Editor

The 45th Chicago International Film Festival’s Hugo Television Awards is proud to announce the Illinois Film Office as this year’s honoree for Commitment to Excellence in Television Production. The Illinois Film Office will be presented with the Commitment to Excellence Award at the Hugo Television Awards on April 22nd, 2009 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Illinois Film Office is honored to be selected for this award,” said Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office. “The film and television industries bring thousands of jobs to Illinois each year, and millions of dollars in revenue. It’s our goal to make sure the world knows about the great talent and resources that are available in Illinois.”

For over three decades the Illinois Film Office has been Chicago’s ambassador to Hollywood marketing our state as a world-class film and television destination. As a result, the city of Chicago has been the backdrop for some of television’s most memorable programs including: “ER”, “Married with Children”, “Family Matters”, “Women of Brewster Place”, “The Untouchables”, “Missing Persons”, “Chicago Hope”, “The Bonnie Hunt Show”, “Early Addition”, “Cupid”, “Mind of the Married Man”, “What About Joan”, and “Soul Food”.

Most recently, as a result of Illinois’ Film Tax Credit, the state has landed major TV series work such as “Prison Break”, “The Beast”, “My Boys”, and NBC’s comedy pilot “State of Romance” in April 2009. The Illinois Film Office has provided countless job opportunities for Chicago’s talented television production community. In addition, the IFO provides production companies with an array of services including location scouting, housing assistance and information hotlines.

Hugo Television Awards Founder & Artistic Director Michael Kutza commented, “The Illinois Film Office is a staple of this city and state, contributing tremendously to the growth of the television industry. We are honored to present the Commitment to Excellence Award to this exceptional organization.”

The Hugo Television Awards, now in their 45th year, honor the best and most innovative in television production and commercials from around the world and pay tribute to the individuals and companies that have been industry leaders through the years. With new and exciting approaches continually influencing television programming and commercials alike, the Hugo Television Awards honor those who display mastery of their craft. The most exceptional work in each category is awarded our top prize, the Gold Hugo. The Hugo Television Awards is presented by Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival, an international competition with prestige across the globe.