The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announced today that CUNY Hunter College student Allyson Conyers is the recipient of The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship.nnThe Alliance for Women in Media Foundation engaged in a partnership with The Loreen Arbus Foundation to focus on the needs, achievements, contributions and stories of citizens with disabilities. In 2009, AWM created The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship to be given to aspiring student television and filmmakers.nnThis year’s theme is You Make The Difference. Ms. Conyers created a short video that reflects upon the daily obstacles a person with a disability faces and the surmounting of which allow her to become thriving and valued member of our community.nn
nn”We are delighted to recognize Ms. Conyers for her realistic and inspiring portrayal of an individual with disabilities who contributes to her community,” said Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Chair Valerie Blackburn. “Our partnership with the Loreen Arbus Foundation allows us to support tomorrow’s media professionals, who create and deliver important messages that resonate on many levels.”nnA senior at CUNY Hunter College in New York City, Wilson will receive her bachelor’s degree in media studies later this spring.nnThe video is now available to view on the Alliance for Women in Media website. The video will be prominently displayed on the organization’s web site and social media outlets.nnAbout the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM)nThe Alliance for Women in Media leverages the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media. Formerly known as American Women in Radio & Television, AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment, and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2011. The Alliance for Women in Media carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large via inspired thought leadership that illuminates areas of societal need.nnAbout the Alliance for Women in Media FoundationnThe Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation also supports Empowering America®, an initiative which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this program, the Foundation provides Empowering America® educational collateral to needy urban middle schools around the country. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a live gala that honors exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.nnAbout The Loreen Arbus FoundationnThe Loreen Arbus Foundation supports a broad scope of charitable interests, including scientific and medical research; women and girls; people with disabilities and other minorities; gender and racial equity in media; the arts; the environment and world peace.Andy Schwarz Director of Media Relations Tel: 703-506-3290 Contact Andy via email
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
One doesn't have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent. But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather. The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the LA area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living. Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community. Production is needed in L.A., now! Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the incredible resource of L.A. production as we know it, then marketers, agencies and the industry loses in the long run. Over the past several days, some agencies have issued directives to production companies that are unilaterally pushing upcoming production options out of L.A. The fact is L.A. is a large area, and many sections of the city and county are not directly impacted... Read More