About Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 (HBO):

Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 is a compelling HBO documentary released in 2013. The film provides an intimate look at the intense challenges facing the Veterans Crisis Line, and pays tribute to the responders who provide life-saving consultation services to veterans in distress.

Making / Production:

The film was produced by HBO Documentaries, with Dana Perry and Ellen Goosenberg serving as the main producers. The team spent months filming within the Veterans Crisis Line call centre, capturing the emotional toll it has on the counselors fielding the calls. Each segment is presented in real-time, providing audience members with a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the veterans' suffering and the courage of the hotline counselors.

Actors:

• No actors: As a documentary, Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 does not contain any actors. Instead, it heavily features the real responders working at the Veterans Crisis Line and the callers they assist.

Trivia / Interesting Facts:

• The film is based on over 1 million consultations carried out yearly by responders.
• Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 inspired a subsequent HBO documentary titled "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops" which took a deeper look into the world of mental health care.

Awards:

Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 won 'Best Documentary, Short Subjects' at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015. Producer Dana Perry dedicated the win to her son, who committed suicide at age 15.

Quotes:

• "I'm here all night. I'm not going anywhere. If you need anything, just stay with me."
• "You're not alone, even though you feel alone, you're not."

Music, Soundtrack:

• The intimate and sometimes stressful nature of the calls does not allow for a soundtrack. Audio mainly consists of dialogue between the counselors and callers, bringing forth authenticity and creating a greater connection between viewers and the material.