Written by: In the Community

New WPBT2 Series, “TechVersify,” Examines the Intersection of Technology and Happiness

Cast, Crew and Sponsors Prepare for the Miami Premiere on September 17, 2015

As billions of people interact with digital technologies every single day, many struggle to balance real life obligations with the increasing demands of constant connectivity. A new show on WPBT2, “TechVersify,” aims to educate viewers in the art of using technology for maximum personal and professional benefit.

The first season, set to debut in Miami on September 17, 2015, would not have been possible without seed funding from Gulliver Schools and the Center for Social Change. Produced by Two Parrot Productions with local production partner WPBT2 (South Florida’s premier PBS affiliate), “TechVersify” will be released digitally, one mini-episode per week, across a large swath of WPBT2/PBS channels and apps – including uVu, YouTube, social networks, Xbox, Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV.

“Miami makes the perfect epicenter for the ‘TechVersify’ plot because it’s the melting pot of so many diverse perspectives. However, it was equally important to travel outside Miami to cities like Austin, Texas; Tokyo, Japan; and Kathmandu, Nepal,” says Creator/Producer Jessica Kizorek. “Tech is impacting lives everywhere, so we had to put the conversation in a global context.”

“TechVersify” explores this new landscape by telling stories about the psychological impact of the digital age through diverse human characters. Women, minorities and members of the LGBT community are the stars of the series. The show is hosted by Jessica Kizorek with expert analysis from psychiatrist Eva Ritvo, M.D. “TechVersify” illuminates what’s going on inside our brains and how technology can have both good and bad effects on our lives. Rather than being a slave to our gadgets, “TechVersify” postulates, we should aim to leverage technology to make ourselves happier and healthier.

“We are proud to support a WPBT2/PBS series that grasps the impact of technology as much as we do,” said Frank Steel, Gulliver’s head of schools. “Joining with Jessica and ‘TechVersify’ is an obvious fit for us. Gulliver may be a private school, but this partnership gives us a way to contribute to cutting-edge public education.”

Later this fall, once all six mini-episodes have been released digitally, the segments will be compiled as a 30-minute stand-alone documentary for distribution on broadcast television both locally and nationally.

Enter to win a FREE TICKET to the September 17 show premiere @ www.TwoParrot.com/TechVersify

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TechVersify
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TechVersify
Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/TechVersify
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TechVersify

About Gulliver
Gulliver Schools is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior, personalized college-preparatory education fostering well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners. Gulliver is committed to developing the unique gifts and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding and character. For more information about Gulliver, please visit www.gulliverschools.org.

About Jessica Kizorek
Jessica Kizorek is the president of Two Parrot Productions and the creator/producer of “TechVersify.” An investigative journalist who has traveled to 60+ countries to cover international humanitarian efforts, this time Kizorek turns the cameras on her own backyard: Miami. On the heels of a 66-month research project she spearheaded into how technology impacts the modern female entrepreneur, “TechVersify” marries Kizorek’s passion for diversity in tech and her fascination with the brain science of happiness. www.JessicaKizorek.com.

About Two Parrot Productions
Two Parrot Productions is a video production company that devotes itself exclusively to creating inspiring video content for top-tier non-profit organizations such as The United Nations, Lions Club and Make-A-Wish International. With a focus on the human beings behind each story, Two Parrot gives a voice to diverse (and often disenfranchised) perspectives from every corner of the world. www.TwoParrot.com.

About WPBT2
WPBT2, South Florida’s premier public broadcaster, connects organizations and institutions across this diverse region and preserves South Florida’s history. Leading the way in this global society, WPBT2 serves diverse communities from the Treasure Coast to Florida Keys and is committed to creating and presenting unique arts, education and cultural heritage programming across three television channels – WPBT2 HD, WPBT2 Create/WORLD and WPBT2 Vme (Spanish-language). WPBT2 is also South Florida’s leading media company for unique local stories across a variety of digital media platforms, including online and mobile through WPBT2 Video (video.wpbt2.org) and through the PBS app on Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV. More information on WPBT2, its programs and its services for the community can be found at www.wpbt2.org.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Cast
The Urban Perspective: Lang Dobson
The Psychiatric Perspective: Eva Ritvo, M.D.
The MedTech Perspective: Geeta Nayer, M.D.
The Creator Perspective: Jessica Kizorek
The Latina Perspective: Daniella Veras
The Funder Perspective: Matt Haggman
The Transgender Perspective: Lukkas Wolf
The LGBT Perspective: Rebecca Monson
The Sexual Perspective: Dr. Sonjia Kenya, PH.D
The Diversity Perspective: Michael Hall
The Hacker Perspective: Mike Firmature
The Youth Perspective: Ella Edwards

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Last modified: September 10, 2015