Banff to Present Three Special Achievement Awards

BANFF: The Banff World Television Festival will present awards in three special achievement categories during a luncheon on June 14, to Temple Street Productions, Panavision and director Louie Psihoyos.

Temple Street Productions is being honored with the Lionsgate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer Award for its achievement in television and digital media. Some of Temple Streets projects include Being Erica (CBC), Wingin It (Family Channel) and Canada’s Next Top Model (CTV). "Temple Street Productions truly embodies the spirit in which we created this award,” said Lionsgate’s 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 added, "Temple Street is respected by its peers and customers and we are pleased to present them this accolade this year."

Panavision is to receive this year’s Deluxe Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. 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,” said Bill Zacharuk, the president of Panavision.

The 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 impact on a global level. Dr. David Suzuki, the president of the Banff Green Jury, will present the award to 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 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."

Peter Vamos, executive director of the Banff World Television Festival, commented: “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.”