"Live From New York!" Documentary Screening and Q&A Event at SVA Theatre

Amanda Bertoncini
Sep 20, 2016
2 min read

Saturday, September 17th I was invited to the screening of "Live From New York!" at the SVA Theatre (School of Visual Arts) in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Before I walked in to get my seat I see bags of popcorn and water bottles and I was more than ready for my screening experience!

Before "Live From New York!" began we got a surprise selection of classic TV commercials by Stan Fine (1968 advertising). Since I was born in 1986, it was fascinating to see how the quality of commercials have evolved. Not only because of the advance in technology, but also by social and cultural standards at that time.

SNL (Saturday Night Live) has been mirroring, emulating, affecting and influencing life in the United States for over 40 years. This documentary dives deep inside the cultural and social phenomenon that combated typical standards of most TV Shows since it premiered October 11th, 1975. SNL used laughter during controversial and tough times in order to keep Americans smiling. It also was a way for American's watching to say to themselves "I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that!". Whether it was American politics, tragedy or popular culture.

The documentary was followed by a Q&A with director Bao Nguyen (left), cinematographer Caleb Heller (middle) and co-editor David Ost (right). They are part of the MFA 2011 Social Documentary alumni. The Q&A was moderated by current SVA student Chelsi Bullard (Furthest Left) and also MFA 2017 Social Documentary.

At the Q&A I found what they said so fascinating. Especially:

Bao -"Find your voice and find people that share common interests with you. Having the chance to work with colleagues on projects is something we are happy to have"

David- "SVA was the best place to fail. I thought every mistake was the end of the world! Friendships you make in art school helped the work we produced since graduation"

Caleb-" Cinematography was my calling through the process of going through the course work"

Bao- "The story is more than the visual it let me evolve as a film maker and not concentrate on one aspect- looking beyond one side as a well rounded filmmaker"

Bao- "Made 'live from New York' around the 39th anniversary of SNL. We wanted to make a film around the 40th anniversary. Looking at it as a social and cultural issue. Shot about 60 interviews! The comfort with David and Caleb made the work environment much easier. We know our faults and strengths"