Sevilla Productions, LLC
© 2025 Sevilla Productions, LLC. All rights reserved.
Elsa E. Sevilla
Emmy-nominated journalist & filmmaker · TV host · Speaker · Author
I bring history to life on screen and on stage. Since 2008, on KPBS/PBS, I have uncovered the untold stories of women, people of color, and forgotten communities — and shown audiences why seeing themselves in history changes confidence, identity, and belonging. Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla is a documentary series that tells the stories of Southern California’s history from all communities. History is not information — it is identity and fuel. Research shows that when people see themselves reflected in history, performance rises by 30%.
Through Historic Places and my speaking events, I deliver:
• Curated screenings with behind-the-scenes storytelling
• Keynotes on identity, belonging, and cultural history
• Talks for schools, foundations, museums, and corporations
• History-based programs that build confidence and purpose
Every paid event includes a signed copy of my book Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight, which chronicles my journey from childhood upheaval to television, and how history rewired my life’s direction.
Free signed book for every guest. Reserve your event — let history come alive.
CAMERA READY:
FROM HARDSHIP TO THE SPOTLIGHT
Why Our Stories Are Empowering
When I was five, my world was turned upside down when my father nearly died in an accident in San Diego, California, while living in Tijuana, Baja California. We moved to San Diego almost overnight for his recovery. He survived — but the move shattered my sense of belonging.
From those early upheavals came instinct, determination, and a purpose anchored in storytelling and history. I went from not speaking English to becoming an Emmy-nominated journalist, TV host, filmmaker, cultural historian, speaker, and now author.
Camera Ready is not just my life journey — it is a roadmap of resilience, identity, and finding your place in the world.
Available now at Barnes & Noble online and Amazon.
Watch Camear Ready Trailer
.jpeg)
Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla
I’m proud to be the first Latina, the first woman, and the first wife-and-husband team to create the longest-running documentary series on KPBS/PBS. Historic Places has been one of the most-watched history series on the station since its 2008 debut — now more than 80 episodes in — honoring the stories that were never in the room: women, Indigenous people, Latino/a/x communities, and erased chapters of California and U.S. history.
The series has earned Emmy nominations and multiple awards, and has been formally recognized by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, and others.
I am an Emmy-nominated journalist, TV host, filmmaker, and cultural historian — and I have poured my life into this work. Together with my husband and partner, Guillermo, we built Sevilla Productions, LLC, and produced every episode with intention, research, and care. In recent years, our son, Julian, has joined us — making this a three-generation mission to keep history visible.
Our Story
Storytelling & Purpose
My love for storytelling began in 1st grade — and by 7th grade, I knew I wanted to be a TV journalist. I didn’t know the route, but I followed the whispers, the signs, and the work. Determination and a passion for history led me to become an Emmy-nominated journalist, TV host, filmmaker, cultural historian, speaker, and author.
At KGTV 10, I met Guillermo Sevilla. Together, we built a production company and created Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla. We tell powerful stories that preserve history, inspire connection, and spark change. Our work includes documentaries, historic talks, short films, and legacy videos — plus media relations and coaching that prepares leaders to speak with clarity and confidence on camera.
Mission
To bring history to life and ensure the stories that shaped us — especially those never told — are finally seen, remembered, and honored.