ImageArts was invited in early 2000 to return as official producers for the Peabody Awards. The awards, administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, were held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. For the first time in the history of the awards, they will air on television.
Jody B. Danneman, President and Senior Producer for ImageArts, supervised all aspects of production. The first task on hand was developing the overall theme which would inform the overall design. Senior Avid Editor and Graphic Designer, Harold Simmons and Graphic Designer for Print, Doug Fallon worked to create the “final look” for the show. Line Producer, David Garrett organized the broadcast show. “We knew from the beginning that the ceremony was going to air on Georgia Public Television (GPTV) and be a pilot for a national PBS rollout. My challenge was to incorporate a broadcast production crew alongside the existing live event.” Director, Bob Briggs, was brought in to direct the five camera production that included a jib arm assembly, while Danneman directed the live event. After the awards luncheon, production continued for the broadcast of the Peabody Awards on GPTV. Simmons pieced the luncheon presentation together while GPTV, the Peabody Awards, and ImageArts collaborated to produce additional segments for the broadcast. Susan Hoffman, GPTV Senior Correspondent, hosted wrap around segments for the presentation, and two sections were produced detailing how the Peabody Awards are chosen and the history of the awards. ImageArts’ Director of Photography, Scott Newton and Danneman traveled to San Francisco, New York, and the University of Georgia to capture images of the awards deliberation process. Mike Klein, Director of GPTV Productions worked at the live luncheon in New York and during studio segments at GPTV to prepare for the broadcast. Governor, Roy Barnes and University of Georgia President, Michael F. Adams, among other state officials, attended a gala at GPTV’s headquarters for the premier of the 59th Peabody Awards.