is a dedicated music educator, conductor, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Pittsburgh, PA. A passionate musician since early childhood in Prague, Czech Republic, Brett began playing piano at age four and later found his voice through saxophone and percussion. He studied Music Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills as a conductor and collaborator.
Now serving as the band director at Mt. Lebanon High School, Brett leads a thriving and growing program that includes concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, jazz combo and music technology programs. His work emphasizes student collaboration, creativity and a commitment to community-centered performance experiences. Under his direction, the Mt. Lebanon Wind Ensemble recently performed alongside members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center for the Three Rivers Film Festival.
Brett co-produced the award-winning documentary The Ocean – Five Years, which has been recognized across international film festivals for its powerful message about healing grief through music. The accompanying orchestral pop EP was co-written with June Bracken and features members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and The Voice finalist Chris Jamison.
Brett is committed to a high standard of musical excellence in his teaching while fostering a welcoming classroom environment where students feel supported, seen, and empowered—particularly those navigating their own journeys through grief.
FLYING SCOOTER PRODUCTIONS
Flying Scooter Productions® (FSP) is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Emmy-nominated and award-winning film & branding studio. Founded in 2017, they have worked with global, regional and local companies, directing and producing nearly 100 projects, including documentaries, commercials, corporate campaigns, film projects and non-profit campaign launches. Through documentaries and film, FSP strives to change community sentiments and fuel positive action. Their philosophy is to create captivating, engaging, authentic content that inspires reaction. FSP develops and directs film projects that forge connections, drive conversation and give people a reason to bare hope in their lives while providing an opportunity for others to voice and share their stories.
The Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation
On September 30, 2017, Ryan A. McCutcheon, 19, was killed in an automobile accident while returning to his college campus after assisting high school drum students at a local band festival. The Rhythm19 Fund was established by his family through The Pittsburgh Foundation to keep his spirit alive through music. Ryan was an accomplished percussionist, a dedicated instructor and a mentor to high school and college students. Following his graduation from North Allegheny, Ryan attended Robert Morris University. He remained active musically, marching with Nomad Indoor Drumline, advising the drum line for the Hampton High School Marching Band and playing drums with his college friends in a rock band. He was also an active drummer at The Vault Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, where he frequently played and recorded. Ryan was a bright, light-hearted, funny and loving soul. He loved working with kids, playing music and teaching others.
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 volunteering, we provide access to music for children and encourage the use of music to enrich the lives of those with challenges or special needs. The fund also strongly encourages the continuation of music programs for school children. We have awarded numerous high school scholarships, supported a number of local area music programs with equipment and even helped fund trips to music competitions. We also enjoyed hosting several high school and middle school field trips and a Music Makers summer Camp at The Vault Recording Studio.
PHOTO GALLERY
IN-CONVERSATION
Brett McCutcheon and Jenni Schlieper discuss the creative process behind The Ocean – Five Years, as well as its impact since release in this candid interview from June 23, 2025.
