FILM FLORIDA HOSTS 7th ANNUAL LEGENDS AWARDS TO FETE INDUSTRY
PIONEERS INCLUDING LATE TV PITCHMAN BILLY MAYS MAY 17 IN CLEARWATER
CLEARWATER (March 2012) —Film Florida Legends will honor director/cinematographer John D Patterson, actor/stuntman Luke Halpin and the late TV pitchman William “Billy” Mays, Jr. at the 2012 Legend Awards on May 17 in Clearwater.
The Legend award – launched in 2006 – honors Sunshine State pioneers in the film, television and production industry.
The ceremony will feature a reception at Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure with awards program immediately following at the Capitol Theater.
Nominees for the Film Florida Legends Award were open to those who have made a significant impact on film in Florida – whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera.
This year’s recipients made significant impact, including:
John D. Patterson. As founder of Winter Haven-based Patterson Studios, John is an internationally acclaimed director/cameraman in both film and video. He’s directed and filmed thousands of television commercials for clients including McDonalds, Coca Cola, Burger King, Sears, Chevrolet, General cereals (Trix, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs), the famous 70’s Florida Citrus commercials with Anita Bryant and more. Over his long career he he’s worked on many TV series, from The Mike Douglas show to ABC’s 20/20. John has received numerous awards including Motion Picture Academy Award, The Golden Eagle Cine Award, Addy Award, Telly Award, Outdoor Writers Teddy Award, The Film Critics Award, and many more.
Luke Halpin. Luke Halpin is best known as an actor for his role as Sandy Ricks on the popular series Flipper that ran from 1964-1967 and filmed in Florida. One of Film Florida’s first Legends, RIcou Browning actually created the series, which catapulted Luke into “teen heartthrob” status. Following Flipper, Luke transitioned from just acting to also stunts and as a boat driver for major Florida productions.
William “Billy” Mays, Jr. Bill Mays, Jr. is known as one of the best TV pitchmen of our time, and helped establish the thriving infomercial industry in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area. Billy began his sales career on the Atlantic City boardwalk in 1983, selling the "Washmatik" portable washing device to passersby. Along with the "Washmatik," Mays also sold several other "As Seen On TV" products. In 1993, Billy struck up a friendship with Max Appel, a salesman and founder of Orange Glo International. The two agreed to partner together, with Mays as the company's pitchman, to sell Orange Glo products like OxiClean, Orange Clean, and Orange Glo on the Home Shopping Network (HSN). After just one day on the Home Shopping Network, Mays experienced immense success, and sales skyrocketed. He continued to lend his pitchman skills and voice to many products on the Home Shopping Network, including Zorbeez, Mighty Putty, Turbo Tiger, Kaboom! and The Grip Wrench. He also co-founded Sullivan Productions in Tampa.
In recent years, Billy Mays appeared as a television personality on shows such as ESPN360 and ESPN and ABC's college football bowl coverage. Billy passed away in June 2009 at the age of 50.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.filmflorida.org. Sponsorships are also available. For more info, please email legends@filmflorida.org.
Previous honorees include underwater film and television veteran Ricou Browning Sr. (The Creature from the Black Lagoon); Egon Stephan Sr. (posthumous) and Jordan Klein Sr., Ralph Clemente; The Fuller Brothers - Brad Fuller and Mike Fuller; and Last Stage Out of Town (Digger Wilson, Eddie Harvey and Danny Harvey); filmmaker Bill Grefe; producer Errol Falcon; cinematographer Mike McGowan Sr. (posthumous); DGA’s Michelle Marx; casting director Dee Miller, cinematographer Victor Milt, underwater cinematographer Wes Skiles (posthumous) and actor Burt Reynolds.
Film Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that provides a leadership role in Florida's film and entertainment industries by representing a coalition of interests, including private industry, local film commissions, industry associations and labor organizations. Its purpose is to offer to businesses and individuals the benefits of a statewide trade association to promote the creation of jobs in the film and entertainment production industries and to promote economic development and tourism. For more information on Film Florida, please visit www.filmflorida.org.
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