PBS SoCal presents Angeleno

A documentary series that defines Los Angeles through the lives of its residents

New Episodes Begin April 30

Los Angeles, Calif. (April 20, 2017) — PBS SoCal and Primetime Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jones present ANGELENO — a documentary series hosted by Los Angeles Times journalist Patt Morrison, that builds a deeper understanding of Los Angeles by listening to the people who call it home. ANGELENO provides a thoughtful look at our neighbors who — despite their different backgrounds and experiences — are often more like us than we think.

“Los Angeles is a very diverse city filled with truly remarkable people,” said Andrew Russell, PBS SoCal President and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with Peter Jones to tell the stories – often uplifting and sometimes heartbreaking – of the people who call themselves Angelenos.”

In the spirit of National Public Radio’s THIS AMERICAN LIFE and STORYCORPS, each 30-minute episode profiles two residents of Los Angeles, linked together by a common theme and told exclusively in their own words. ANGELENO is a character-driven exploration of multi-cultural Los Angeles through the unique individual experience. Each episode will address larger issues and raise questions for the viewer. But the underlying premise remains steadfast – Who we are defines where we live.

“There is no region in the world as diverse as Los Angeles,” said Peter Jones. “ANGELENO holds up a mirror to reveal that diversity – one person at a time. The series provides a powerful antidote for these divisive times when so many Americans from all sides feel their voices are not being heard.”

Each episode will air on consecutive Sundays at 6:00 p.m. through May 14 (repeats Mondays at 7:30 p.m.)

“Making It Happen” – (Sunday, April 23)

Thousands move to the City of Angels each year to pursue careers in a surprising variety of ways. Lisa Curry is a comedian whose sense of humor comes from her unorthodox upbringing in Indiana where her parents ran an illegal biker bar. Jaime Mateo sells Mezcal, an alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant by his family in Oaxaca, Mexico.

“Portraits Of An Artist” — (Sunday, April 30)

The diversity of the art community in Los Angeles is explored through the stories of two artists at different stages of their careers. Levi Ponce is known for painting murals on the sides of buildings in some of the San Fernando Valley’s poorest Latino neighborhoods. Peter Shire has been an icon of the Los Angeles art scene since the early 70s.

“Persistence — (Sunday, May 7)

After losing their jobs, a professional athlete and a chef start their growing businesses on the streets of Los Angeles. Logan Gelbrich is a former minor league baseball player who trains world-class athletes and strongman competitors in Venice. Erwin Tjahyadi is transitioning from his successful taco truck business to open a new fine-dining restaurant in Pasadena.

“Dreamer” — (Sunday, May 14)

This special edition of ANGELENO focuses on one man – Anthony “Dreamer” Esparza, a Native American veteran who offers a seldom-seen look at homelessness in Los Angeles.

About PBS SoCal KOCE
PBS SoCal KOCE is the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. We deliver the full schedule of PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. Our content is available free through four broadcast channels, at pbssocal.org, on our mobile apps, and via connected TV services. We provide the community with early education resources and cultural and educational experiences through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach. PBS SoCal has offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles. Connect with us at pbssocal.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

About Peter Jones
ANGELENO creator Peter Jones is a 2-time Primetime Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker. He is the recipient of a Producer of the Year Award from the Producers Guild of America. Among his films to appear on PBS: JOHNNY CARSON: KING OF LATE NIGHT; INVENTING LA: THE CHANDLERS AND THEIR TIMES and GOLDWYN. He earned his first Primetime Emmy for JUDY GARLAND: BEYOND THE RAINBOW (A&E) and his second for Stardust: The Bette Davis Story (TCM).

About Patt Morrison
ANGELENO host Patt Morrison is a longtime reporter and columnist for the Los Angeles Times who has a share in two Pulitzer Prizes. She hosted the long-running public affairs series LIFE AND TIMES, for which she received six Emmys.

Top photo is a screen shot from Episode 5; a mural by Levi Ponce