Phil LaneProduction Manager, WGVU-TV By Yayoi Lena Winfrey Operated by Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids Michigan, television station WGVU has won numerous Accolade awards with its high quality submissions. Production manager, Phil Lane shares his thoughts about why. Q: Over the years you've won top Accolade awards for your productions. Why do you think Surviving Auschwitz: Children of the Shoah and Stefon Harris & Friends in Concert won? A: With both of those programs, the content was...                             READ MORE >>

Kid Fitness Television Series Gains International Distribution By Laurie Smith Television producer Fenton Maxwell, and business partner Paul Neville, have achieved the near impossible with their award-winning children’s show: they have succeeded at getting kids off the couch. They have done so with the help of a new super hero whose powers are fueled by healthy choices in an effort to combat rising childhood obesity statistics. “Paul really started the whole thing,” Maxwell explained. “He has been in the fitness industry his whole life. Paul is the epitome of health.” The birth of his first child in 2002 prompted Neville, a nationally revered fitness trainer, to pursue a lifelong dream to develop a nationwide fitness program for children.    READ MORE >>

Talk About Chutzpa! Independent Producer Creates Television Series From Scratch. By Laurie Smith “I declared from the beginning that It’s All About Youth would be an award-winning television show,” effused Laurie Faulkerson, who won Honorable Mentions in The Accolade. She is the creator, producer, writer, promoter, host, and owner of the Christian-based talk show originating from the CW TV-11, KPLR, in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. It’s All About Youth, far from local, can be seen in 31 states in the U.S., throughout Canada on The Miracle Network, and in 168 countries, on both Christian and secular television. All of this accomplished with absolutely no prior professional training in broadcasting, no formal education and no relatives in the business. Faulkerson continues the radio show that she created prior to the TV program, owns her own production company, L.A.F. Productions, and within the past year, opened a 300-seat theater in Festus, Missouri, where she hopes to eventually tape her show with a live audience. READ MORE >>

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About the Accolade Entering its sixth year, The Accolade is an international, non-traditional, virtual venue. Awards go to those television producers who produce fresh, standout entertainment, animation and compelling documentaries. The Accolade is a showcase for cinematic gems and unique voices. The Accolade recognizes television producers, large and small, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. Undiscovered and first-time television producers are often recognized. The Accolade receives entries from all over the world including Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Annually, a special award is given to a filmmaker, television producer or videographer who makes a significant contribution to social change or a humanitarian effort.

Get Involved It’s a given that television professionals want to maximize distribution and to gain as many viewers as possible. The Accolade is an award known to buyers and distributors affiliated with outstanding industry organizations like the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE). Winning an Accolade gives buyers and distributors confidence that your production is of high quality. This competition is designed to help winners achieve the recognition and viewers they deserve. Accolade staffers frequently share distribution ideas and industry contacts that help promote the careers of the winning television producers. The Accolade helps generate publicity and buzz. The Accolade has a strong online presence and shines the spotlight on top winners at The Accolade website and via press releases to a list of over 26,000 industry professionals. An additional advantage of participating in the Accolade Competition is that our awards qualify for listing in the IMDb (Internet Movie Database) when submitted to IMDb by the producers. We welcome your participation in The Accolade. Please submit your best work.