This Sunday, February 26, the Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media will present the 3rd Annual Governor's Hall of Fame Award to Representative Tom Massey at the Denver Film Society's Oscar Night® America. Lt Governor Joseph Garcia will present the award.
The prestigious award honors an individual who has made a profound impact in feature films, television, cable, commercials, still photography, interactive media or video game design. The winner merits recognition and distinction for long-term contributions, accomplishments, and leadership in these industries.
Massey was chosen by majority online vote from a list of nominees assembled by the Colorado Office of Film, Television, & Media Hall of Fame Advisory Committee.
"Representative Massey has been the number one proponent of filming in Colorado and the community recognizes his commitment to the film industry and creating a healthy environment for job growth and job retention," said Donald Zuckerman, director of the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.
For the past eight years, Massey has carried some form of film incentive legislation, believing that film and television production is an economic development tool for the state of Colorado.
"I am really honored and surprised to win this award as there are so many people who contribute to this industry," said Massey. "But this award is really about honoring the film incentive legislation that we have introduced this session. With strong support from the Governor and the leadership of industry veteran Donald Zuckerman, I am optimistic that this is the year we get film incentive legislation passed and put those in this industry back to work here in Colorado."
House Bill #1286 increases the amount of available incentives from 10 percent to 20 percent of a production company's qualified local expenses and includes a bank loan-guarantee program.
Local artist Barbara Baer was commissioned to create this year's Governor's Hall of Fame Award. Beginning with the idea of the iconic image of a star, Baer then developed the concept of two stars colliding and supporting each other, while still making sure the piece as a whole stands alone and supports itself. Baer has been an artist in Colorado for more than 30 years and her large scale sculptures can be seen across the state and country in both public and private buildings. www.barbarabaer.com
Oscar Night® America is a gala fundraiser benefiting the year-round programs of the nonprofit Denver Film Society. The event will raise both funds and awareness of the Film Society's activities, programs, and educational events.