Film Screening: LUNCH

For the past 40 years, a group of top Hollywood writers and directors has been meeting for lunch every other Wednesday. The members and their meeting places have changed over the years, but their appetites that nourish their friendships have remained. LUNCH goes beyond a single meal, and into the lives and successes of each comedy legend. Featuring Sid Caesar, Hal Kanter, Carl Reiner, Arthur Marx, Matty Simmons and Rocky Kalish.

Writer-producer-director Donna Kanter and her company have launched 14 reality series and five feature-length documentaries.  She directed the pilot "Rescue 911" (CBS), created the first drama-reality hybrid series, "FBI: The Untold Stories" (ABC), "Cold Case Cops" (Discovery), and numerous cases about unique crimes.  She is developing her feature, A Dangerous Alliance, about a renowned photographer hiding in Italy when he was a teenager during the Holocaust.  A two-time Emmy recipient, Donna was selected for the AFI's Directing Workshop for Women, and is a member of the WGA, DGA, and AFTRA.  She was Governor (Writers Peer Group) of the TV Academy, Governors' representative to the Executive Committee, and elected ATAS Treasurer for four additional years.

John Rappaport  is a native of Illinois and graduate of Indiana University, where he majored in both radio/television and psychology.  After stints as a disc jockey and TV host, he moved to Los Angeles to perform on a nationally syndicated comedy radio show along with performing stand-up at local clubs. He broke into network television when he joined the writing staff of the #1 smash hit, "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In", and penned comedy specials, including the first "Lily Tomlin Special," which brought him one of his eight Emmy nominations. Turning to half-hour comedy, his first script landed him a job as Story Editor for "All In The Family," adding a second #1 rated show to his resume.  He then joined "Maude," and "The Odd Couple" as Executive Script Consultant. In 1979, John was off to war as Supervising Producer and Head Writer for the TV classic, M*A*S*H* until the series concluded with the 2½ hour final episode - still the highest-rated program in television history. He wrote and produced and 24 major network pilots.  With "Gung Ho," he brought Scott Bakula to his first starring role.  He served as Creative Consultant on NBC's "Night Court,” then turned his attention to the big screen as a producer and writer. Over the course of his career, John Rappaport has garnered three Humanitas Prizes, four People's Choice awards and a Golden Globe statuette to go along with his eight Emmy and five Writers Guild Award nominations. He has also been enshrined in the NAB and Producers Guild of America Halls of Fame. John served on the Producers Guild’s Board of Directors for 15 years.  

Amanda Markowitz Wizenberg comes from a big Jewish family and is the proud granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors. She is married to her lifelong friend, Andy. Together, they have two daughters, Hazel and Lily, who are the great grandchildren of eight Holocaust survivors. Amanda's family owns and operates Factor's Famous Deli in Los Angeles, so she comes with a side of pastrami and matzo ball soup, although she won't be eating with you, since she's a 20-year vegetarian. A dedicated advocate for Israel and Judaism, Amanda is on the 3G Board at Holocaust Museum LA and Co-Director of Partnerships and Advocacy at Bulletproof Israel. Through the Museum, she speaks publicly and shares the stories of her grandparents. She also personally interviews Holocaust survivors to ensure their stories continue to be told. She will tell you that her body is in the West, but her heart is in the East, as she has focused all her attention currently on supporting Israel and the Jewish people.

Suzee Markowitz is the owner and general manager of Factor's Famous Deli.

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