PBS and WNET Welcome Michael Kantor to American Masters!

Photo: Mark Vergari/The Journal News

Unless you have been living under a rock for nearly 30 years, you’ve heard of the television program “American Masters”.  “American Masters” airs on PBS and offers its viewers an in-depth look into the lives of some of America’s most revered artists and those who have helped to shape our very culture.  From the very beginning the show had been produced by its creator Susan Lacy until April 2014 when PBS announced that Michael Kantor, of Ghost Light Films, would be taking the reigns.   Kantor promises to bring his own sense of creativity to a show that has already earned 26 Emmy Awards in its 28 Seasons on PBS. 

Executive Producer Michael Kantor has produced more than 21 hours of nationally broadcasted television since 2001.  He began his production career producing documentaries with great artists and cultural icons such as Quincy Jones, Steve Martin and Michael Tilson Thomas.  Michael Kantor isn’t joining the PBS family empty-handed; he’s bringing a Peabody Award and an Emmy Award of his own to the creative table.  A creative marriage between Kantor and PBS promises to take “American Masters” to an all-new level.  Before taking the position as the new Executive Producer, Kantor had already done some previous work for “American Masters” and PBS and WNET the company that produces the show.  Kantor goes on the record as saying “This is an amazing opportunity, I can’t imagine a more interesting and creatively challenging series to work on than American Masters.  I’ve been inspired by the remarkable films and the extraordinary filmmakers that the series has brought to a broad national audience.  I’m honored to carry on this tradition as we plan for the exciting evolution of the series.” The production company is elated about the new choice as well “Michael’s fine filmmaking and his history with WNET and PBS makes him a natural choice for this position,” said WNET President and CEO Neal Shapiro. “I’m excited about the next chapter for American Masters, one of the iconic series we produce for PBS, and I look forward to having Michael on our team.” (Thirteen.org Pressroom)

I can definitely see that all of the years of hard work that Michael Kantor has put into sharpening his craft in the industry have paid off.  His story gives me hope that I can accomplish my dreams of becoming an Executive Producer as well.  With perseverance and plenty of dedication, I know that once I get my foot in the door, there’s nowhere else to go but up.