The creative talents of Westminster College alumni Ted Haynes ’99 and Troy Jackson ’18 come together in "Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers,” an award-winning documentary that explores the early days of Jimmy Buffett's band in Key West, Fla. The film screens at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, with an introduction by Haynes, a Q&A session and live music. 

Haynes, a filmmaker and co-founder of Confluence Productions, is one of two producers of the film. The inspiration for the documentary grew from a shared respect and admiration for Buffett’s legacy, particularly the founding members of the Coral Reefer Band. As the production team progressed with research and interviews, the project quickly grew from a short film into a feature-length documentary. The entire production, from inception to release, was completed in 18 months. 
 
As the film’s producer, Haynes assembled the creative talent and expertise needed to bring the story from concept to screen. Haynes and Jackson first met at a campus event where Haynes was invited to speak about his filmmaking career. The introduction later evolved into a professional collaboration. Having followed Jackson's success in the industry, Haynes knew he would be an ideal fit for the project.  

Jackson, who is based in Nashville, works as a freelance producer, director, editor and photographer. His professional background includes collaborations with major record labels, brands and independent performers. He has worked with artists such as Cole Swindell, Greta Van Fleet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Zac Brown, bringing an artistry and unique perspective to his film and photography projects through his passion for music and storytelling. 

"Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers" takes audiences back to Key West in the 1970s and early 1980s to tell the story of Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band. The film chronicles the musicians’ journeys, friendships, touring years and studio sessions that shaped Buffett's career and distinct sound. It also explores the evolution of the Parrothead culture and how it developed into a devoted fan community. 

Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, the documentary features rare, never-before-seen footage and personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers and music legends. Interviewees include musicians Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes and several original members of the Coral Reefer Band and its road crew. They share personal accounts of the band’s early days and the influence and creativity that helped shape Buffett’s legacy and inspire future generations of musicians.   

“As we uncovered more about the people who shaped the original Coral Reefer Band and how little of their story had ever been told, it became clear this wasn’t just a music documentary,” said Haynes. "We realized they weren’t just background players—they are rockstars in their own right. As stewards of the stories we could tell, we felt a responsibility to share the grit and heart it took to help build something that would go on to reshape American music.”  

“These were pioneers, full of wild talent and mad genius, who built something lasting. We felt a responsibility to get it right. ‘Occupational Hazard’ dives deeper than the songs you know by heart to reveal the real people and raw beginnings behind a phenomenon,” he added 

Screening tickets are available at  Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers w/ live music! - Pittsburgh. For more information on the documentary, visit  Occupational Hazard Film | Jimmy Buffett Coral Reefer Band Documentary. 

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By  Kristen Aleprete  
Kristen Aleprete is a staff writer in Westminster College’s Office of Marketing and Communication.  
  

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