The North Fork TV Festival returns to Greenport starting August 4. In its sixth year, the festival celebrates the evolution of television and independent television while convening the innovative minds of executives, directors, writers, and actors alike. It supports independent program development and embraces exciting, innovative voices from around the world.
This year’s festival will honor Tony Nominated and Emmy and Grammy Award winner Christopher Jackson with The Ambassador of the Arts Award. A formal dinner ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 5, at American Beech beginning at 6:30 PM.
“A leading man in TV, theatre and music, Christopher truly embodies and advocates for social inclusion and the arts, which makes him the perfect recipient for the Ambassador to the Arts award,” said festival founder Noah Doyle. “As a festival that strives to be part of the growing effort of creating a more open and inclusive marketplace, and couldn’t be more proud to honor Christopher for all he has and continues to do for the community.”
“I am so honored to be named Ambassador to the Arts for this year’s North Fork TV Festival,” said Jackson. “The work this organization is doing is monumental to fostering the future of independent television everywhere. I am humbled to be even a small part in this year’s activities.”
Greenport Mayor George Hubbard Jr. will present Jackson with a letter of commendation for his commitment to and promotion of the arts and for his work to encourage young people to excel in the arts within the North Fork community. Previous Ambassador to the Arts commendations were presented to actors Constance Wu and Bridget Moynihan.
“The Village of Greenport is pleased to present a Letter of Commendation to Christopher Jackson,” said the Mayor. “The multi-talented Christopher Jackson is described as ‘an actor, singer, musician and composer,’ but equally as important, he is a strong and vital advocate for KultureCity, a non-profit organization that promotes acceptance and inclusion of all persons, regardless of their individual abilities. For these reasons, and for the strength and confidence he inspires in current and future performers, we are proud and honored to bestow this Commendation.”
Tony Award winner Patina Miller will receive The Inspiration Award. The Inspiration Award honors a member of the New York television community.
A formal awards presentation will take place on Wednesday, August 4, at the Sound View Hotel during the festival’s kick-off party beginning at 7:45 PM.
“I am so appreciative of the North Fork TV Festival for this incredible recognition,” said Patina Miller. “This job I get to do is an absolute dream. If the work and the roles can continue to inspire even just a small group of people, I know that I’m doing something right.”
“The Inspiration Award is presented to someone who truly inspires and uplifts audiences, showcasing the power of hard work and determination,” said Doyle. “This year’s recipient, Patina Miller, fully epitomizes this. We look forward to honoring her rise to fame from Broadway to her powerful and versatile performances in film and TV.”
The annual Independent Pilot Competition, will be awarded and celebrated at this year’s event on Wednesday, August 4, at the Soundview. The festival narrowed down submission to four winners for the coveted Best Pilot-Comedy, Best Pilot-Drama, and Best Web Series honors.
Patty Carey’s “Half Life” and Blake McWilliam’s “Timberwood” were both named Best Pilot-Comedy while Michelle Palermo’s “Middle of Nowhere” was chosen as the Best Pilot-Drama and Mathieu Rochet’s “Lost in Translation” was selected as Best Web Series.
“This year, the selection committee was overwhelmed with exceptional submissions from all over the world and the winners represent unique voices, being allowed to tell their stories as they want to, without the permission of studios or networks,” said festival artistic director Elias Plagianos. “I’m very grateful to get the opportunity to shine the spotlight on fellow creators who are continuing to push the limit of what independently created episodic content can achieve.”
Chloé Lexia Worthington and Maura Kanter’s “Julie: La Scandalous Life of Julie D’Aubigny,” Catherine Loerke’s “In Vitro Veritas,” Mirella Christou’s “Push It!” and Nadine Cheung’s “Room For A Pool” have been chosen to participate in the inaugural Pitch Forum taking place on August 5 and 6. “In Vitro Veritas” and “Push It!” were chosen through a partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Allison Kemp’s “Vigilante” was selected by The Gersh Agency. The forum will provide curated project and pitch guidance for these six emerging creators working on new television series.
“We are proud to partner with the North Fork TV Festival to support two science-themed television series pilots in the inaugural Pitch Forum,” said Doron Weber, the vice president and program director at the Sloan Foundation. “Both ‘In Vitro Veritas’ and ‘Push It!’ tell compelling stories about smart, bold women dealing with the social, emotional, and scientific challenges of controlling female reproduction.”
Worthington, Kanter, Loerke, Christou, Cheung, and Kemp will attend the Pitch Forum, which is designed to enhance the festival’s support of independent creators in their project development process. August 5 will be focused on learning and mentorship, including one-on-ones with mentors, Q&As with experts and pitching training.
August 6 will center on a live pitch to a curated audience and panel of industry experts during the festival’s Pitch Forum & Luncheon, beginning at 11 AM at American Beech.
Festival passes and tickets to events are available by visiting www.northfork.tv/
