The Association of Independent Commercial Producers has bestowed its highest honor, the Jay B. Eisenstat Award, upon Sally Antonacchio, VP of The Artists Company, current chair of the Producers Health Benefits Plan (PHBP) Board of Trustees, and until recently, a long-time AICP board member.
In an emotional ceremony during last month’s AICP Show, Matt Miller, president/CEO of the AICP, presented an unsuspecting Antonacchio the award. She was then joined by her husband and brother, who were both in attendance.
Established in 1990, the award is named for Jay Eisenstat, one of the founders of AICP, who 40 years ago recognized that in unifying commercial producers, they could work more effectively with clients, agencies, and suppliers, allowing the industry to grow and prosper. His vision is the foundation upon which the AICP is based, and is as relevant today as it was in 1972.
The list of Eisenstat Award-winners is made up of individuals who have helped define the industry through their individual accomplishments and selfless giving through their work in this organization. Some are the more “famous,” out front folks and some are the ones in the engine room, rolling up their sleeves and getting the work done.
This year’s award was presented to someone who truly embodies the spirit in which this award was established, an award not given every year, but only given when it is truly earned. Antonacchio has served in many capacities at AICP for over 20 years, including:
o For 21 years on the East Board of AICP, including a two year stint as president.
o Serving on the National Labor Committee and various negotiating teams as deals were hashed out with many of the New York unions
o Imparted knowledge to the next generation by taking part for more than a decade in serving as an instructor in the AICP’s Production Seminar Program, teaching hundreds of up-and-coming producers the intricacies of payroll, insurance, and other fun forms
o Served as a trustee of the DGA Assistant Director Training program for more than a decade
o Most recently, after stepping aside from the National Board of Directors and serving 11 years as treasurer, she moved into her role as chair of the PHBP Board of Trustees; PHBP is a health plan established for non-union freelance employees four years ago which now covers over 1,200 individuals and their dependents.
Directors Amy+Pilar and Jose Antonio Prat Join Reform School
Boutique content production company Reform has added comedy directing duo Amy+Pilar (Amy York Rubin and Pilar Boehm) and award-winning multicultural director Jose Antonio Prat to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded entertainment.
Partners in both life and art, Amy+Pilar are know for their sharp wit and comedic timing. Their synchronicity is evident in a body of work across TV, film and commercials. Prior to joining Reform School, Amy+Pilar had been repped in the ad market by production company Knucklehead.
Amy has directed high-profile comedy sketches featuring stars like Amy Schumer, Kate McKinnon, and Sarah Silverman. On the episodic front, Amy has helmed for series such as Fresh Off the Boat, Casual, Superstore and Angie Tribeca--as well as the pilot for the hit Netflix comedy Dead to Me.
Before joining forces with Amy behind the camera, Pilar was a psychotherapist, a background that informs her ability to create fascinating characters and stage irresistible, nuanced performances. Amy and Pilar’s shared passion for comedy brought them together. Their collaboration began with a Synchrony Bank campaign, starring cult-comedy favorite Maribeth Monroe (Workaholics), and they went on to direct the pilot of the Hulu series Love, Victor. Amy+Pilar’s ad fare also includes spots for Uber’s “Go-Get” campaign and “Shift,” starring Martin Starr.
“We have been fans of Amy and Pilar for a long time,” said Ryan Ennis, executive director at Reform School. “They excel at capturing comedic performances and dialogue. Coming from the TV and L.A. comedy scenes, they’ve built a strong following and collaborated with some of our favorite funny people.... Read More