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A panel of historians and producers discuss their experiences with the production and use of historical documentaries. Some of the questions will include: What are the hard choices between entertainment and historical accuracy? What production values are required to hold an audience? Must the script oversimplify to deliver a more compelling story? Do re-enactments of historical scenes enhance or distort understanding? What does TV history do best?
Participants:
R. Hal Williams, SMU history professor and co-author of _America, Past and Present_, will serve as moderator. He is a specialist in U.S. history in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Sylvia Komatsu, veteran award-winning documentary producer, is senior vice president of television production at KERA/North Texas Public Broadcasting. Ms. Komatsu was the executive producer of the four-hour PBS documentary, "The U.S.-Mexican War, 1846-1848," which won an Emmy Award in 1998.
Ken Alfers and Julia Dyer, together created the 26-program history telecourse series, "Shaping America" at the LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications of the Dallas County Community College District. Dr. Alfers was the series content specialist and is a professor of history at Mountain View Community College. Ms. Dyer, who has produced a number of independent productions, was the series producer/director.
Andrea Boardman, executive director of SMU's William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies; historian, writer, researcher, and producer for numerous historical documentaries.
This is a free public event but seating is limited. Please call for reservations by Feb. 18. Reception at 6:30 p.m. Panel from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. McCord Auditorium, 3rd floor Dallas Hall, 3225 University Ave.
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