Roger Sherman

Roger M. Sherman is an American documentary filmmaker whose career spans decades in non-fiction cinema. A cinematographer, director, producer, still photographer, and author, Sherman is known for his work in documentary film. After graduating from Hampshire College, Sherman, along with Ken Burns and Buddy Squires, founded Florentine Films. He began as a location sound recordist, then worked as an assistant director and producer on commercials before becoming a producer, director, and cinematographer on documentaries. In the company's early years, one of its landmark releases was "The Brooklyn Bridge," directed by Burns and produced by Burns, Sherman, and Squires.

Sherman has explored a wide range of subjects in his films, including social issues, the environment, food, art, history, science, and culture. His documentaries include "Alexander Calder," "Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds," "Don't Divorce the Children," "Medal of Honor," "The Restaurateur," "Zapruder and Stolley: Witness to an Assassination," "The Rhythm of My Soul," and "The American Brew." "Don't Divorce the Children," about the effects of divorce on children, became mandatory viewing in many states for families experiencing divorce. As a freelancer, Sherman has filmed "The Gates" for Maysles Films and captured performances by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Fats Domino for The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among other projects.

Sherman's films have received honors in documentary filmmaking, including an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, and two Academy Award nominations. His Emmy Award- and Peabody Award-winning film, "Alexander Calder," was described as "an American masterpiece" by Charlie Rose. "Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds" was called "an extraordinary film biography, perhaps the best ever produced in the American Masters series" by Dorothy Rabinowitz of The Wall Street Journal. "The Restaurateur," a portrait of restaurateur Danny Meyer, won the James Beard Award for Best Documentary, Broadcast Journalism. Sherman has also received the Forward50, recognizing Jews who have influenced American culture, and the Yitzhak Rabin Spice of Life Culinary Award.

Sherman's work "In Search of Israeli Cuisine" presents a portrait of Israel through its food, capturing the country's political culture during a culinary revolution. The film takes viewers to more than 100 locations, visiting chefs, home cooks, wine and cheese makers, street food vendors, and farmers. Sherman has continued to explore new territory in documentary storytelling, including "The Second Life of Jamie P," which earned him the Best Director of a Documentary award at the Chain NYC Film Festival. He has spoken about his films and filmmaking and led workshops across the United States. Sherman is also the author of "Ready, Steady, Shoot: The Guide to Great Home Video" and its updated edition, "Ready, Steady, Shoot: A Pro's Guide to Smartphone Video," contributing to the field as both a filmmaker and educator in documentary production.