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PBS Acquires Documentary From Local Filmmakers

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  06. October 2013

Port Washington, NY - October 6th, 2013 - Technology and “Cost of Entry” levels the playing field for documentary filmmakers like Scott Sobel and Gary Licker to compete with major film production facilities.
 
Scott Sobel’s latest documentary “The Business of Comedy” featuring Susie Essman and Robert Klein was recently purchased by PBS in Los Angeles, Detroit and New York. Gary Licker was the only crew member for this production. He was Producer, Director, Editor, Cameraman, Lighting Director and Audio Engineer all wrapped up into one.  Executive Producer Scott Sobel who accompanied Licker on each shoot to conduct the interviews is responsible for marketing and selling the documentary.
 
In the “Pre-Digital Era”, a typical feature documentary for PBS could employ dozens of professionals and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce. Today with inexpensive professional cameras, computer editing and storage, the investment and the personnel is minimal. This technological paradigm shift has allowed Sobel and Licker to create these professional level films at a fraction of the previous cost.
 
Gary and Scott are native Long Islanders and have been friends for more than 47 years. They collaborated on two other documentaries, Burgertown (1996) and Selling Cars In America (2011). The Business of Comedy will be honored and featured at this year’s  Gold Coast Film Festival on October 26th at the Soundview Theatre in Port Washington, NY.
 
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