In 1986, John, Pat, and Sandra, all avid travelers, began to plan a series about traveling in Europe that would feature low cost and a thoughtful, independent itinerary. In 1987, they approached northwest travel writer and tour guide Rick Steves, inviting him to host a pilot for the potential television series. He liked the idea and joined Small World. American Public Television (then known as American Program Service) liked the pilot, and the newly formed team of Small World partners accelerated work on what would become Travels in Europe. Since then, Pat and John produced Telly Award winning Travels in Europe® programs, while Sandra and John produced the winner of the CINE Golden Eagle. 

Small World Productions is joined by an excellent team of award-winning photographers, editors and producer/writers. 

Patty Conroy produced and wrote 14 half-hour episodes of Small World's Travels in Europe®, America's Historic Trails and Travels in Mexico and the Caribbean.  She won several Telly Awards and two CINE Golden Eagles for her work with Small World, the Boeing Company and the University of Washington.

Our award-winning photographer, Tom Speer, is chief photographer at KCTS-TV, the Public Television station in Seattle.  His credits include many national series, such as Miracle Planet, Fire on the Rim, Death: The Trip of a Lifetime, Bill Nye the Science Guy, The Frugal Gourmet, numerous pieces for The McNeil/Lehrer News Hour and 48 episodes of Small World's six nationally distributed Public Television series.

Continue the story of Small World Productions...