ANATOMY OF AN INDIE HIT: A CONVERSATION WITH BEN LEWIN

Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:30 pm (PT)

Co-production between BAFTA Los Angeles and the SAG Foundation.

A discussion of Ben Lewin's extraordinary life and career and examination on the development, casting, and production of The Sessions - its successful debut at Sundance - where it won the Audience Award and Special Grand Jury Award - and acquisition by Fox Searchlight. Extraordinary performances in the film received nominations for the Academy Award , BAFTA Award and SAG Actor Awards. The Sessions won the Independent Spirit Awards for John Hawkes as Best Male Lead and for Helen Hunt as Best Supporting Female.

Moderated by: John Alan Simon

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ben Lewin was born in Poland and grew up in Australia with a childhood passion for photography and creative writing. After a brief career as a criminal lawyer, he studied at the British National Film School, and worked for TV networks in England, France, Australia and the U.S. in documentaries and drama. He has also written and directed three previous feature films, and won various awards. His most recent accomplishment is the award winning feature film, THE SESSIONS, starring Oscar nominees John Hawkes and William H. Macy, and Oscar winner Helen Hunt. Ben is now signed on to direct A MOMENT TO REMEMBER, starring Katherine Heigl, slated for production later this year. Ben has been living and working in California since 1994. His portfolio is diverse, including one wife and three children.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR: John Alan Simon, writer/director, "Radio Free Albemuth" (feature film based on the novel by Philip K. Dick); Producer, "The Getaway"; Former Staff Writer, New Orleans Times Picayune.

To submit a question:

• Send an email with your name, city and question to LiveStream@sagfoundation.org.

• Tweet your question to hashtag #SAGF

Resource materials

• Following are any resources for today's event

Miss a Live Stream Program?

•  Visit our Video Gallery for past broadcasts and archived videos.

LIVE STREAM TROUBLE SHOOTING TIPS:

• If you lose broadcast connection