Mayor Bloomberg presented the awards to five individuals and organizations
for significant contributions to the NYC entertainment industry. From left to right: Rachael Ray, Jesse L. Martin, Robert Greenberg, Mayor Bloomberg, Theatre for a New Audience managing director Dorothy Ryan, and Commissioner Oliver. Photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office.
May 12, 2008 - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today presented the third annual ‘Made in NY’ awards to five individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the City’s entertainment industry. Actor Jesse Martin, talk show host Rachael Ray, Robert Greenberg, Chairman and Global Chief Creative Officer of R/GA, an advertising agency, Independent Feature Project (IFP) Executive Director Michelle Byrd and the Theatre for a New Audience were honored during the ceremony, which took place at Gracie Mansion.
The Mayor also announced the formation of the ‘Made in NY’ Scholarship Fund, which is funded by Teamsters Local 817 and will provide scholarships to eligible students attending the New York City College of Technology of the City University of New York (CUNY). The Mayor was joined at the ceremony by Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting (MOFTB) Commissioner Katherine Oliver. The ceremony occurred on the same day Mayor Bloomberg, Governor David A. Paterson and ABC Studios President Mark Pedowitz announced that the production of the ABC drama ‘Ugly Betty’ will be moving back to New York City, the latest sign that the City’s film and television production industry is thriving.
“New York City is at the forefront of film and television production, and thanks to our Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting and the ‘Made in NY’ program, the City’s entertainment industry is thriving,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Today’s honorees have made their mark on New York City, and their collected body of work represents the very best the City has to offer. Their outstanding contributions – and the contributions of all those who work in film, television, commercials, and theatre in the City – are to be commended. We also want to acknowledge Teamsters Local 817 for their founding sponsorship of the ‘Made in NY’ scholarship fund. With this scholarship we’re demonstrating our commitment to education in all areas of the city, and we are thrilled that the industry is giving back to the City in such a way, providing students the opportunity to be a part of our local production industry.”
“Today is all about celebrating the many productions, industry professionals, and organizations that are a part of our City’s entertainment community,” said Commissioner Oliver.
“Our honorees have done their share to promote New York City through their work and accomplishments, and we applaud their efforts. As the ‘Made in NY’ program continues to attract more and more production to our City creating new jobs and new opportunities, we’re assured New York City will remain a leading source of entertainment.”
The awards given to Robert Greenberg and Michelle Byrd were in specialized categories: Greenberg received the inaugural award for outstanding achievement in digital media, and Byrd was presented with the diversity award, which honors one person every year who has made significant contributions to increase diversity in the local entertainment industry.
Since 2002, MOFTB has pioneered numerous programs to support New York City’s entertainment industry and connect New Yorkers to the jobs and revenue it generates – including the ‘Made in NY’ program, which offers tax credits and marketing assistance to productions that complete at least 75% of their work in New York City. The City estimates that the film, television, commercial and music video industry supports employment for 100,000 New Yorkers and contributes $5 billion to the City’s economy annually.
The ‘Made in NY’ Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to eligible students attending New York City College of Technology who are pursuing a baccalaureate degree in the Entertainment Technology field. Funding for the program came as a result of a $500,000 donation made by Teamsters Local 817 to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York and earmarked for use at the discretion of MOFTB. The program will provide five students each year with a $5,000 scholarship, covering their full tuition and fees. The Entertainment Technology program, the only one of its kind in the Eastern half of the U.S., promotes the mastery of the technology that drives film and television productions, as well as equipment used for exhibition in various venues. The program also spurs the development of a highly skilled and diverse technical workforce needed to support the growth of New York City's entertainment industries.
“The members of Theatrical Teamsters Local 817 have been eager to repay the City of New York, for the jobs it has provided them and for the way of life it has afforded their families,” said Thomas J. O’Donnell, Secretary-Treasurer for Theatrical Teamsters Local 817. “We can think of no better way to give back than the Made in NY Scholarship Program as Teamsters Local 817 has long put an emphasis on the education of its youth and now opens a door of opportunity for disadvantaged young New Yorkers to gain entry into the entertainment industry.”
At the awards ceremony, the Mayor also announced new projects created by the City’s Latin Media and Entertainment Commission (LMEC) to further its mission of retaining, expanding and attracting Latin media and entertainment businesses to New York City. As part of the Commission’s efforts to create and support events that provide the most enriching Latin cultural experiences, the LMEC has partnered with the bilingual Latino website NYRemezcla to create the first-ever Latin Media Guide, which includes 14 LMEC-supported events. The listings in the Latin Media Guide are also part of a comprehensive calendar featured on the LMEC’s newly redesigned website that can be accessed through www.nyc.gov.
Musical entertainment at the ‘Made in NY’ awards was provided by members of IMPACT Repertory Theatre (IMPACT). Based in Harlem, IMPACT is a not-for-profit theatre company that uses performing arts and the dynamics of leadership training to develop and empower youth. IMPACT was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song from the film August Rush. IMPACT performed the song, “Raise It Up,” at the Oscar ceremony this past February.
Click here for more information about this year's honorees.
The 'Made in NY' Awards were held at Gracie Mansion on May 12.
Photo courtesy of MOFTB.
