The Filmmakers
Robert Bilheimer, Director
Robert Bilheimer, President of Worldwide Documentaries, Inc., is a director, writer, and producer with an international background in film, theatre, journalism, and creative writing. His interests as a filmmaker range from the plays of Samuel Beckett to the vast complexity of the global AIDS epidemic, focusing on subjects of cultural, social, and humanitarian interest. In 1989, he received his profession’s highest honor—an Academy Award nomination—for Cry of Reason, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of South African anti-apartheid leader Beyers Naude. Read more.
Richard Young, Director of Photography
Oscar® nominee Richard Young is one of North America’s most distinguished documentary cinematographers. He has filmed dozens of documentaries for the Eastman Kodak Company, and for his work on two feature-length documentaries for PBS was awarded two Emmys®. With international experience that has taken him to more than a dozen countries over a span of more than 25 years in filmmaking, Not My Life is Richard’s fourth collaboration with Robert Bilheimer and Worldwide Documentaries.
Anthony T. DeLuca, Editor
With 15 years of editing experience, Anthony has worked with numerous independent film producers and directors as well as national advertising agencies and corporations. His work has received numerous local and national awards in commercial advertising, corporate launches, and theatrical film releases, including an Emmy, Cine Golden Eagles, Addy Awards, PRism and Vision awards. Not My Life is Anthony’s second collaboration with Robert Bilheimer and Worldwide Documentaries, his first having been A Closer Walk, which has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by film critics around the world. His other editing credits include a short theatrical film for Eastman Kodak Company (The Lightening Project) and a 60-minute documentary for National PBS (Echoes from the Ancients) narrated by Anne Bancroft.
Heidi Ostertag, Senior Producer
Heidi’s career with Worldwide Documentaries began at its inception in 1985. After a number of years working as a production manager for an independent film company, Worldwide President Robert Bilheimer approached Heidi about joining Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. The idea was to assemble a small group of dedicated professionals whose goal would be to make films that would change the way people think about human rights, social justice, and what it means to be a human being. Thus the journey began and now, twenty-three years later, Heidi is Worldwide Documentaries’ Senior Producer, with a wide range of responsibilities including production planning and supervision; day-to-day management of the company’s global operations; and supervision of a small cadre of staff and volunteers. Heidi feels that one of the most deeply rewarding aspects of working at Worldwide has been the multitude of courageous and inspiring individuals she has had the privilege to meet over the years. “Many have remained dear friends, and all have left an indelible mark on my heart.”
Tracy Sciortino, Co-Producer
Tracy joined the team at Worldwide Documentaries in 2006 with a background in the Film Industry that began with a Master’s degree in Television and Film Production from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School in 1999. She soon moved to Los Angeles, where she spent five years gaining industry experience that varied from assisting a writers’ agent, to working in production, to assisting actor/writer/producer Dave Thomas at Maple Palm Productions, to commercial casting. She has grown into the role of Co-Producer, working closely with Robert and Heidi in the planning and coordination of production, fundraising, and participation in the daily management of company operations.