Uncompromising Historical Cinema
Left Side of the Lion Media produces cinematically rich independent documentaries that restore the narratives of civil rights leaders. We bridge rigorous academic scholarship with dramatic storytelling to preserve history for future generations.
Flagship Documentary
The Legacy of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
Sally J. Warner, Executive Producer
A scholarly examination of the mentor to a generation of civil rights leaders, produced in close collaboration with prominent historians and institutions.
A multi-part documentary series investigating the lost legal battles that preceded the landmark civil rights decisions of the twentieth century, currently in active production.
Our Production Team
Executive producers, Sally J. Warner and Ron Worthem, along with producer, Todd Bethel, and director, Michael Wells, have been recognized for their innovative approach to production.
With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to quality, they’ve guided this project from concept to completion, ensuring it achieved its highest potential.
The former secretary to the esteemed Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and the Administrator of his estate, Sally J. Warner has had a career and personal journey marked by dedication and filled with many blessings.
Professionally, Sally’s achievements extended beyond her secretarial role. In 2023, she was honored with a Gold Telly Award, recognizing her excellence and impact in media. She is also the founder of SJW Investments LLC, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Founder of Left Side of the Lion Media, Ron Worthem is a distinguished Executive Producer and Director with a robust background in information technology and video production. His career is marked by several significant milestones that highlight his versatility and commitment to excellence in the media industry.
Ron’s dedication to his craft has earned him notable recognitions. He has an IMDB credit for his work on the movie Grantham & Rose. In 2023, his excellence was further acknowledged when he won the prestigious Gold Telly Award, a significant honor that celebrates outstanding achievements in video and television across all screens.
Ron Worthem, Executive Producer & Director
A native of the Chicagoland suburbs, Michael A. Wells has been a resident of the Atlanta metro area since graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1994 when he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting.
Mr. Wells has had the fortune of being honored with other awards over the years including the International Gold Philo Award, 2 Peabody Awards, multiple Telly Awards and a Christian Acapella Music Award in the category of Best Music Video for his work with media organizations such as Paramount Television Networks, CNN, Legacy Worldwide Media and others.
Todd Bethel, Supervising Producer at Left Side of the Lion Media, is a Systems Design Engineer by trade and a storyteller through music and film. A graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology, Todd has built an extensive career in media and production.
He has been part of productions that have been locally and nationally televised. His work spans producing the Telly Award-winning “Benjamin E. Mays Legacy” trailer, contributing to US Golf Weekly Sports Magazine Show, and working on reality television.
Todd Bethel, Supervising Producer
Michael Wells, Director
Our Mandate