TELL ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND:
I am an award-winning director/producer with a career that spans nearly every aspect of television, film, and commercial production genres—from documentary series to commercial projects. Throughout my career, I have worked with some of the most notable names and networks in entertainment and was recently inducted into the Directors Peer Group for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences otherwise known as the EMMYs.
I began my career at CBS, working in news, sports, and soap operas. I then moved on to teaching film at Adelphi University and producing documentaries. Later, I launched a production company, Aurora Productions, where I produced a wide range of projects, from commercials to corporate videos to webinars and political candidate promo videos. Of particular achievement is the Woodstock 50th Anniversary documentary that aired on PBS television.
Four years ago, I merged my company with Lorraine Gregory Communications to form LGC Studios. At LGC Studios, we continue to produce commercials, corporate videos, program productions, and documentaries such as, the award-winning Living Light series for NHK Worldwide and PBS, Deconstructing the Beatles, Every Picture Tells a Story, and The Garbageman: A Life Worth Living, for which we were nominated for a New York Emmy. LGC Studios has not missed a beat and amassed an impressive number of industry awards including Platinum, Gold, and Bronze Telly Awards, Platinum and Gold Hermes Awards and other prestigious awards.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AT LGC STUDIOS ENTAIL:
As the head of the department, I oversee all operations and work closely with a highly talented group of professionals. On projects, I direct and co-produce alongside Tony Martin. After production, I supervise the editing process, collaborating with Amanda Smith and Andrew Mateja. When not involved in productions, I help develop program concepts.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TELL THE Garbageman STORY:
I have worked with Robbie Donno for nearly 40 years through the Gift of Life organization, producing videos for them. Witnessing him in action, I have always admired how he keeps moving forward and never seems to take "no" for an answer. When faced with a roadblock, he finds a way around it. He’s never discouraged by what others might consider failure, and continues to figure out a way forward, inspiring others to join in. I often reflect on when I graduated high school and the theme song for my graduating class was "The Impossible Dream" from The Man of La Mancha which was on Broadway at the time. For me, that song embodies Robbie Donno. This became the thread for the narrative of The Garbageman: A Life Worth Living. I told the story of the Gift of Life through his eyes. Hopefully this story will inspire others to join, volunteer, and donate.
TELL ABOUT GIFT OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL (GOLI):
I have been working with Gift of Life for over 35 years, producing their videos. To date, Gift of Life has saved the lives of over 50,000 children, each of whom would have most likely died by their 16th birthday had they not received this heart surgery.
Each year, 1.2 million children are born with congenital heart defects, and 90% of them do not have access to surgery in their country. Each life saved also means uplifting the mother, father, extended family, and their communities. Although 50,000 children have been saved, there are so many more in need. Hopefully, this documentary will have some impact.
PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER:
It's not a single moment but the opportunity to have been blessed to associate with professionals who are not only at the top of their game but also possess such high morals. I’ve learned and benefited immensely from being surrounded by such wonderful colleagues.