The Pluto Files
When the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium stopped calling Pluto a planet, director Neil deGrasse Tyson found himself at the center of a firestorm led by angry, Pluto-loving elementary school students. What is it about this cold, distant, icy rock that captures so many hearts? This hour follows deGrasse Tyson on a cross-country journey as he tries to find the answer to this question. Winner- Cine Golden Eagle. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann (PBS/NOVA-2010)
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LOOKING FOR LIFE ON MARS
Designed to scoop up samples of Martian rock in search of the remnants of ancient life, NASA’s Perseverance rover may finally answer the question: Are we alone? The engineers and scientists working on this mission share their experiences as Perseverance makes its historic landing on Mars in Feb 2021. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Co-Producer and Editor: Jedd Ehrmann (PBS/NOVA 2021).
TOUCHING THE ASTEROID
The OSIRIS-REx team attempts to grab a piece of an ancient asteroid named Bennu and bring it back to Earth in the hopes it will reveal secrets to how life on planet Earth emerged. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann (PBS/NOVA- 2020).
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CHASING PLUTO
On July 14, 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto taking the first detailed images of the dwarf planet. Randall Productions documented the mission through the eyes of its team members; many had worked on the mission for decades. Finalist- New York Film Festivals. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann. Animation: Ed Bell (PBS/NOVA-2015).
PLUTO AND BEYOND
Randall Productions follows the New Horizons team on their second mission, the flyby of an object 4 billion miles from Earth, the farthest flyby in space exploration history. MU69, an ancient rock in the outer solar system, holds clues to one of the biggest mysteries in astronomy: how the planets of our solar system formed. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann. Animation: Ed Bell (PBS/NOVA- 2019).
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DEATH DIVE TO SATURN
After 13 years of exploring Saturn and its moons, one of the most successful missions in space exploration history, the Cassini-Huygens Mission, comes to an end. This hour documents the team’s many accomplishments and follows team members as their beloved spacecraft came to a fiery end on September 15, 2017. Finalist- Jackson Hole Science Media Awards. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann. Animation: Ed Bell. (PBS/NOVA-2017)
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Ultimate Space Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to peer deep into the universe to solve some of astronomy’s greatest cosmological mysteries. This film takes us behind the scenes, and through the eyes of the engineers and scientists who have struggled to get their revolutionary telescope off the ground, we find out what it was like to experience the ups and down of this complex mission. Aired on PBS/NOVA July 13, 2022. Nominated for an Emmy, 2023.
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NEW EYE ON THE UNIVERSE
The James Webb Space Telescope … also known as JWST, is the largest, most complex space telescope ever built. Once deployed, the JWST has given researchers a whole new view of the universe. NOVA goes behind the scenes to capture the ups and downs of exploring the cosmos with this first of its kind telescope, on a search to find clues to solve some of our greatest cosmological mysteries, from searching for life beyond Earth, to detecting the first galaxies to form after the Big Bang, to unravelling the mystery of supermassive black holes. Aired on PBS/NOVA – February 22, 2023
Nelly’s Shocking Day
George Washington’s step-daughter learns more about the making of Houdon’s famous “life mask” of George Washington. Produced for the History Channel in association with The Museum and Education Center at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Part of the permanent exhibit since 2006. Directed by Terri Randall, written by Steve Reich.
George and Martha Washington: A Very Private Romance
Narrated by Glenn Close, “George and Martha Washington: A 40 Year Romance,” follows the story of George and Martha Washington’s relationship through Martha’s letters. Produced for the History Channel in association with The Museum and Education Center at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Part of the permanent exhibit since 2006. Director: Terri Randall, Writer: Steve Reich.
George Washington’s Liquid Gold
The story of George Washington’s distillery is told by James Anderson, Washington’s farm manager. Produced for the History Channel in association with The Museum and Education Center at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Part of the permanent exhibit since 2006.
Abraham Lincoln- The Legacy
Using still images, re-enactments and Lincoln’s letters, we explored Lincoln’s final days. Lincoln is played by Fritz Klein, one of the nation’s best known reenactors of Abraham Lincoln. Part of a four-part series produced for the History Channel. (2009)
Abraham Lincoln- A Humble Man
Using still images, re-enactments and Lincoln’s letters, we explored his hardscrabble childhood. Lincoln is played by Fritz Klein, one of the nation’s best known reenactors of Abraham Lincoln. Part of a four-part series produced for The History Channel. (2009)
FRIENDLY FIRE
Produced for ABC News Productions, “Friendly Fire” follows a story of an American soldier killed by American troops in a blunder during the Gulf War; the circumstances of his death covered up by the military and only revealed following a Senate investigation. The program explores friendly fire incidents in other countries and throughout history. Directed and Produced by Avner Tavori (TLC- 2000).
The Liberty Bell
After the Civil War and into the 20th century the Liberty Bell travelled the country by train, this video documents its journey. Produced for the History Channel in association with Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, part of the permanent exhibition at the Liberty Bell Pavilion since 2004.
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America’s First Spymaster
Robert Townsend, a member of George Washington’s spy ring, tells the story of Washington’s network of daring spies that operated in British-held New York during the American Revolution. Produced for the History Channel in association with The Museum and Education Center at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Directed by Terri Randall. Written by Steve Reich. Part of the permanent exhibit since 2006.
MYSTERIES OF SLEEP
Using cutting-edge technologies, scientists are learning what happens while we sleep and trying to answer the question: If sleep is so important, why do so many of us have such a hard time doing it? Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann (PBS/NOVA-2020.)
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Bird Brains
Birds have an undeserved reputation for low brainpower. In fact, they produce one of the most glorious phenomena in nature: birdsong. How do their brains do it? And what does this skill tell us about the evolution of another remarkable phenomenon, human language? (NOVA ScienceNOW – 2010). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
Afraid of People
Donnie Osmond narrates this television special about social anxiety disorder—an extreme fear of social situations. The program follows four patients from diagnosis through treatment. (American Public Television- 2004)
HOW SMART CAN WE GET?
Does everyone’s brain have untapped genius just waiting for the right circumstances to be unleashed? From a man who can immediately name the day of the week of any date in history to a “memory athlete” who can remember strings of hundreds of random numbers, David Pogue meets people stretching the boundaries of what the human mind can do. (NOVA Science Now- 2012). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
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The Science of Picky Eaters
Why do some kids hate broccoli, and others gobble it up? The answer may lie in our genes. Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Winner of a CINE Golden Eagle in 2010. (NOVA ScienceNOW- 2009). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
Pregnancy for Dummies
Based on the “FOR DUMMIES” books, “Pregnancy for Dummies” is a four-part series about the trimesters of pregnancy as well as the first three months of life. Randall Productions also produced Dating FOR DUMMIES and Marriage FOR DUMMIES (Discovery Health- 2004-2005)
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What Kids Want to Know About Sex and Growing Up
Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Programs, this Sesame Workshop, 3-2-1 Contact special, tackles the sensitive subject of sex education for children 8-12. (PBS- 1992)
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Dinosaur Plague
What killed the dinosaurs? Ask anyone, and the answer will usually be “a massive asteroid.” However, some scientists believe that something almost too tiny to see could be what really took down these giant reptiles. (NOVA ScienceNOW – 2009)
SAVING THE DEAD SEA
There’s no place on Earth like it: the Dead Sea. Its salt-encrusted shores were the backdrop of Old Testament drama and the source of Cleopatra’s beauty treatments. Even today, its striking teal waters and extreme chemistry capture the imagination. But the Dead Sea is dying. Scientists team up with governments of the region in an epic effort to save the Dead Sea. But complex scientific uncertainties and challenging political realities could put this epic project in jeopardy. (PBS/NOVA 2019). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Co-Producer: Avner Tavori. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann
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Capturing Carbon
An eighth-grader’s science fair project prompts her scientist father to develop a new way to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. (NOVA ScienceNOW – 2009).
Secrets in the Salt
Take a trip to an underground salt deposit that formed 250 million years ago to search for evidence of ancient life. Learn about the formation of the salt deposit and observe as scientists drill into the salt walls to retrieve samples. See liquids trapped within the salt that are millions of years old, and hear from scientists who were stunned to find that there were fibers of ancient cellulose inside. (NOVA ScienceNOW – 2009)
RISE OF THE ROBOTS
Machines are everywhere. They run our factory assembly lines and make our coffee. But humanoid robots—machines with human-like capabilities—have long been the stuff of science fiction. Until now. Fueled by an ambitious DARPA challenge, the race is on to design a robot that can replace humans in disaster relief situations. NOVA investigates the cutting-edge technologies that are advancing robotics—and the enormous challenges that robots still face. Finalist- Jackson Hole Science Media Awards. (PBS/NOVA 2016). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
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TREASURES OF THE EARTH — METALS
What gives metals their astounding characteristics? From the perfect ring of a bronze bell to the awe-striking steel construction of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium, how have humans perfected metalworking? And how have metals enabled our modern hi-tech world? (PBS/NOVA- 2016. Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
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GROUND ZERO SUPERTOWER
Ground Zero Supertower” examines the new skyscraper, One World Trade Center, rising 104 stories and 1,776 feet from the site where the Twin Towers once stood. NOVA also goes underground to see another engineering marvel taking shape: the National September 11 Memorial Museum that will house almost a thousand artifacts from that devastating day. (PBS/NOVA 2013). Writer/Producer/Director: Terri Randall. Editor: Jedd Ehrmann.
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What is The Flame Challenge?
The annual Flame Challenge contest is part of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, its mission to help scientists share their work with the public. This short film, produced and directed by Terri Randall for The World Science Festival, tells the story of how Alda came up with the idea. (2014)
Alive from PopTech!
Alive from PopTech! The PopTech! conference serves as the annual gathering of a robust community of remarkable scientists, humanitarians, technologists, designers, artists, innovators, corporate and governmental leaders, academics, and those who defy tidy categorization. This segment is about Jesse Sullivan, an American electrician best known for operating a fully robotic limb through a nerve-muscle graft, making him one of the first non-fictional cyborgs. (American Public Television- 2005).
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Better, Stronger, Faster: The Future of the Bionic Body
How close are we today to the bold promise of bionics? “Better, Stronger, Faster,” was produced and directed by Terri Randall for the World Science Festival; part of the Big Ideas Series (2014).
Mind Over Masters: The Question of Free Will:
Do we make conscious decisions? Or are all of our actions predetermined? Produced and directed by Terri Randall for the World Science Festival, part of the Big Ideas Series (2015).
Planet of the Humans: The Leap to the Top:
How does the incremental process of evolution suddenly produce, say, humans—animals who walk upright, communicate through language, and possess the brainpower to travel to the moon? In this program, some of the world’s leading thinkers in anthropology, linguistics, biology, and philosophy tackle this conundrum. Produced and directed by Terri Randall for the World Science Festival; part of the Big Ideas Series Festival (2015).
Spark of Genius? Awakening a Better Brain
How far would you go to improve your focus, memory, or even learning ability? Would you be willing to strap on headgear that delivers electrical shocks to targeted areas of your brain? You may soon have that option. Produced and directed by Terri Randall for the World Science Festival; part of the Big Idea Series (2015).
Moral Math of Robots: Can Life and Death Decisions Be Coded?
Can life and death decisions be coded? Leading AI experts, roboticists, neuroscientists, and legal experts debate the ethics and morality of thinking machines. Produced and directed by Terri Randall for the World Science Festival: part of the Big Ideas Series (2016).
Daughter of the Bride
Terri and her siblings react to the remarriage of their mother after their father’s death a year and a half earlier. Nominated for an Academy Award Short Subject Documentary; Best Documentary Short- Cleveland International Film Festival. (HBO 1998)
To Know Where They Are
Terri and her father travel to Poland to find out what happened to family members during the Holocaust. Best of Festival- Birmingham Educational and Film Festival; Bronze Apple- National Educational Film & Video Festival (WETA 1990).
