Robert L. Sacks, Esq., partner in the law firm of Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, LLP and AICP’s long-serving general counsel, was presented with the Jay B. Eisenstat Award in recognition of his many years of service to the association and to the larger commercial production and postproduction industry. The presentation took place during the AICP Awards’ gala ceremony honoring the winners of its three awards competitions, which was held at The Museum of Modern Art on June 6. 

The Eisenstat Award, the AICP’s highest honor, was created in 1990 and is named for one of the founders of the association. The award, said AICP president and CEO Matt Miller, is given in recognition and appreciation for outstanding service to the industry and to the AICP. Recipients, he added, “have contributed to the creation and evolution of AICP in their own special ways.” 

Tabitha Mason-Elliott, partner at BARK BARK and chairperson of AICP’s National Board, is in agreement. “For decades, Bob has been the heart and soul of AICP,” she commented. “His commitment, dedication, and brilliance have made an indelible mark on the organization. For anyone who's been fortunate enough to work alongside him, they’ve received an eloquent education. I’ve loved every moment of our time in battle (or in negotiations), receiving his counsel at board meetings and all the in-between times when the work of the association is being done.

“Bob’s unwavering tenacity has been the guiding hand in creating the AICP’s most impactful contributions to the commercial industry,” Mason-Elliott continued. “We’ve been profoundly fortunate to have him with us on this remarkable journey. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

In his remarks at MoMA, Miller pointed out that Sacks has served as secretary of AICP’s National Board, in addition to his role as general counsel, for decades, and has served in a key role in the association’s negotiating teams when it comes to labor contracts. “Bob truly is someone I can say is often the MVP in our trenches, no matter the issue,” he added.

“Bob stands alongside those that have contributed in many ways that may be unknown to those who only see our outward-facing efforts,” Miller said. He went on to cite the instrumental part Sacks played in the formation of many of AICP’s signature programs and initiatives, including the DGA Training Program, the DGA Commercial Qualifications List, the Commercial Directors Diversity Program and the Producers Health Benefits Plan, as well as in the very formation of AICP itself. Sacks was also responsible for  forming and creating the underpinnings of AICP’s affiliated organizations such as the Association of Music Producers (AMP) and the Association of Independent Creative Editors (AICE), which merged with AICP in 2018. 

On accepting the award, Sacks reminded the audience that he knew Jay Eistenstat personally, and credited him, along with fellow Eisenstat Award honoree Steve Steinbrecher, AICP’s first general counsel, “as the moving geniuses behind this organization.” He went on to add, “As an attorney, if you were given the opportunity to sit down and write out an ideal client, you couldn't do anything better than AICP.”

Asked to describe his greatest contribution to AICP, Sacks said “it’s being able to work collaboratively with the leadership, including Matt, the officers and the directors, to help design and actualize the various programs that have benefited the membership over the years. One of the greatest attributes of AICP’s leadership, and Matt’s in particular, has been a willingness to innovate and take strategic risks when there was a likelihood of producing a significant benefit for the members. And the AICP staff deserves much credit, with chief of staff Kristin Wilcha at the helm, for successful execution.”

Sacks said his relationship with AICP can best be described as “as both rewarding and challenging, and I would hope appreciated. It has definitely evolved as the membership that AICP represents, and the industry it serves, has evolved. I am very fortunate to have Jaclyn Ruocco as a partner in my work for the association, and others at Ellenoff Grossman & Schole who have stepped up when needed.”