Banff World TV to Award 'The Cove' Director Louis Psihoyos with Green Grand Prize Award

Director Louis Psihoyos, The Cove

The Banff World Television Festival announced the recipients in three special achievement categories being awarded at the Alberta Film Awards Lunch on June 14, The Green Grand Prize to Oscar Winner and director of The Cove, Louie Psihoyos, The Lionsgate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer will be presented to Temple Street Productions, and the Deluxe Outstanding Technical Achievement Award to Panavision.

“It gives us great pleasure to recognize such outstanding talent at this year’s awards. Each recipient has shown exceptional creative edge and insight in their respective categories.” says Peter Vamos, Executive Director of the Banff World Television Festival.
More about the award recipients:

Green Grand prize award is being given to Louis Psihoyos, Oscar Winner and director of The Cove. The prize recognizes outstanding achievement in creating public awareness and understanding of environmental issues through the use of visual media. Psihoyos was selected as a result of nominations received from all around the world, honoring his tremendous impact on a global level. Dr. David Suzuki, president of the Banff Green Jury, will present the award to Mr. Psihoyos.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized not only for our documentary The Cove but also for my nonprofit’s ongoing commitment to exploring all of the critical issues facing our oceans worldwide,” said Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS). “We are fortunate to have a group of passionate supporters at the grassroots level, and given the mainstream popularity of “The Cove” we were also given the unique opportunity to testify at a Congressional Subcommittee hearing, bringing with it the potential to affect top-down policy change as well. We look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring people to save the oceans."

Temple Street Productions is being honoured with the Lionsgate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer Award for its incredible achievement in television and digital media. This award recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence and achievements of an independent producer within the Canadian television industry. Temple Street are proven industry leaders, having produced an array of programming including prime-time television dramas and reality television, Projects include Being Erica (CBC), Wingin It (Family Channel)Canada’s Next Top Model (CTV) .

"Temple Street Productions truly embodies the spirit in which we created this award,” says Lionsgate President of Television, Kevin Beggs. "Since its inception, David and Ivan have used innovative means to grow their company, creating partnerships and collaborations at every turn."

Maple Pictures Co-President Brad Pelman adds, "Temple Street is respected by its peers and customers and we are pleased to present them this accolade this year."

Panavision, an innovator in the research and development of film, is the recipient of this year’s Deluxe Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. Celebrating over 50 years of enabling clients to bring their creative vision to the screen, Panavision is an international supplier, designer, and manufacturer of high precision film and digital camera systems for the motion picture and television industries.

"It is a great accomplishment for Panavision to be recognized and appreciated in Canada by our industry and peers, including leaders like Deluxe, for our ongoing efforts as we strive to enhance our products and client service experience through innovation, technology and the hard work of our extremely knowledgeable staff,” says Bill Zacharuk, president, Panavision.

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Source: ItNewsLink.com

Robin Williams - "Working on Material" at Bimbo's Apr 14th & May 19th, 2008

Robin Williams performs "Working on Material" shows in intimate venues in his hometown of San Francisco in order to prepare for his annual MGM Grand Vegas show held on the May long weekend. He donates all of the "Working on Material" show proceeds to various humanitarian causes. This past month in addition to his shows at Bimbo's 365 Club, he performed 3 shows each at the Acme Comedy company in Minneapolis and the Showbox in Seattle, and several in the past two months at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley. According to my sources, the month before Williams and Dana Carvey were at a house party fundraiser for personal friend and Democratic Candidate Al Frankin. Williams and Carvey entertained onlookers by talking back and forth about George Bush in the different character voices they do. It was hysterical! Maybe his Minneapolis shows coincided with an Al Frankin visit. That's my guess.

I attended two of Robin's "Working on Material" shows, one month apart at Bimbos 365 Club in San Francisco. Both shows were different.

On April 14th while waiting in line for an hour an a half, I hooked up with a few cool people and had a blast. When the doors finally opened we bolted into the club and scored a center table in the third row. The audience was predominantly in their late twenties and thirties.



The voice announced "Ladies and gentlemen, Robin Williams" and the crowd went wild! Robin appeared on the stage dressed head to toe in black. His polo shirt was punctuated by a large white skull graphic with piercing eyes. Matching red "skull" sneakers, completed his cutting-edge 'chic n' playful' look.

Highlights from the April 14th show include "The Torch ceremony" described in an Asian accent; sports & steroid enhancements; the Obama / Clinton circus; Jack Nicholson's sizzling sex & drug scandals (hilarious); and polite Canadians! How about those those smokin' French Canucks! Eh? I laughed so hard I cried.

Williams is completely adored by hometown residents. Just ask anyone on the streets of San Francisco.





The May 19th show audience was a much older group comprised of grey, white and blue hairs. The show featured many more sex jokes and was on the whole a completely different set. The man behind me kept gasping. I thought he was going to have a heart attack. The "vagina" word does that to some people. That's probably why Oprah refers to it as "vajayjay". The "F" word was used regularly too.

Lines that killed me included . . .

"Its amazing how many dacrons died to make that" (directed at audience member wearing a leopard print).

"F'n Blackeberry broke down. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I actually had to talk to people. That's F'd up man!"

"Decaf, that's like masturbating with an oven mitt".

"Bejing is so polluted it makes LA look like Telluride".

"We've had the special olympics of politics for a long time".

On Jack Nicholson running for politics..."You'd never have a sex scandal because Jack's F'd everyone!"

Highlights included directory assistance, GPS, Tibetan terrorist, performance enhancement drugs, warning signs you're an alcoholic, the voice of evil speaking with the presidential candidates, the Pope, same sex marriage, polygamy, Scientology, and the human body (designed by committee), to name a few.

When asked after the show what their favorite Robin Williams bit was no one seemed to remember. Specifically what? Who knows! The master works his magic skillfully. Its like watching an overcaffeinated, overzealous, human rollercoaster in motion. Aspiring stand-up comic and Williams fan, Steve Eddy had this to say about the show.



Bimbo's provided the perfect intimate setting and the sound was fabulous. Tickets were reasonably priced at $40 and all of the profits went to charity, namely "Challenged Athletes Operation Rebound" and the "USO". A variety of charities benefitted from the "Working on Material" April and May shows.

If you get a chance to see Williams perform, please do so. You owe it to yourself to check out this international treasure live! Same time next year. Count me in!

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For the latest up to date information on Robin Williams check out the Robin Williams Fansite designed and maintained by Linda Stuurman.


(Left to right Steve Eddy, Ashley, Mike, yours truly, and Linda)