announces that Kevin Epps' production on Current TV, "Popped in
Oakland" has won a Silver Telly Award. "Popped in Oakland" shows the
victims of street violence side of the story that's mostly discarded
by the nightly news, says Current TV's Roberto C. Grijalva, also
co-producer of "Popped in Oakland", 'Epps has done a great job making
sure these stories are not ignored. "Popped in Oakland" won the Silver
Telly Award in the Cultural category.
Information about the production
"Popped in Oakland" takes a deep look at gun-related violence and the
affects it has on young black men. Here the testimony of those who've
survived shootings and get a deeper look into what one doctor is
calling "an epidemic of violent crime in the African-American
community."
About Current TV
Current TV is an Emmy award winning independent media company led by
former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and businessman Joel Hyatt. Current
features "pods", or short programs, of which a portion are created by
viewers and users. Current TV is the first 24-hour network based
around viewer-created content, which it dubs VC2. Users (called VC2
Producers) contribute three-to-seven-
variety of subject matter. The content is filtered by registered users
on Current's website through a voting process, but pods are ultimately
approved or disapproved by Current's on-air programming department.
VC2 makes up a portion of the material aired on the channel. Users can
also create Viewer Created Ad Messages, or V-CAMs and Current TV
promos which are small promotions for either Current TV or the general
topic of VC2. The channel has exclusive broadcast rights in all medium
for perpetuity on viewer-submitted pods, and in some cases outright
ownership of the pod and its raw footage, although this is negotiated
on a pod by pod basis.
About Telly Awards
The Telly Awards recognizes distinction in creative work," honoring
outstanding local and regional television commercials and productions,
as well as non-broadcast video productions. The Telly Awards were
founded in 1978 by David E. Carter, a past Emmy and Clio Award winner
who has written several books on corporate branding and design. In
recent years, the Telly Award has become a highly sought award and is
recognized as a true accomplishment in the field of Commercials and
Television Programs.
www.tellyawards.com
About Kevin Epps
Kevin Epps (2002) debut documentary "Straight Outta Hunter's Point"
won local and national acclaim, launched Epps into the spotlight, and
pioneered a new genre, shot all digital it established him as a
leader in digital, independent film and new media. Epps other work,
Rap Dreams (2006) about the struggles of upcoming rappers receive
recognition as well. Kevin is in the process of completing a new
documentary feature, The Black Rock: The Untold story of the
African-American experience at Alcatraz. His other most recent work
ranging from gun violence to black fatherhood can be seen airing
nationwide on Current TV, a network founded by former Vice President
Al Gore. Epps sits on the board (DMA), Digital Media Advisory Council,
and is an advisory Board member, of the San Francisco Black Film
Festival.
www.mastamind.com
Contact information
Media Contact: Sparkie Brown- 415.568.5700-
