| Devil’s in the details for SOC’s Bettina Fisher Today she’s focused on Reel Journalism: Screenings and Symposia; tomorrow she’ll be booking guests for the next American Forum, and so with a warm laugh, Bettina Fisher says, “Every day is a busy one.” 
Photo by Jeff Watts
Fisher, SOC’s director of strategic partnerships, came to AU in 2002 from National Public Radio and now has a hand in every detail of SOC events, from invitations and programs to menus and budgets, as she collaborates with such strategic partners as the Newseum, WAMU, Discovery Communications, Turner Classic Movies, and the Washington Post. For the past several months, the third annual SOC Reel Journalism festival, which screens from March 23 through 25, has commanded Fisher’s attention. The festival features such films as the Academy Award–nominated Good Night, and Good Luck; War Photographer; and Democracy on Deadline, which will make its Washington premiere. The festival also includes panel discussions with such filmmakers and journalists as XM Satellite Radio host Bob Edwards, Los Angeles Times reporter Ken Silverstein, Swiss director Christian Frei, and journalist Nick Clooney. “I don’t know if George [Clooney, son of Nick] will show up, but I’ll tell you, we’ve been working on it,” says Fisher of the younger Clooney, who directed Good Night, and Good Luck. George or no George, Fisher’s certain the film festival will be a hit. “We put a lot of work into it and really tried to focus on what students would like,” says Fisher, who worked closely with SOC dean Larry Kirkman, assistant dean of academic affairs Rose Ann Robertson, and Professor Danna Walker on the event. “The planning is nerve-racking; it causes me a lot of sleepless nights. It's worth it when it’s over, and I can look back and say it was a successful event,” she said. Despite her hectic life on campus, Fisher always finds time to enjoy a movie with her sons, Andrew and Michael, and spend time with her photographer boyfriend. “I love photography. Sometimes we just take the cameras, pick a place on the map, and spend a Saturday or Sunday taking pictures,” she said. “It’s great.” Saturdays are also spent in the classroom, as Fisher is enrolled in a screenwriting class with Hollywood writer Gilles Wheeler. “Taking the class is the best decision I’ve made since I’ve been here. I’ve learned so much, and I feel that someday I’ll have a film in Reel Journalism,” Fisher cheerfully muses. Her script, “The Cinderella Complex,” chronicles the romance between a disillusioned divorced ad executive and a photojournalist. “Working at SOC has opened up a whole new world for me,” she continued. “I always knew that I wanted to write, but becoming familiar with alums like Nancy Meyers, Barry Levinson, and Barry Josephson has really opened my eyes to new possibilities. I have SOC to thank for that.” —AF |
