Project Description

Emmy award-winning writer, producer, photographer, Kit Tyler has been called, “The Auteur of California History” for his extensive documentary work on California’s momentous social and natural history. His career spans more than thirty years of professional broadcast, live event, and multi-media production.

A hunger for adventure led Kit on a long and celebrated career in journalism. From the civil war in Somalia, to the breakup of the Soviet Union to the first free elections in South Africa, Kit has traveled the world covering international, national, and regional news. His work has appeared on every commercial television network as well as PBS and an ever-growing list of independent distributors. He has created over a dozen broadcast programs including the Emmy award-winning national PBS programs, Saving The Bay and Becoming California.

Kit founded The American Mercury Inc. in 1998 – a media production company specializing in broadcast documentary programs about the American West.

“The American Mercury combines cinematic shooting and editing styles with the techniques and storytelling perspectives of photojournalism and cinema verite to create uncommon programs that celebrate the history and culture of California. Escape From Death Valley is an unbelievable story of hardship, devotion, and heroism. This is a once in a lifetime project – I am thrilled to bring this incredible story to popular audiences!”