Inspired by the independent film movement, the New York Television Festival (NYTVF), now in its sixth year, is a year-round talent incubator that culminates with a week-long showcase of creative television. This year I attended some events and checked out a diverse array of innovative new work.
A few highlights included:
- The Independent Pilot Competition Works featured works by filmmakers with small screen dreams. OB/GY Anne, an offbeat comedy about a female gynecologist working for her family practice, won the IPC Best Writing award.
Actor and filmmaker Al Thompson, whom I profiled in my Atlanta Post article on African-American web series producers, took home two awards for his science fiction piece Odessa, winning Syfy Digital Studio Imagine Greater Award and the IPC award for Actor in a Drama or Dramedy.
- Stand up comedian Mike Maron, who has a huge following in the indie comic scene, was headlined in the Opening Night Comedy Extravaganza. His pilot WTF, about middle-aged man’s growing pains as he navigates the waters of “real” adulthood, was loosely based on his own life as host of a weekly podcast with the same title.
NYTVF and NBCUniversal co-presented Short Cuts, a festival showcase that displays and celebrates diversity in entertainment with works in comedy, drama, horror and sci fi. Founder and comedian Wil Sylvince and Festival Director Kendra Carter, whose work as Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives for NBC includes spearheading several groundbreaking initiatives, ushered in the 6th annual festival which was hosted by the hilarious J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm).
There were many more works, including shows sponsored be major networks, featured in the festival. For more info, check out NYTVF.com.
Congrats to all the filmmakers and TV producers featured in the fest!
-O.G.
LINKS:
New York Television Festival (NYTVF.com)
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