Opal Awards

From Faith Dickinson

On October 16 Women In Film and Media, a local non-profit organization, will be hosting their first Opal Awards to honor women who have made a difference in Pittsburgh film and television. The event, which will be held at the Cabaret at Theatre Square in the Cultural District, will begin at 5:00 pm with a special VIP hour complete with champagne toasts, VIP Gift bags and a silent auction like no other.

The evening will continue after the VIP Reception with a cocktail hour and then an awards program that will begin by honoring the work of Patti Burns. The Patti Burns Award will mark excellence and achievement in local television and in future years be given to a woman nominated by her peers.

Suzanne DeLaurentis, Producer of 10th & Wolfe, will be honored with an Opal Award for her work in Pittsburgh film. Suzanne has shot two films in Pittsburgh bringing nearly $10 million into the Pittsburgh area. In addition, she has encouraged other filmmakers to bring their projects to Pittsburgh.

“I love Pittsburgh and am very excited to return to accept this honor,” stated Suzanne in a recent telephone conversation. In addition to 10th & Wolfe, Suzanne filmed the majority of “Out of the Black” here.

In addition to accepting the Opal Award Tuesday evening, Suzanne has offered to conduct a seminar about her work.

Suzanne stated, “I wish I had subject matter for more films that I could shoot in Pittsburgh. I have friends in Pittsburgh, I love working with the crew in Pittsburgh and hope that I can do more work there.”

The event will benefit Women In Film and Media, their Public Service Announcement Program and various projects such as the Talking With series and sponsorship of television and film students.

For tickets, please call 412-456-6666 or go to www.pgharts.org

For information on Women In Film and Media, go to www.wifmpit.com