Susan Lacy—the iconic creator of PBS’s American Masters and one of the most influential voices in biographical documentary filmmaking joins us. From her early roots in journalism to building a landmark series that reshaped cultural storytelling on public television, Lacy shares the real behind-the-scenes truth of what it took to launch American Masters, fight for ambitious filmmaking, and evolve from producer to director.Together, Christian and Susan dig into what makes a documentary last: deep research, emotional access, trust with subjects, and interviews that go beyond “good questions” to uncover the soul of a story. Lacy also reflects on being a woman leading at the highest levels of the industry, the power of mentorship, and how shifting economics—from the DVD era to today’s streaming landscape—have changed development, financing, and distribution.If you care about documentary storytelling, PBS history, HBO documentaries, or how to direct intimate, character-driven films that preserve legacy and culture, this conversation is essential listening.&nbsp;No DocuView Déjà Vu&nbsp;Links:&nbsp;American Masters: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364151/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Masters (TV Series 1985– ) ⭐ 8.2 | Documentary, Biography, History</a>Pentimento Productions: <a href="https://www.pentimentoprods.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HOME</a>Spielberg: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7133092/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_2_nm_6_in_0_q_spielberg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spielberg (TV Movie 2017) ⭐ 7.7 | Documentary, Biography</a>Billy Joel: And So It Goes: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36458116/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_billy%2520joel%2520" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Billy Joel: And So It Goes (TV Mini Series 2025) ⭐ 8.6 | Documentary, Biography, Music</a>Episode 256 | HBO Max "Billy Joel And So It Goes" Interview with Executive Producer, Steve Cohen - Part 1: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6X33Wu3IPCczl0uL4SvN?si=cc53ba405c254126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6X33Wu3IPCczl0uL4SvN?si=cc53ba405c254126 </a>Episode 264 | Billy Joel: Telling the Story Behind the Musician (with Jessica Levin): <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GRU4wDlnYa9cmXBAo3eKz?si=1d721c5270ed4a37" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GRU4wDlnYa9cmXBAo3eKz?si=1d721c5270ed4a37</a>&nbsp;<h2 class="ql-align-center">Time Codes</h2>00:00 — Welcome + Susan Lacy Intro05:38 — Journalism roots and learning the value of truth08:55 — Breaking into PBS (Channel 13) and the art of public television12:06 — Launching a cultural institution: American Masters in 198622:08 — HBO era + Directing Debut32:16 — Billy Joel: And So It Goes Documentary43:00 — Interview + Story Tips57:12 — Final thoughts, American history&nbsp;Sponsor: Virgil Films <a href="http://www.virgilfilms.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.virgilfilms.com/</a>Support us by buying merch or watching our films: <a href="https://documentaryfirst.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://documentaryfirst.com/</a>

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Episode 266 | Emmy-Award Winning Producer, Susan Lacy, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” Interview

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