Mel Stuart aspired to have a career in music. However, after graduating from New York University he decided to pursue a career as a filmmaker. In 1960, David Wolper asked him to join a new production company and for the next 17 years he served as a key executive with the Wolper Organization. During that time he produced and directed dozens of documentaries - among them "The Making of the President," "Rise and Fall of the Third Reich," "Four Days in November" and "Wattstax." He also directed various features including "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "If it's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium." Since 1977 Mr. Stuart has been an independent producer and director. Mr. Stuart served as President of the International Documentary Association for two years and has been the recipient of many Emmy Awards, a Peabody award and an Oscar Nomination for his work. In November 2002, Stuart published "Pure Imagination: The Making of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," a compendium of facts, photos and film stills concerning one of his most popular directorial efforts.