About Tellens
Tellens’ programs deepen viewers’ understanding of the world around them through the stories of visionaries who are making the world of medicine a more humane place and award-winning documentaries about the unmet needs of patients and families at the end of life.
We’ve recorded rarely seen details of the everyday lives of ancient and still-thriving cultures, and shown how an art museum visit can open hearts and minds. Whatever the subject, it’s the power of stories to move people and change lives that inspires our work.
We’re currently engaged in projects that explore the lives of two extraordinary women — one who dedicated her life to relieving unnecessary suffering at the end of life and another who taught America to cook and eat, and live more joyfully.
“Tellens videos are technically flawless, with excellent photography, clear, precise narration and music enhancing the superb visuals.”
Awards
- For outstanding television productions: two Chicago Emmys and the AMA National Documentary Award
- For museums: two Chicago International Film Festival Awards, two CINE Golden Eagles and the National Educational Film Festival Award
- Healthcare programs: the “Freddie,” top honor from the International Health and Medical Media Awards; the National Media Owl Award from the Retirement Research Foundation, and three Telly Awards
Clients
- Public television stations in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Sacramento, Seattle
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- National Cancer Institute
- The Buehler Center on Aging, Health and Society at Northwestern University
- American Medical Association
- Brown University Center for Healthcare Policy and Research
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- Lance Armstrong Foundation
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
- National Science Foundation
- The Arizona State Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Sacramento History Center
- Museum of Northern Arizona
- Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parks
- Dinosaur National Monument
- California Department of Parks and Recreation
- California Museum of African American History
Services
As independent filmmakers, we enjoy working with clients who recognize the power of media to make their ideas accessible to a wide audience. We offer expertise at every step of the process from concept development, research and writing to production and post-production that meets the highest professional standards for a range of user platforms.
Principals
Patricia Barey and Therese Burson, PhD, formed Tellens, Inc. in1994 after successful careers in public television and higher education.
They are proud recipients of the Distinguished Alumna Leadership Award from Seton Hill University. Go Griffins!
Tellens, Inc. has offices in Evanston, Illinois and Tucson, Arizona.