In Major League Baseball, April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day, when all players, coaches, managers, and even umpires sport jerseys with Robinson’s retired number, “42”. It was on April 15, 1947, that Robinson played his first, history-making game with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In time for Jackie Robinson Day, WNET Up Next presents a conversation with filmmaker Ken Burns, whose four-hour documentary Jackie Robinson will have an encore broadcast on THIRTEEN on Saturday, April 16 at 1pm. The films of Ken Burns have been a mainstay of public television programming since the late 70’s.
Joining WNET UP Next host Tom Stewart by phone, Burns reveals what led to his career as a filmmaker and describes the essential elements of his noted style, and what he refers to as “the authentic application of technique.” He describes his films as “hand-made….labor intensive,” and stresses the ultimate importance of the time he spends in the editing room. He also speaks about his important collaborators, many of whom have had long runs with Ken over his 40-plus year career. Find out how WNET played an important role in getting his first films on television, and what upcoming projects will be keeping him busy until at least 2030!
The podcast WNET UP Next goes behind-the-scenes of your favorite public television programs, featuring conversations with the people who make them. The podcast also serves as a platform for producers to share personal, behind-the-scenes stories about their programs and careers.
Press the play button below to listen to the interview with Ken Burns. You can also download the podcast on your computer or mobile device from the iTunes Store. Search WNET Up Next; subscribe and receive future episodes automatically.
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