Lifers: A Prison Documentary

June 5, 2015 PBS Wisconsin Leave a Comment

This week on Director’s Cut, we welcome Mark Mederson, director of the film Lifers: A Prison Documentary. Lifers is the well-told story of prisoners serving life sentences without parole. Mederson looks at the lives of several inmates and at the crimes that landed them in prison. In some cases, he explores whether or not the crime equals the time.

The most fascinating storyline in the film is that of Steve Watt, a highway patrolman and one of the victims of a featured lifer. Steve was almost killed after being shot several times by a man in a drug induced state. After years of therapy – both physical and mental – Steve not only forgave the shooter but became best friends with him and tried to get him released from prison. This story alone would make a great film, but it is merely one of the many fascinating and layered stories that Mederson tells.

Mederson is originally from Kentucky but is in the process of getting his Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He wants to teach and inspire other filmmakers, which I have no doubt he will be successful at. I enjoy talking to filmmakers who also teach and find they stay energized on both fronts as the two professions seem to go hand-in-hand.

Lifers is a can’t miss documentary – even in a season with and abundance of great docs on Director’s Cut! Please join me this Friday night at 9 on Wisconsin Public Television for my interview with Mark. Be sure to stick around for Lifers: A Prison Documentary on Director’s Cut Presents immediately following. Hope to see you then!

Directors Cut Presents Director's Cut Director's Cut Home

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Alyssa Beno

I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.

Andrew Carlson

As a community engagement manager for PBS Wisconsin, I create lasting relationships with communities around the state, connecting folks through our programming, outreach, and events. Outside of work, I love hiking with my partner, traveling, making music, and meeting friends old and new.

Becky Marburger

As a member of our Marketing and Communications team, I help share PBS Wisconsin's story, including the content we produce and opportunities we provide. Outside the office, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, outdoors or farming!

Erik Ernst

I'm the Communications Associate Director at PBS Wisconsin. When I'm not letting people know about all of the awesome work the station is doing around the state, you'll find me planning my family's next trip to somewhere fun, warm and likely connected to a Disney Park.

Ian Lewitz

I'm a PBS Wisconsin publicist and former production assistant for the Wisconsin Life project. I enjoy exploring Wisconsin's many lakes and spending the summer months camping around the state.

Inga Witscher

Inga Witscher is a passionate Wisconsin dairy farmer, cheesemaker and host of PBS Wisconsin’s Around the Farm Table.

Luke Zahm

Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for discovering the stories behind the food we eat as host of Wisconsin Foodie.

Marci Glaus

I am the education communications manager for PBS Wisconsin Education. When I am not raving about our outstanding education resources, you can find me dancing, reading, playing, and exploring with my two young children while trying to stay awake past nine o’clock.

Mike Devine

I’m a Public Relations Specialist for PBS Wisconsin who enjoys promoting the wide range of programming that we offer. When I’m not sharing the stories of PBS Wisconsin content, I enjoy going to concerts, watching movies, reading and traveling (Always open to recommendations for my next destination!).

Mark Riechers

Mark is a digital content editor for PBS Wisconsin. A photographer, radio producer and writer, he has experience telling stories from everything from a history of Milwaukee beer ads to processing death through game development.

Pete Schwaba

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

Samantha Nash

I’m a project manager at PBS Wisconsin, and formerly an associate editor at WisContext. When I’m not scouring the state for fun music and arts content, I’m usually being forced to go on a hike by my demanding border collie or being forced to read on the couch by my demanding cats.

Sigrid Peterson

I'm a digital producer at PBS Wisconsin. I make our digital shenanigans compelling, friendly, and interactive so viewers can access great PBS programming over the air, on the web, on a boat, in a moat, in a box, with a fox. . . you catch my drift.

Tara Lovdahl

As a publicist for PBS Wisconsin, I love helping people learn about and engage with our wonderful programs. I also enjoy bicycling, baking, playing board games and watching movies (especially musicals).

Tawny Morrison

As the education communications specialist for PBS Wisconsin Education, I get to support teachers by sharing incredible education resources with them. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own – with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym.

Statement to the Communities We Serve

There is no place for racism in our society. We must work together as a community to ensure we no longer teach, or tolerate it. Read the full statement.

Our Partners

PBS

Wisconsin Public Radio

Educational Communications Board

Univeristy of Wisconsin Wisconsin-Madison

PBS Wisconsin

PBS Wisconsin is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us

Editorial Policies | Public Inspection Files | Privacy Policy