Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Julianne Cho, Mayor's Office of Film, Television and Broadcasting (212) 489-6710, x230
Mayor Giuliani presented official nomination certificates to the nominees at a time when television production employment and revenues have reached record levels in the City for the fourth consecutive year. Television production shooting days have grown by 107 percent in the past four years, from 3,598 days in 1993 to 7,458 days in 1997. Television production expenditures represent the largest segment of production revenues in the City, reaching $1.2 billion out of total production revenues of $2.37 billion.
"Today we honor more than 100 actors, writers, directors, producers, stylists, composers, and choreographers whose creativity, talent and dedication have earned them nominations for the New York Area Primetime Emmy Awards," the Mayor said. "At a time when film and television production employment and revenues in New York City are at unprecedented record levels, showing our appreciation to those who have excelled in the highly competitive field of television is truly a joyful occasion."
Commissioner Patricia Reed Scott said, "Today's nominees represent the best and brightest in primetime television, and boost the City's reputation as an ever-expanding center for top-notch talent. We are proud to recognize this community for its special achievements, particularly as production continues to build on a fourth record-breaking year of employment."
Primetime television has returned to New York in quantity and quality not seen since the late 1960's. The return of Cosby, Spin City, and Law and Order this Fall will be accompanied by Trinity, a one-hour drama starring Jill Clayburgh, and Dick Wolf's Exiled starring Chris Noth, both on NBC. Continuing a growing trend, Al Franken recently brought Late Line for NBC from Los Angeles to Kauffman Astoria Studios in Queens. HBO's Sex and the City debuted this June, and accompanies the Cable Ace Award-winning series, Oz.
The 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on Sunday, September 13 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium and will be televised live on the NBC Television Network.
Today's ceremony at City Hall was followed by a reception sponsored by Avenue Restaurant.