Susan Lacy is leaving her long-time spot at WNET to work with Sheila Nevins at HBO Documentary Films.
Lacy, who is the creator and executive producer, of WNET’s classic American Masters series will produce, direct and work closely with Nevins, president of HBO Documentary Films. She created American Masters in 1986 which has given viewers the life stories of famous Americans ranging from Presidents, activists, celebrities and most recently, athlete and feminist, Billie Jean King.
Lacy’s ballsy approach to booking is also widely known. She called Bob Dylan’s manager, Jeff Rosen, every month for 10 years to persuade Dylan into reconsidering receiving the American Masters treatment. And it paid off–No Direction Home, directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on American Masters in 2005.
Lacy released a statement about the move.
It has been my honor to be part of the PBS and WNET family for so many years, and to have had the opportunity to amass a body of work which I hope
demonstrates the depth of our unique cultural history and the value of quality documentaries in contributing to understanding our world. I have had the
great privilege of working with some of the most talented filmmakers in the field, as well as the extraordinary individuals who have allowed us to tell
their stories. I am now thrilled to become part of the HBO family. To work with the amazing Sheila Nevins and her team is the dream of most documentary
filmmakers, and to be able to focus solely on producing and directing documentary films at a place which is creating some of the best television in history
is an opportunity I couldn’t resist.
Nevins also commented on her upcoming work with Lacy.
It’s exciting to have someone as talented as Susan Lacy bring fresh ideas to HBO. I’ve long admired her film portraits, which have been consistently
stellar over the years. We look forward to great things from her.
American Masters and HBO Documentary have been well-known for the quality and diversity of their content and are usually rivals during awards season. The pairing of Lacy and Nevins together will certainly take the already deep HBO to new heights.
