Time of Death

About Time of Death

"Time of Death" is a groundbreaking TV series, released in 2013, that offers an intimate, in-depth look at the final days and moments of people facing terminal illness. Produced by Showtime, the intention behind the series is to provide an authentic portrayal of dying and to de-stigmatize death, thereby helping viewers in confronting mortality. Each episode usually follows one or two patients and their families through their anguish, providing a unique look at the dying process.

Making / Production

The series was produced by Magical Elves Inc, where Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz were both co-executive producers. They were both involved in the 'end-of-life care' field. They brought together a dedicated crew that spent long periods of time with the subjects, gaining their trust and also respecting their privacy and dignity during such an emotional time.

Actors

This series predominantly focused on real-life people. Here are some critical individuals in the series:

• Maria Lencioni: A single mom with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her bravery and dedication to her daughters in her final days made her performance incredibly authentic.
• Little Francis: A young man in his prime who is taken down by a terminal illness, his struggle and spirit served as an inspiration to the viewers.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was mainly filmed in people’s homes. The producers aimed to showcase the real-life experience of death, and thus the surroundings and scenes are often quite raw and real.
• While this series doesn’t have traditional actors, it does have various healthcare professionals and family members who become part of the story.
• The 'Magical Elves' duo, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth, previously worked on documentary-style shows like Project Runway and Top Chef.

Quotes

• "The lesson here is, 'you’re going to die; we’re all going to die, so make the most of your life.'"
• "I'm not necessarily scared of death itself, but I'm scared of dying alone."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score for the series was composed by Adam Crystal, his work adds depth to the emotional journey that the series puts forth.