COVID: LOST AND LEARNED

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COVID: LOST AND LEARNED

How We Got Here …

We all know where we were in March and April of 2020. Home. Stuck inside. Anxious, unsure, even fearful of the future.

As journalists, Will Frampton, Robert Ray, and Cristina Mendonsa made a career of running into the eye of the storm. From Afghanistan to Iraq and China, from hurricanes to wildfires and active shooter scenes, they’d seen it all through the 1990s and 2000s.

So, what happens when a new storm pops?

Well, you report on it, of course. The problem was, we couldn’t really leave our homes – except for Robert Ray. He found himself on what would become a 39-state road trip, reporting for various outlets on the impact of COVID.

Will and Cristina were mainly huddled inside their homes (and in Cristina’s case, the KFBK studio in Sacramento), but still with exposure and connectivity to the events of the nation and world through their media industry relationships and ongoing work.

The stir-crazy and restlessness of the spring of 2020 inspired the three of them to collaborate remotely on a project they called “Front Line Perspectives.” (Rob came up with that one; thanks, Rob!)

We felt like there was a lot of panic in the mainstream news feed, a lot of doom and despair (some of which warranted). But we were driven to find perspective and balance in the view of what was really happening.

You can watch all of the episodes below. It grew from a domestic, backyard project (literally, our back yards), to a global one, with friends and colleagues we’d met along our journeys through life.

One year later, it occurred to us that we need to follow up. Where are we? What have we lost? What have we learned? Hence, the title – COVID: Lost and Learned.

We hope this film makes you feel something. We are still trying to figure this out, as we will probably be for the rest of our lives. We hope this film is one step in that direction.

COVID: LOST AND LEARNED

Production Crew

WILL FRAMPTON

WILL FRAMPTON

Anchor, Co-Producer

A long-time journalist with a passion for storytelling, Will spent 15 years reporting across America before launching McLeod Media in 2017. He was recognized with an Emmy for his 2008 documentary “Stories from the 218th,” chronicling life in Afghanistan’s war-torn capital city of Kabul. Learn more at mcleodmedia.net.

CRISTINA MENDONSA

CRISTINA MENDONSA

Anchor, Co-Producer

An Emmy/Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist, executive producer, and speaker, Cristina tells stories with impact and heart. After 27 years working for ABC, CBS, and NBC television stations, she now hosts the KFBK morning news in Sacramento and is a senior consultant for Talent Boulevard. Find out more at mendonsamedia.com.

ROBERT RAY

ROBERT RAY

Anchor, Co-Producer

With more than 20 years of experience, Robert has been a journalist for The Washington Post, The AP, The Weather Channel, Al Jazeera America, FOX News, TRT World, and HDNews. He has covered stories as a writer, producer, on- and off-camera correspondent, photo/videographer, editor, and drone pilot.

MIKE THOMAS

MIKE THOMAS

Photographer, Co-Editor

Mike’s career spans more than three decades, first in Pennsylvania, then in Atlanta, where he was Assistant Chief Photographer at WXIA. He has covered presidential visits, hurricanes, World Series, Super Bowls, and Olympics, and has earned 10 Regional Emmy awards. He also covers the Atlanta Falcons for WUPA.

PHIL DESMANGLES

PHIL DESMANGLES

Photographer

Phil’s career began in the mid-70s and he has covered news and sporting events for all of the major networks. Phil’s passion for photography and video editing has led to opportunities to witness, and record, life happening. Phil has worked with Cristina Mendonsa and Will Frampton at various points dating to the 1990s.

ROBERT NEEP

ROBERT NEEP

Photographer

Rob Neep is a broadcast and documentary photographer with more than 30 years of experience. Based in Sacramento, Calif., he worked for the FOX and ABC affiliates before joining Cal State-Sacramento as a communications coordinator and journalist. He has been recognized with Emmy, AP, and Telly awards.

JANICE McDONALD

JANICE McDONALD

Executive Producer

An award-winning writer and producer, Janice has traveled the world as a journalist. She founded J-Mac Productions after spending decades producing and reporting for CNN. She currently works in news coverage with ABC. A prolific writer, Janice also has authored more than a dozen history and travel books.

JODY CHESNEY

JODY CHESNEY

Special Assistant, Project Coordinator

Jody’s career spans nearly 20 years across several industries, from HR to Administrative Assistant. She and her husband Jason volunteer with Donate Life SC. Jody, Jason, and Will Frampton have been friends since 2006 when Will chronicled the amazing story of their then-10-month-old son receiving a heart transplant.

ERIC FRAMPTON

ERIC FRAMPTON

Pianist, original soundtrack composer

Classically trained in piano from age 5, Eric has worked with a range of artists including the B-52s, Boston, Paul Simon, Lionel Richie, and, Yanni. He’s written six musicals, performed on album projects, produced commercial music, and recorded cues for feature films. Catch him performing with his 80’s tribute band, Electric Avenue.

MAC FRAMPTON

MAC FRAMPTON

Pianist, original soundtrack composer

Mac is a concert pianist who has traveled the world for 50 years. He has produced more than 20 recordings. He is also a composer, an arranger, and an orchestrator. Mac enjoys sporting events, writing software programs, and chasing his beloved grandchildren Becca and Liam. Mac lives in Atlanta with his cat Mr. Kitty.

ERIK BROCK

ERIK BROCK

Graphic Designer

Erik has more than 15 years of experience. He has worked with CNN, WGCL, and Peachtree TV. His past clients include Vampire Diaries, PGA Championship, The Big Bang Theory, and Southwest Airlines. Attention to detail is the hallmark of Erik’s work, understanding a client’s needs while delivering what’s in the mind’s eye.

JONATHAN ROBINETTE

JONATHAN ROBINETTE

Photographer

Jonathan is an educator/author with a passion for storytelling. His previous experience in filmmaking is through consulting for the Centers for International Trade in the production of a multi-media program for young entrepreneurs. He’s an advocate for educational opportunities for youth and will release his sixth book in 2021.

BRAD CRAMER

BRAD CRAMER

Photographer

Brad has 30 years of experience in broadcasting, starting at Channel 7 in his home country of Australia. He moved to London, freelancing for broadcasters, agencies, and production companies. During the past two decades, he has covered stories around business, politics, medicine, science, life stories, and breaking news.

MATTHIEU PIRIOU

MATTHIEU PIRIOU

Photographer

Matthieu is a photographer and filmmaker, who began his career as an actor and singer-songwriter (and is working on his second album). In 2021, Matthieu directed five music videos and and interviews for the Tribeca film festival. He previously worked with McLeod Media covering the P20 Global Payments Conference.

NASRULLAH ATTAR

NASRULLAH ATTAR

Photographer

Nasrullah is an Afghan journalist working as a producer for national and international media outlets in Afghanistan. He has worked on multiple documentaries as well as breaking news coverage for renowned media organizations. His key skills include filming, editing, reporting, and management of sporting events.

SHIR MOHAMMED TURKMAN

SHIR MOHAMMED TURKMAN

Photographer

Working as a cameraman and editor for Chinar Media Consulting Services since 2010, Shir focuses on breaking news, documentaries, and large sporting events. He serves as a cameraman for local and international channels, including the Afghan Premier League, in addition to live broadcasting.

International Journalists

COVID: LOST AND LEARNED

Behind the Scenes

NEW YORK

Empty Chairs at Empty Night Club Tables

“Most of my friends from Broadway and touring shows are doing something else.”

ATLANTA

Hanging on by a Hair

“This last year was probably the most challenging year of my entire career.”

Contact Us

Will and Nancy

In Memoriam

Nancy Frampton (1950-2020)

Nancy was mother to Eric and Will Frampton, and wife to Mac Frampton. Her kind, gentle and loving soul made the world a better place and lifted up countless lives across the world. If she knew you, she loved you.

She supported Eric, Will, and Mac tirelessly throughout her life. Every segment of this film, from Will’s perspective, was completed with mom in mind. She was so proud of us and loved all of our friends and colleagues.

We lost her in the blink of an eye on Sept. 21, 2020.

This film, and every other project Will undertakes for the rest of his days, will feature a little piece of Nancy … somewhere. Always.

We love you, mom.

COVID: Lost and Learned © 2021 RISE • Design by Enlighten Marketing