Midge Sanford

Best known for her work alongside Sarah Pillsbury as the production team of Sanford/Pillsbury, Midge Sanford has proven a successful producer of independents, seeking out and developing films with both critical and popular appeal. A former elementary school teacher, she joined New American Cinema in 1978 as a story analyst. After moving up to story editor, and eventually associate producer, Sanford met up with Sarah Pillsbury and the two became partners in 1980, with an option on "Eight Men Out" (a film that would not be completed and released for eight years). In 1982 they formed their production company and over the years have emerged as one of the leading independent production teams, working on compelling character-driven projects. In 1995 they secured a first look deal with DreamWorks SKG that led to the 1999 releases "The Love Letter" and "The Joyriders."