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.
No DocuView Déjà Vu
Links:
American Masters: American Masters (TV Series 1985– ) ⭐ 8.2 | Documentary, Biography, History
Pentimento Productions: HOME
Spielberg: Spielberg (TV Movie 2017) ⭐ 7.7 | Documentary, Biography
Billy Joel: And So It Goes: Billy Joel: And So It Goes (TV Mini Series 2025) ⭐ 8.6 | Documentary, Biography, Music
Episode 256 | HBO Max "Billy Joel And So It Goes" Interview with Executive Producer, Steve Cohen - Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6X33Wu3IPCczl0uL4SvN?si=cc53ba405c254126
Episode 264 | Billy Joel: Telling the Story Behind the Musician (with Jessica Levin): https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GRU4wDlnYa9cmXBAo3eKz?si=1d721c5270ed4a37
Time Codes
00:00 — Welcome + Susan Lacy Intro
05:38 — Journalism roots and learning the value of truth
08:55 — Breaking into PBS (Channel 13) and the art of public television
12:06 — Launching a cultural institution: American Masters in 1986
22:08 — HBO era + Directing Debut
32:16 — Billy Joel: And So It Goes Documentary
43:00 — Interview + Story Tips
57:12 — Final thoughts, American history
Sponsor: Virgil Films http://www.virgilfilms.com/
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