Page 2 - The Caucus Tribute Book 2021

A MESSAGE FROM THE CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS, ROBERT PAPAZIAN AND JAMES HIRSCH
This year marks our second as Co-Chairs of the Caucus, but as many of our friends and colleagues know, we have been partners in business for over 35 years. It comes as no surprise for us to say that this has been a year like no other.
A special thank you to our Chair Emeritus, the one and only Chuck Fries and to the President of the Foundation, our friend and colleague, Sharon Arnett. Producer Scott Mauro, whose talent and commitment were the driving forces
in making this night a great success. And last, but not least, our endless thanks to the person who keeps everything moving in the right direction, our Executive Director, Deborah Leoni.
We are grateful and proud and thankful to all those who have participated, whether by donation or effort, to help us put together the truly exciting show we present tonight. Our goals, and those of our Foundation, are clear and emphatic. We want to help pave the way for the next generation. Tonight’s incredible lineup helps us take a major step in that important direction.
What has been accomplished in this difficult year also reflects the amazing backing that The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors has received from the Annenberg Foundation, Panavision and illuminate LA. Over the years, with their help and support, we have given over $2 million dollars in grants and awards to film students to help them complete their projects
In 2020, member and Caucus Secretary Paul Miller organized and presented panels in association with Emerson College which reflected our goals to help mentor future creators. While one involved both the realities and processes of creating virtual production, the other gave an inside look into the process of pitching and selling. Expert panelists included Executive Producer Vin Di Bona, Executive Producer Jesse Collins and Senior Vice President, ABC Entertainment Robert Mills and many others. They all helped Paul deliver very valuable insights to those who attended.
Finally, as we move forward beyond tonight’s event, we wish everyone attending, contributing and participating all the best in the years to come. Our commitment to helping to create the best in entertainment is reflected in those three words at the heart of who we are: Producers, Writers & Directors.