A new series documenting San Diego’s microbrew industry will debut Thursday, May 21 on KPBS. “Kings of the Craft” will introduce audiences to the unique people and businesses of the San Diego craft beer scene. The six-part series was selected as part of the Thursday night KPBS Explore Project, designed to grow the station’s line-up of local program favorites.
Produced by four graduates from San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Television and Film, the show gives viewers an inside look at some of San Diego’s thriving breweries and the people behind them. With more than 100 local craft beer establishments in San Diego County, the show reveals how ordinary people are revolutionizing the beer industry and culture. Among the breweries featured are Stone Brewing Co., Ballast Point and Coronado Brewery; but some of the smaller breweries in San Diego are also featured. The show’s pilot, titled “Of Beaches & Beer,” which aired in 2014, won two Emmy Awards in the student programming category. The series builds on the pilot’s success showcasing the “brew” kings’ passion for their craft.
The KPBS Explore project, now in its fourth year, identifies new content to expand the station’s local programming through a submission process. Programs are rated on a number of criteria, including how San Diego’s sense of place is reflected. In addition, programs selected for production air as part of the KPBS Explore lineup on Thursday nights. Current Explore programs include: Savor San Diego, A Growing Passion, Crossing South, San Diego’s Historic Places, Live at the Belly Up, Animal R&R and SnapShot.
Episodes include Descriptions?Episode 101: Welcome to Crafty San Diego – San Diego has over one hundred establishments in the county dedicating themselves to craft beer. This is the story of the people who are leading this movement.?Episode 102: Beer Brothers – The thriving craft beer industry in San Diego continues to grow because of their unique attitude. The camaraderie and passion among brewers for creating the best beer is one of their biggest assets. This is the story of brewers who fear not an over-crowded county but a poor quality brew.
Episodes include a take on women’s places in the local industry and a look at the brewers’ predictions on the trade.