Lionel Berman, 1906-1968, came to filmmaking from an unfulfilling experience in public relations. He was befriended by early Frontier Films member Henri Cartier-Bresson on a trip to Paris, and returned to New York to join the group in 1935. Although a subdued person, he was an excellent producer and organizer and had influence among the members, convincing Sydney Meyers to leave music and make films full-time. He went on to join the arts section of the Communist Party, helping to found the Independent Citizens Committee for the Arts, Sciences and Professions in the 1940’s.