Filming in California
The California Film Commission and FLICS Announce Winners of 8th Annual California "On Location" Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/13/2002
Contact: Karen R. Constine, Director or Karen Caesar, Information Officer
Contact Phone: 323.860.2960
Honoring Excellence in Location Work Throughout the State
Marina del Rey, CA, October 13, 2002 -- Lights, camera, action! The California Film Commission and FLICS (Film Liaisons in California, Statewide) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2002 California On Location Awards (COLAs), celebrated Sunday, October 13 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey.
These awards pay tribute to location managers and production companies for their professionalism while working on location in communities throughout the Golden State. The awards also honor public employees for their diligent work in keeping California film-friendly.
Actor Richard Masur, a past president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and a current California Film Commissioner, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Offering his congratulations to all nominees and award recipients, Gov. Gray Davis said, "Californians are proud of what you do for our State. Your commitment and hard work have helped to make California the number one destination for filmmakers. Your efforts enhance our local economy, add creativity and imagination to our lives, and provide important employment opportunities to the residents of our Golden State."
"In California, we are extremely fortunate to have an endless pool of exceptional location professionals, and it is an honor to salute them for their excellence," said Karen Constine, Director of the California Film Commission. "This is a one-of-a-kind event that we look forward to every year!"
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony was State Senator Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles), who presented awards to the winners in the Public Employee categories.
And the COLA winners are:
Location Professional of the Year, Features: Laura Sode-Matteson, Hulk
Location Professional of the Year, Television: Marc Ventimiglia, Carnivale (HBO pilot)
Location Professional of the Year, Commercials: Rick Schuler, Mercedes Benz
Location Professional of the Year, Stills: Russell Sasaki, Suzuki
Production Company of the Year, Features: Green Lake Productions, Holes
Production Company of the Year, Television: Touchstone, Alias
Production Company of the Year, Commercials: Flying Tigers, Suzuki Quads
Production Company of the Year Stills: 5th & Sunset, Wrangler Jeans
City Employee of the Year: Jesus Serrano, City of Los Angeles
County Employee of the Year: Clark Newton, Placer County
State Employee of the Year: Fred Jee, Ranger, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Federal Employee of the Year: Commander Robert Anderson, U.S. Navy
COLA winners were determined by a distinguished panel of industry judges, including: Sandra Berke Jordan, President, Motion Picture Costumers Union, Local 705 and California Film Commissioner; Harry Bring, Producer; Steve Caplan, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Association of Independent Commercial Producers; Doug Claybourne, Executive Producer; Steve Dayan, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 399; Jeannine Oppewall, Production Designer; and Richard H. Prince, Unit Production Manager.
Additionally, Steve Dayan presented two awards from Teamsters Local 399:
Assistant Location Manager of the Year, Television: Karen Gilbert
Assistant Location Manager of the Year, Features: Leann Emmert
The 8th Annual COLAs concluded with the special presentation of the Signature Award to Touchstone Television, received by Barry Jossen, Senior Vice President of Production. The Signature Award recognizes individuals, projects or production companies that have steadfastly supported filming in California. Touchstone, for this season and for mid-season replacement, filmed 22 television pilots in California!
About the California On Location Awards
Created in 1994, the California On Location Awards ceremony honors location professionals and production companies for their excellence in working on location. The California Film Commission and the 57 regional FLICS (Film Liaisons in California, Statewide) co-sponsor the COLA awards annually to salute the Location Professional of the Year and Production Company of the Year in the categories of commercials, feature film, still photography, and television. The awards also honor a Public Employee of the Year on a city, county, state and federal level.