Chicago International Television Awards Announces Expanded Programming for 2016

CHICAGO, IL — Celebrating the importance and excellence in work being created for television, as well as the abundant amount of television work being produced in Chicago, the Chicago International Television Awards expands its programming April 18 – 20, 2016. In addition to the annual Awards Ceremony, this year’s three-day event features premiere screenings, panel discussion and a special insider’s look into the intricate world of creating television. All events take place at the AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.).“Chicago has become one of the top locations for television production over the past few years, and our expanded programming of the Chicago International Television Awards highlights and celebrates the incredible work that is being made in Chicago and by Chicagoans,” said Cinema/Chicago Television Coordinator Sam Flancher. “These special screenings and panel discussions delve into all aspects of television production, giving attendees a special behind-the-scenes look into the multi-faceted process of creating a television show.”The festivities kick off on Monday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. with a special panel discussion featuring local content creators speaking about what it takes to break into the TV business and unveiling never-before-seen clips from their new works.

At 8 p.m. The Television Awards pays tribute to FOX’s hit series “Empire” with a special screening of the show followed by a panel discussion including key crew members giving guests an inside look into the making of the Chicago-filmed sensation.

Programming continues on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the newest episode from HBO’s “Veep,” followed by another engaging panel discussion featuring actor Gary Cole speaking about the show, now in its fifth season, as well as his Chicago roots.

At 8 p.m. the Television Awards will host a screening of the pilot episode from Amazon’s new series “Patriot,” followed by a panel discussion with Writer-Director and Chicago native Steve Conrad (“The Pursuit of Happyness”), line producer Marc David Alpert, and production designer Judy Rhee. An audience member will also have the chance to win a walk-on role in one of the upcoming episodes, filming soon in Chicago.

The expanded programming culminates on Wednesday, April 20 with the annual Chicago International Television Awards at the AMC River East 21. The celebratory evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception at the Lucky Strike Lounge followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

Complete details about Awards Ceremony, including hosts and honorees, still to be announced.

The Television Awards’ mission is to recognize the enormous technical and creative energy behind Television commercials and productions and to highlight their importance in communications.

Chicago International Television Awards Sponsors
The Chicago International Television Awards is presented by Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival. Led by Major Partner Sound Investment AV and WTTW11 with Media Partners SCREEN magazine and ReelChicago.com. Evening Partners include Stella Artois and Wansas Tequila.

Tickets ($20 screening passes, $15 members/students; $35 screening and Awards Night Ceremony; $75 screenings and Awards Night Ceremony/Reception) are on sale now. Visit ChicagoFilmFestival.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

About Chicago International Television Awards
When the Chicago International Film Festival was founded over 50 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 television commercials and productions. 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.

About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit arts 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 is one of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include its Chicago International Television Awards, CineYouth Festival, International Screenings Program and Education Program. More information at ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

About Fox’s “Empire”
From its jaw-dropping storylines to its chart-topping hip-hop soundtrack, “Empire” took TV audiences by storm in its record-setting first season, instantly gaining a legion of die-hard fans, creating a social media frenzy and making “Cookie” a household name. Starring Academy Award®-nominee Terrence Howard and Academy Award® and Emmy Award®-nominee Taraji P. Henson, and featuring music by prolific producers Timbaland, Jim Beanz and Ne-Yo, “Empire” is from Imagine Television in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. The series is created by Academy Award®-nominee Lee Daniels (“Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Precious”) and Emmy Award®-winner Danny Strong (“Game Change,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”). The series is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award® and Emmy Award®-winning producer Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “24”), Ilene Chaiken (“The L Word”), Francie Calfo (“Those Who Kill,” “Gang Related”) and Sanaa Hamri (“Shameless”).

About Amazon’s “Patriot”
Intelligence officer John Tavner’s latest assignment, to prevent Iran from going nuclear, requires him to forgo all safety nets and assume a “non-official cover” as a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm. A bout with PTSD, the government’s incompetence and the intricacies of keeping his day job cause a barrage of ever-escalating fiascos that jeopardize the mission.

About HBO’s “Veep”
Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfrus as President Selina Meyer, this HBO series follows Selina and her staff as they struggle to navigate through Washington politics. Season 5 of “Veep” premieres on Sunday, April 24th.