Last month, Westport’s Livio Sanchez was chosen to be part of an elite team.
As part of its 50th anniversary, PBS selected 100 videographers and photographers from around the country — 2 per state — to help define what it means to be an American today. The “American Portrait” project will focus on the beliefs, traditions and experiences that make up this vast nation.
Little did Sanchez — or anyone else — know that soon, life in America would abruptly change.
Livio Sanchez
Sanchez — an award-winning editor, producer and director who has worked with top ad agencies, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Studios, Netflix, Nike, GM and the New York Times — quickly shifted gears.
He’d already done 3 stories. Now he’s documenting life during the coronavirus crisis.
PBS has pivoted too. They’re planning a special broadcast. Sanchez’s subjects are being considered as possible leads.
The videos are short, but compelling. Subjects include Stephen “Doc” Parsons and Griffin Anthony. Sanchez met both while playing men’s baseball for the Westport Cardinals.
Also included: Saugatuck Congregational Church Rev. Alison Patton. Sanchez met her and her husband Craig when their sons played on the same Little League team.
A screenshot from one of Livio Sanchez’s PBS videos.
Click below for links to several videos. As we all grapple with COVID-19, these clips provide compelling looks into American life, yesterday and today.
Stephen “Doc” Parsons
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5242
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5244
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5243
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5159/steve-p-bethel-ct-i-never-expected
Griffin Anthony
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5160
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5187
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5188
- https://www.pbs.org/american-portrait/story/5189
(In addition to pros like Sanchez, the PBS series will include submissions from the public. Click here to see the trailer for PBS’ “American Portrait.”)