Risa beer

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bio

Risa Beer (Risa Okamoto) is an award-winning documentary producer/director, and a media educator. She has directed and produced numerous documentaries for major international broadcasters including Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, History Channel, Bio Channel, Crime & Investigation Channel, The Travel Channel, Channel News Asia, and Sony Pictures. Her work has covered a wide variety of subjects, from rodeo bullriders in Texas to human trafficking in Nepal; from the ancient wonders of China, to the history of Japanese food. Fluently bilingual in English and Japanese, Risa is experienced in reaching global audiences with compelling narratives and message-driven content.A media educator, Risa is experienced in building and teaching curricula for filmmaking students of all levels.She holds a B.A. in International Relations and Drama from Stanford University.

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production experience

Director / Producer / Writer – “Access 360: Kyoto”
National Geographic Channel
A one-hour program on the modern day challenges of preserving ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan’s cultural capital.Series Producer – “Special Forces”
History Channel, A+E Networks
A 4 x one-hour series with unparalleled access to some of the most gruelling special forces military training camps in South East Asia.Series Producer – “Marina Bay Sands: 24/7”
Bio Channel, A+E Networks
An 8 x half hour reality show going behind the scenes of the world famous Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino.Director / Writer - “End/Beginning: Anuradha Koirala”
Channel News Asia
A one-hour biopic on Anuradha Koirala, a Nepali activist who rescues and rehabilitates victims of human trafficking.
Gold World Medal: Best Social Issues Program, New York Festivals International Broadcasting Awards 2012
Silver World Medal: Best Biography/Profile, New York Festivals International Broadcasting Awards 2012
Silver World Medal: Best Community Service Program, New York Festivals International Broadcasting Awards 2012Director / Producer / Writer - “Living Cities: Singapore” – Ep. 1 and Ep. 4
Discovery Channel
A series investigating Singapore as a hotbed of innovations and issues surrounding 21st century urban living.
Nominee: Best Documentary Series, Asian Television Awards 2011Director / Producer / Writer - “Culinary Asia: Japan”
Discovery Channel
A one-hour documentary that delves into the heart of Japan’s unique culinary culture.
Winner: Best Infotainment Program, Asian Television Awards 2010
Highly Commended: Best Cross-Platform Content, Asian Television Awards 2010Director / Producer / Writer - “Partners in Crime”
Crime & Investigation Network, A+E Networks
A 6 x half hour series profiling the groundbreaking work of Asia’s premiere forensic scientists.
Silver World Medal: Best Directing, New York Festivals International Broadcasting Awards 2010Director / Producer / Writer - “Japanese Cowboy”
National Geographic Channel
A one-hour documentary about a Japanese man who pursues his lifelong dream of becoming a professional rodeo bull-rider in America.
Finalist: Best Biography/Profile, New York Festivals International Broadcasting Awards 2008Field Director - “Soul Surfer - Behind-the-Scenes Documentary"
Sony Pictures
Behind-the-scenes documentary of “Soul Surfer,” a feature film based on the life of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton.Producer - “True Asian Horror”
Discovery Channel
A one-hour documentary on the true stories behind some of Asia’s most famous horror films.
Highly Commended: Best Infotainment Program, Asian Television Awards 2007Director / Producer / Writer - “The Seven Wonders of China”
Discovery Channel / Travel Channel
A 7 x half hour series on China’s most celebrated ancient manmade wonders.Director - “Ecopolis: Road to the Future”
Discovery Channel / Discovery Science
A story on the electric Jeepney in Manila, for a 4 x one hour series exploring environmental issues in urban areas.Director / Producer / Writer - “The Vox” – Ep: Going Green
Channel News Asia
A half-hour episode examining the environmentally-friendly lifestyle phenomenon across Asia.Director / Producer / Writer - “Boomers”
Channel News Asia
A half-hour episode on travel and the elderly for a series about issues affecting Baby Boomers.

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Coming Soon!

84 year old Brandy Lee, born Nicholas Kailikea Toma, is an iconic and beloved Hawaiian drag queen who still takes to the stage in 6-inch heels. Having spent her life fighting for acceptance, respect, and the right to be herself, Brandy now reflects on a life lived with courage and authenticity against all odds - inspiring us to mobilize together at a time when equal rights for all are becoming increasingly uncertain.
Through intimate interviews, never-before-seen archival footage, and hand-drawn animation, we hope to bring transformative moments from Brandy’s life to the screen in a documentary short that captures her indomitable spirit. We invite you to join us in celebrating her legacy - and in carrying forward her fight for justice and dignity for all.

• Support our project at www.BrandyLeeFilm.com