Filmmaker, Author, Publisher, Advocate & Ambassador 

Susan Sember, as a seasoned film director and producer, as well as a former litigation/entertainment and sports law attorney, is associated as the Executive Producer and Film Director for “Beyond the Game”. See www.beyondthegamefilm.com. Since the inception of “Beyond the Game”, Susan has been called upon to present regarding an athlete’s transitions, the convergence of sports and film, and other contemporary sports, media and entrepreneurial topics . As the film producer/director of “Beyond the Game”, Susan has also published four magazines, two in collaboration with a NBA-sanctioned publication. Her expertise and the film are further featured in the book, “Not Another Broke Athlete” by Shkira Singh & Don Padilla. Now, Susan is preparing to release her book, “Beyond the Game: The Official Film Companion”, which features her beautiful photographic and cinematographic perspective and captivating stories with the athletes and experts, in conjunction with the documentary. 

Susan has had her own film production company for over 20 years and while previously practicing law for over 16 years, her own firm for 10. She also is the CEO/Founder of a unique hybrid luxury publishing company, Silverlight Press . See www.throughpenandlens.com.

Susan has created, from concept to distribution, award winning films and television programs that have traveled to over 50 countries. Susan, with a highly developed marketing expertise, has successfully partnered with numerous corporations, educational institutions, grant makers and sponsors to effectively collaborate through innovative partnerships utilizing film and television as an effective platform for outreach, cause marketing, product placement and branding. With a keen sense towards a sponsor’s/grant makers’ desire for maximum “eyeball exposure” on a project, Susan developed, along with government statisticians, a scientific based program to measure and monitor this aspect of her film projects’ return on investment, as well. Storytelling with the bottom line, whether it be fiscal or action driven, is a finely tuned acumen for which she is called upon by studios, institutions, CEO’s and nonprofit founders alike. 

Susan is a consummate strategist in her films’ art and power of the story to unite, advocate, engage, and enlighten. Mastering the power of storytelling, Susan has coached filmmakers, trial attorneys, authors, public speakers and entrepreneurs over the last 20 plus years to blend story-boarding, visualization, media and skilled messaging into impactful ,artistic and business endeavors. 

Using cutting edge and immersive camera technology, Susan’s production teams have equally established an industry reputation in humanitarian, sports, underwater, and nonfiction storytelling. As a producer and director, Susan has been invited frequently to appear as a panelist and documentary film presenter at such recognized film festivals as the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Her films have been screened at eleven international film festivals. with sold out audiences each time. Susan has also been invited three times to the United Nations to screen her films noting their quality and cultural/societal importance. As a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant recipient, her film projects were featured on the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s web site and the associated ocean documentaries distributed to museums and aquariums internationally. With a substantial “cult following” in the equestrian world, Susan has distributed her horse films, bathed in history and art, to the global community and has been a frequent requested speaker in the American West, and throughout Europe, Canada and Australia regarding her film making process. As a proven ambassador on her humanitarian and film projects, Susan has met with numerous heads of state, leaders of influence and diplomats around the world, as well as being recognized by and receiving accolades from U.S. Dept. of State and Dept. of Defense members, Congressional and state representatives, U.S. Presidents, foreign embassies and others. 

Additionally, through her substantial contacts in the professional sports arena, Susan brings numerous high profile “A list” athletes to her current film project, “Beyond the Game”, including those in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, PGA, LPGA, NHL, FIFPro. NASCAR, Formula One, the Olympics and others. All appearing to share in their desire to give back, in support of the movement to inform, inspire and engage, in particular, student athletes, these iconic athletes provide a powerful and positive platform to make a difference. Through her career long associations with educational institutions, Susan has gained the support of major universities and colleges for this film with the visible appearance and participation in “Beyond the Game” and their film screening commitments that make up the 2021-2022 university tour. A Peer to Peer Education app will also provide student athlete, pro athlete and retired athlete content in accompaniment to the film in its film audience engagement and outreach. This “Beyond the Game” educational initiative has been described as the “largest in the history of sports and education in our country.” 

Susan is a proud alumni of the University of Michigan, an active philanthropist, a supporter of the arts, and a resident of Malibu, California. Serving as a trustee of a ballet company, advocating for athletes and artists’ rights as a pro bono lawyer, mentoring and supporting young girls in their career aspirations, and championing veterans’ causes are examples of her favorite volunteer activities. Susan’s precocious golden retriever, Annabella, (preceded by her golden retrievers, Murphy Blonde and Grace Kelly), stokes her never-ending passion for the breed and their service as companions, life’s teachers and amusing creative muses. Susan and her partner, John, are cinephiles, sports enthusiasts, global explorers, conservationists, family-committed and passionate about living a creative and curious life.

For Susan Sember’s featured film project, referenced above, please visit www.beyondthegamefilm.com