VMA Moments and Memories: It’s Still All About Miley, and Beyonce
Aug27

VMA Moments and Memories: It’s Still All About Miley, and Beyonce

There was no “Miley Moment” akin to last year’s foam finger twerking brouhaha, so it turned out to be a tamer night at the 31st annual MTV Video Music Awards, held August 24 at the refurbished Forum in Inglewood as Lorde, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Gwen Stefani all performed, presented or took home the coveted Moonmen. Oh, unless you count the moment where Cyrus sent a homeless man on...

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Big Men: A Story of Greed and Corruption Unfolds When Big Money is at Stake
Aug23

Big Men: A Story of Greed and Corruption Unfolds When Big Money is at Stake

One of the things that POV on PBS, now in its 27th season, does best is showcasing the work of the world’s finest independent documentary filmmakers, and the upcoming “Big Men” is a prime example. Airing Monday, August 25 on PBS, the documentary is a nail-biting exposé of the global dealmaking and the dark underside of what happens when the US oil industry goes into Africa to drill. It becomes a contest for money and power that...

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Emmy Governors Ball: An Electrifying Kaleidoscope of Celebratory Color
Aug20

Emmy Governors Ball: An Electrifying Kaleidoscope of Celebratory Color

Imagine putting on a party for 3,000-4,000 people who happen to be television’s most talented and well-recognized in the industry. Then imagine doing it every year, managing all the moving parts and trying to top yourself. That’s the challenge that Cheryl Cecchetto and her company, Sequoia Productions takes on every year in producing the Governors Ball for the Emmy Awards. (And being the best in the business with a stellar track...

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Giving it Away: Generosity is Golden and a 20-Year Tradition for the HFPA
Aug18

Giving it Away: Generosity is Golden and a 20-Year Tradition for the HFPA

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is famous for putting on the Golden Globe Awards every January, honoring excellence in both film and television. Program note: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are set to host again, for the third year running. But what that HFPA does not get as much publicity for is its extreme generosity in awarding grants, fellowships and scholarships every year to worthy organizations ranging from those supporting...

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Creative Arts Emmy Awards Honor TV’s Best Artisans and Craftspeople
Aug18

Creative Arts Emmy Awards Honor TV’s Best Artisans and Craftspeople

“These are the real Emmys. The ego-free Emmys,” shouted Kristen Schaal, part of the ensemble from “Bob’s Burgers” accepting one of more than 90 trophies handed out at the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards August 16 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. Egos did seem to be left at the door for the 3 ½ hour-long ceremony – the prelude to the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards next Monday– which honors outstanding achievement in categories ranging...

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