Tell us a bit about your organization and what your specialty is in the film and video space.
PBS Socal is the Los Angeles PBS Station, my specialty is producing and directing.
What is your organization’s ethos and how does it set you apart from industry competitors?
PBS SoCal enriches Southern California by connecting communities to the wider world through public media. With support from local donors, our nonprofit offers diverse programming on streaming platforms like the free PBS App and PBS KIDS App, as well as over-the-air on seven channels, including PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus. We are available to nearly 19M viewers in the region, providing free access to educational, news, environmental, and cultural content that mirrors our diverse community. Through cultural events and hands-on learning experiences, we foster dialogue and prepare children for success, making a meaningful impact on our community.
How can people join or learn more about what you do?
Website: https://www.bellalewitzky.com/
Tell us about your Telly Award winning piece. What’s the story behind it?
BELLA is about the life, influence and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky. Described as”…one of the greatest American dancers of our age,” (Walter Terry), Bella Lewitzky was a talented, strong, out-spoken woman, who dedicated her creative life to protect the rights of every American. Designated one of America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition and awarded the National Medal of Arts, Lewitzky’s life demonstrates how a “uniquely Californian” artist with vision and tenacity can change the lives of her fellow citizens.
What are you most proud of about this piece? What was your biggest challenge during production and how did you solve it?
That it was made. It was very difficult to fund this work, no one knew Bella, no one knew me. Bella was a strong advocate for freedom of expression, blacklisted in the 50’s and refusing to sign the NEA anti-obscenity clause in 1990. She was a committed artist that people needed to know about, a role model for artists today. The biggest challenge was raising the money to make it. We did crowdfunding, individual donors and fundraising.
Do you have any advice to other filmmakers based on your career or your team’s approach to work?
Keep making and working, treat others as you would want to be treated, don’t give up, keep evolving.
Can you share a behind the scenes story or fun fact about the making of your piece?
When I was making the film I was teaching production at Cal State LA. Many of my students helped on the project, and have gone on to careers in the industry. This is my directorial debut as a feature filmmaker.
Tell us about the most memorable response you got from this work.
A young dancer told me she was inspired after seeing the film to do more for the arts in her community.
Complete this sentence: ‘Great video storytelling is…’
… inspiring and a true example of freedom of expression.
