Private Project

Common Ground: The Kathleen Sebelius Story

This conversation with former insurance commissioner and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius explores issues such as the Anthem/Blue Cross Health Insurance provider merger, education and school finance funding, alternative energy and the proposed Holcomb coal-fired power plants, and the possibilities for Democrats and Republicans to work together in Kansas. Sebelius moved to Kansas in 1975 after marrying Gary Sebelius, and embarked on a state political career that never saw her lose an election. Sebelius rose to the governorship after serving in the Kansas House of Representatives — 1987–1995 — and two terms as Kansas insurance commissioner — 1995–2003. She was the first insurance commissioner from the Democratic Party in Kansas history and served as Kansas governor from 2003–2009, leaving office early to join President Barack Obama's cabinet as secretary of Health and Human Services. Sebelius' Kansas story is one of overcoming electoral obstacles — a Democrat in a Republican state, finding ways to bring coalitions together to get things done, and sometimes making controversial decisions, all while maintaining high job approval ratings.

  • Josh Cannon
    Director
  • Lyall Ford
    Director
  • Dr. Bob Beatty
    Writer
  • Bob Beatty
    Producer
  • Brenda White
    Producer
  • Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
    Key Cast
  • Gov. William Avery
    Key Cast
  • Gov. Bill Graves
    Key Cast
  • Gov. Mark Parkinson
    Key Cast
  • Lt. Gov. John Moore
    Key Cast
  • Bob Beatty
    Videography
  • Josh Cannon
    Videography
  • Lyall Ford
    Videography
  • Blake Hopper
    Videography
  • Dale Rusche
    Videography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Josh Cannon, Lyall Ford

Josh Cannon

Josh Cannon is Co-Director of Common Ground: The Kathleen Sebelius Story. Previously, he served as Assistant Editor of the documentary North Korea: Inside the Hermit Kingdom, and provided cinematography assistance for the film Seeing Scarlet. Josh has been a driven filmmaker since he was eleven years old. Josh currently is the Producer for Washburn Sports Video where he oversees the live video production of every Washburn Football, Volleyball and Basketball home event. Josh currently lives in Topeka, KS and will graduate in Spring 2021 from Washburn University with a degree in Mass Media, with an emphasis in Film and Video.

Lyall Ford

Lyall Ford is Co-Director of Common Ground: the Kathleen Sebelius Story. Lyall holds a Masters of Arts degree in Global and International Studies degree from the University of Kansas, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Mass Media from Washburn University. Lyall has served as the director of six documentaries which have aired on PBS and NBC affiliates and he has worked as a producer and contributor to KPTS’s PBS Public Affairs programming. He is currently a Media Production Specialist at Washburn University, where he makes creates video and multimedia content for the campus. Filmography: Director of: North Korea: Inside the Hermit Kingdom, 2018 Rice Paddy to Wheatfield: Caodaism in America’s Heartland, 2011. Hispanic Veterans Remembered, 2007. The Kansas Governor, 2006. The British Political System Series, 2005.

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