CHICAGO, April 10, 2015 – Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival are pleased to announce that iconic WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling will be honored at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards Ceremony April 22, 2015 at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile (633 N. St. Clair St). Skilling joins post-production house Whitehouse Post, advertising legend Tom Burrell, and investigative reporter Jay Levine as distinguished honorees for the event, which will be hosted by WGN’s Dan Ponce and ABC/WINDY CITY LIVE’s Ji Suk Yi.
A fixture in the Chicago broadcasting community, Skilling will receive the inaugural Chicago Award for his outstanding career forecasting the weather. “Mr. Skilling’s work is an integral part of life in Chicago,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival, “Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, Chicago has always counted on his exceptional research and reportage.
For more than five decades, the Chicago International Television Awards have honored the inspiring programs, beloved personalities and powerful creatives that have shaped unforgettable moments of television. From innovative distribution approaches to groundbreaking storytelling, the Television Awards continue to recognize the talented minds of this ever-evolving medium.
A reception precedes the Ceremony, where top awards will be presented to the competition winners and tributes will be paid to distinguished individuals and companies who have made an indelible contribution to the television industry.
Tickets to the event ($75/Individual Ticket, $1,000 VIP Table of 10 with premium seating) are available at chicagofilmfestival.com. Please direct table requests to Managing Director Vivian Teng at vteng@chicagofilmfestival.com
The 51st Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is presented by Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival. Led by Major Sponsors, Optimus, Sound Investment AV, and WTTW11; Evening Partners include Stella Artois, Effen Vodka, Screen Magazine, and ReelChicago.
ABOUT TOM SKILLING
Tom Skilling, WGN-TV chief meteorologist, appears weekdays on WGN Midday News, WGN Evening News and WGN News at Nine. He celebrated his 35th anniversary with WGN-TV in August 2013.
Tom joined WGN-TV on August 13, 1978. Since then, he has established himself as a respected meteorologist both locally and nationally, known for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm, and use of state-of-the-art technology.
In early 2004, Tom helped coordinate the Tribune Weather Center, which combines the meteorology resources and expertise of WGN-TV, CLTV and The Chicago Tribune in one location. The weather center includes the installation of a state-of-the-art computer graphics system that enables Tom and his team to track details of weather across Chicagoland. He has also received an immense response for his WGNtv.com weather blog.
In early 2004, Tom helped coordinate the Tribune Weather Center, which combines the meteorology resources and expertise of WGN-TV, CLTV and The Chicago Tribune in one location. The weather center includes the installation of a state-of-the-art computer graphics system that enables Tom and his team to track details of weather across Chicagoland. He has also received an immense response for his WGNtv.com weather blog.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TV AWARDS
When the Chicago International Film Festival was founded 51 years ago by Artistic Director Michael Kutza, advertising agency heads Leo Burnett, Fairfax Cone, and Dick Needham suggested that, with budgets and craftsmanship equal to the feature films being screened, the Festival should showcase the art of the television commercial. Five decades later, this simple idea has evolved into an international celebration of the best in television, and encompasses television commercials, productions, series, and the innovative realm of online television programming. Since 2003, the top winners of each year’s competition have been feted at an Awards Ceremony in the spring, along with the presentation of Commitment to Excellence Awards to leaders and visionaries in the television medium. The event has honored notable commercial directors Joe Pytka, Tony Kaye & James Gartner as well as Carol Mendelsohn, STORY, Jesse Spencer, Kelsey Grammer, Bill Kurtis, Carol Marin, FRONTLINE, Leo Burnett, ESPN Films, and Optimus, among others.
ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and education organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the Chicago International Film Festival, CineYouth Festival, Intercom Competition, International Summer Screenings Program, and Education Program.
Contact:
Sam Flancher
Competitions Coordinator
30 E Adams St, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60603
312.683.0121 x114
sflancher@chicagofilmfestival.com
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
