PBS's AMERICAN MASTERS to Expand Range, Welcome New Executive Producer

The New York Times reports that PBS's long-running American Masters series will be extending its subject range to important figures in Science and industry, as well as welcoming Michael Kantor as its new executive producer in 2014-15.

Kantor told the Times that he is "keen to look at masters in the making, looking at emerging American masters".

American Masters will also be revamped with "a more contemporary 'feel and look'", which will be incorporated late in the 2014-15 season.

Kantor is a producer and filmmaker whose work, including BROADWAY MUSICALS: A JEWISH LEGACY, has appeared on PBS in the past.

Current Executive Producer Susan Lacy leaves for HBO in September. She created the series in 1986 and has overseen its progress for the past 28 years.

PBS's American Masters is currently descibed as: "Now in its 25th year, American Masters has produced an exceptional library of more than 160 television programs, bringing unique originality and perspective to exploring the lives and illuminating the creative journeys of our most enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists and filmmakers - those who have 'left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape.' Balancing a broad cast of characters and artistic approaches, while preserving historical authenticity and intellectual integrity, these portraits resonate the attention, style and substance each subject deserves."

American Masters has won 21 Emmy Awards, including 7 for Outstanding Non-fiction Series and 5 for Outstanding Non-fiction Special. The series has also garnered an Academy Award, 3 GRAMMYs and 11 George Foster Peabody Awards for individual program episodes.

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