Who says you can never go home again?
The 18th Annual Carolina ITVA Silver Reel Awards, held November 20 in Durham, was a double homecoming, of sorts. In the first sense, we revisited a time when television was in its purest form – live, original and black-and-white. And for those dedicated Silver Reels aficionados who braved the snow in January 1996, it was a memorable flashback to the first incarnation of our theme, Please Stand by...
Fortunately for this year’s presentation, the weather cooperated and almost 250 folks were delighted and entertained by Nancy and Rod Rich’s re-creation of a 1950’s-era game show, replete with live music and the comedic stylings of David Gregory and Andrea Powell as “Rick Ordbutton” and “Tess Pattern,” the host and hostess of the show.
Yes, you could practically feel old “Give ‘em hell Harry’s” presence that evening, as the B&W feel of the show contrasted nicely with the examples of cutting-edge visual communications that were honored with Silver Reels of Excellence, Merit and Special Achievement. Approximately 35 of the 104 entries were honored with awards, but each of the shows had its moment in the spotlight, thanks to the brilliantly conceived and executed entry montage created by editor extraordinaire, Todd van Slyck of VHS Video Productions.
Of course, the show would never have gone on if it weren’t for the support of our fabulous Sponsors, whose names you’ll see throughout this commemorative newsletter. Year after year, they keep digging deep into their pockets to help raise Silver Reels to a level unparalleled by other regional festivals. Please remember their efforts, and give them a chance to support your production needs.
Thanks also to each of the entrants for making this one of the best Silver Reels yet in terms of quality and quantity of shows entered. Your work just keeps raising the bar for future Reels!
And finally, what can I say about my outstanding Silver Reels Committee? It was they who kept everything together and moving forward throughout the year, culminating in the feast for the eyes and ears to which we were all treated.
For those of you who may be thinking about helping Kathy Gubar bring in “Reels 2000,” let me assure you it's a lot of work, but work well-rewarded! To learn more about what’s involved, talk with the members of this year’s group. Many of them have already re-enlisted for next year!
Stuart Watson
1999 Silver Reels Chair
. . . and the winners are . . . - a rundown of all the awards presented
Sponsors - Please be sure to support these fine companies who have supported Silver Reels
1999 Committee - The wonderful crew that made this evening possible.
Show Credits - Those talented folks.
Judging Panels - The key to Silver Reels
Pictures - candid moments from the evening.
