Introducing the KITS Awards
It was about midway through the planning of last year's "Movies By Kids Screening and Awards" event that it became apparent that Kids in the Spotlight had turned a corner. It had "leveled up." In the 10 years since its inception, the quality of instruction and the films produced had evolved from good to great. Foster youth who had participated in the program were landing paid internships at ICM Partners, being signed to agencies, continuing their education in filmmaking, and launching amazing careers. But there was a feeling that one KITS tradition was overdue for a make-over. Introducing...
KITS Awards 2019
10th Anniversary Gala
November 2, 2019 | 3 pm
Paramount Pictures Studios
First, it needed a new name. "I felt the original name had served us well to the extent it could. However, it is a mouthful. In fact, the name used to be longer," laughs KITS Awards Executive Producer- Director, T. Faye Griffin. "I wanted the show to be rebranded in such a way that it becomes instantly recognizable and easy to remember. You've got the the Oscars, the Tonys, the Grammys, now the KITS." Griffin, who also writes the star-studded screening and awards ceremony hosted by Ty Burrell, was the founding Program Director and lead screenwriting instructor for the organization.
Her producing partner for the event is actress and Emmy Award-winning documentarian Tiffany Thomas, who is most excited about the show's move to the historic Paramount Pictures Studios lot. "Over the past nine years we've been everywhere from the WGA Theater to Sony Pictures to Raleigh Studios. Fox was so gracious to host us for four whole years in their Zanuck Theater," says Thomas."But I can't wait for people to see what we've set up at Paramount. There's so much Hollywood history there. And the Paramount Theater is pretty amazing. The KITS Awards is really going to shine."
Next, enter Daveion Thompson of Daveion Thompson Studios. A former KITS kid and ambassador now based in New York. A highly sought after designer and video director who is responsible for giving Fall Out Boy their look on the "Church" video, paid it forward by re-branding the show's look with an updated logo and color palette that afford the show a more contemporary, linear vibe.
With a new venue, a new look, and a name, the annual year-end celebration formerly known as "Movies By Kids Screening & Awards" takes on an even more important role in the sustainability of Kids in the Spotlight's overall vision. While the KITS Awards is a lot of fun---It is a fundraiser. Something even we sometimes lost sight of because everyone has such a great time.
Kids in the Spotlight wants to ensure while changes are afoot, the favorite parts of the event are still very much in play.
The central focus of the show is still to celebrate 10 years of providing youngsters with healing from the trauma of foster care through filmmaking!
It is still a star-studded, Blue Carpet event hosted by Golden Globe/Emmy Award-winner and KITS Ambassador, Ty Burrell.
Incredible films by incredible foster youth will be screened and awards given.
There will be opportunities to meet celebrity presenters, a silent auction, attend the post show party and surprises!
And yes, they still ask that you dress to impress. This is a Black-tie, evening wear gala.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, KITS NEEDS YOU TO LEVEL UP YOUR PARTICIPATION! HOW?
PURCHASE TICKETS. You can actually reserve your seating this year.
TELL FRIENDS. Help us fill the house. Forward this email. Share the flyer on your social media platforms.
BECOME A SPONSOR. We have many opportunities and benefits if you level up your giving. TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS, VISIT: 2019kitsawards.eventbrite.com
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