Emmy nominees were announced on Thursday, and in addition to the usual “Sopranos” worship, someone I know is actually listed on the official Emmys website! Granted, the category is “Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking,” but still, that counts, right? She’s Lois Vossen, series producer for ITVS’s Independent Lens, which got the nod for “A Lion in the House.” I e-mailed her to see if it really was an honor just being nominated.
So did someone call and wake you up with the news? That’s what happens with all the big stars. And you have to go “It was such a surprise!!”
Yes, the filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar called my office at 7AM local time to tell me we were nominated. I was at the gym doing my Thursday morning spin class so they left a very funny message.
Being a TV star, how do you stay so down-to-earth?
I am not a TV star. I am a farm girl from Minnesota who loves independent filmmakers. I love bringing their work to public television.
What’s your show called again?
Ah, Independent Lens. You know…seeing life through your own “independent” “lens.” Nick Frazier from the BBC hates the title of our series (“It’s so expected”) but we tease him that since his series is called “Storyville,” in America that means it’s about a young Superman.
Right. Anyway, oh my God, what are you going to wear?!!
At first I thought we were part of the September 16 Emmy ceremony (there are actually three different ceremonies. Two in L.A. a week apart and one in NYC a week later). And I wasn’t going to be able to attend because I’m getting married on September 15th. But it turns out we’re on the September 8th Emmy ceremony so I can attend. I’m going to wear something.
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She’s so coy. Showtimes for “Independent Lens” vary on PBS stations, because, you know, God forbid they actually make it easy. Check your local listings or their website for schedules.
