- 2008 Topaz Awards Gala
- WIF.D Presents The 2008 Topaz Awards Gala
- Make A Difference undefined Become a Topaz Sponsor!
- Nominations Due for 2007/2008 Topaz Awards
- Women In Film.Dallas 22nd Annual Topaz Awards
- WIF.D Shines at the 21st Annual Topaz Awards '05
- 2004 Topaz Awards A Smashing Success!
- 20th Anniversary Topaz Awards Gala '04
- Topaz Awards Gala History
2008 Topaz Awards Gala
This year's Topaz was a hit! Thanks to all that made it such a success!
|
|||||||||||||||||
WIF.D Presents The 2008 Topaz Awards Gala
Join us for an evening of glamor, networking, and entertainment as we help Women In Film.Dallas give back to our local community. This year's theme is Making a Difference!
The Topaz Awards not only recognize the tremendous efforts of film professionals with Texas roots, it also serves as the primary fundraiser for the WIF.D scholarship fund, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.
We have a fabulous lineup for 2008 as we celebrate those who are Making a Difference, women and men who inspire all of us and have made significant contributions to the local film industry. Please join us in celebrating this year’s award winners.
 |
Rising Star Award – Amy Talkington, former WIF.D Scholarship Recipient and acclaimed writer/director
|
|
 |
Humanitarian Award – Garry Brown, Producer of “Prison Break” and advocate for bringing production incentives to North Texas
|
|
 |
Gratitude Award – Don Stokes, owner and president of Post Asylum and key contributor to industry organizations such as TXMPA, DPA, and AFI
|
|
 |
Dallas Film Commission Advocacy Award – Hector Garcia, president emeritus of Texas Motion Picture Alliance
|
|
 |
Spirit Award – updated March 4, 2008 Congratulations Sylvia Gill Voted on by WIF.D members and sponsors, nominees are Trayc Claybrook, Linda Dowell, Sylvia Gill, Suzanne Horne, Taneia Lednicky, Melina McKinnon-Cain, Lynne Moon, Jana Perez, and Shirley Thompson
|
|
 |
PSA Recipient – The Bridge Breast Network, receiving a portion of this evening’s proceeds
|
|
Special Guest Photo: Bob Sherman |
 |
Where
The Eisemann Center
2351 Performance Drive
Richardson, TX 75082
When
Sunday, March 2, 2008
VIP Reception and Concert at 5:00
Awards and Dessert - Doors open at 7:00
Tickets
Ticket for Full Access $150, for Awards and After Party Celebration $100
Seats are limited to only 350 so order your tickets soon!
|
Thanks You to Our Sponsors for Making This Year's Topaz Such a Success!!! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Read the History Behind the Topaz Awards
View a Recap of the 2006 Topaz Awards
Make A Difference - Become a Topaz Sponsor!
Women In Film.Dallas is pleased to highlight special opportunities for your organization to support the upcoming Topaz Awards. WIF.D is a non-profit organization committed to empowering, promoting, and mentoring women and men in the entertainment industry. These awards are attended by hundreds of entertainment professionals, producers, directors, business executives, the media, and industry supporters. Previous recipients include: Shelly Duvall, Phylicia Rashad, Cyd Charisse, Ginger Rogers, Linda Ellerbee, Debbie Allen, Marcia Gay Harden, Janine Turner, Sheree Wilson, and Morgan Fairchild.
This is a unique opportunity for unprecedented recognition and the perfect venue for you to communicate with your market. WIF.D’s high-quality educational programs and community outreach initiatives are possible only with the assistance of people like you. Rates for the program ads are attached, and a very limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain.
|
Topaz Sponsorship Packages |
|
|
View the Sponsorship Invitation (.pdf) from our WIF.D President to learn how sponsorship opportunities can be mutually beneficial. Five sponsorship levels are available this year: Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Star, Extras. Review the Sponsorship Package (.pdf) to decide which level is best for your organization. |
|
|
Topaz Contract |
|
|
Now that you've decided on the sponsorship level appropriate for you, simply complete the Sponsorship Contract and Order form (.pdf) and send it in! One of our Sponsorship Co-Chairs or a Topaz Committee Member will contact you to further discuss your new Topaz sponsorship level and its benefits. |
|
|
Topaz Program Advertising |
|
|
To have your organization prominently displayed in our Topaz program, simply read the Program Advertising Rates and Specs (.pdf) and complete the included form.
|
|
|
Hurry - the deadline for programs ads has been extended to February 22nd! |
|
Contact Info If you would like discuss your sponsorship level and its benefits, please email us.
Nominations Due for 2007/2008 Topaz Awards
Hurry and nominate your favorite local lady to receive the coveted Spirit Award at this year’s annual Topaz Awards Gala this spring!
Established in 1984, the Topaz Awards were created to honor distinguished Texas woman and men who, through their own vision, have made outstanding contributions to the film and television industry.
Criteria for Nominees:
- A woman working in production/media in the North Texas area
- A woman who has had an impact on production and/or women in the field
Please submit a name, contact information and a short sentence or two of explanation for your nomination to Topaz@wifdallas.org by end-of-day December 1, 2007.
Stay tuned for more exciting event news!
Women In Film.Dallas 22nd Annual Topaz Awards
Women In Film.Dallas 22nd Annual Topaz Awards
Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St., Dallas, Texas 75201
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Women In Film Dallas honor Morgan Fairchild, Ada Lynn, Linda McAlister, and Dr. Elba Garcia at the 2006 Topaz Gala Awards.
Hosted by Amy Vanderoef and Gary Cogill
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Morgan Fairchild | Dr. Elba Garcia | Ada Lynn | Linda McAlister |
Women In Film Dallas hosted its 22nd Annual Topaz Gala on Sunday November 5th at the Dallas Museum of Art. This special event honored career achievement and longevity of four outstanding Dallas women. Popular screen and stage actress Morgan Fairchild received the Topaz Spirit Award, Legendary Actress Ada Lynn was honored with the Topaz Legacy Award, Talent Agent Linda McAlister received the Topaz Lifetime Achievement Award and Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Elba Garcia received the Dallas Film Commission Advocacy Award. Our scholarship recipients are Tania Kalaf and Mary Benedicto.
Morgan Fairchild is a Dallasite who grew up in Lake Highlands as a shy child and found her passion and her voice in acting. She is now starring in the popular TV series FASHION HOUSE. Linda McAlister is a gutsy woman who built her talent agency with determination, vision and a love for actors. Ada Lynn began her career at age 3 in the Little Rascals. Her exuberance has carried her on to many stages in the country and her humorous acts are world-renown. Ms.Lynn is over 80 , still working and still making us laugh. Dr. Elba Garcia is a dentist whose passion for making the world better led her to the Dallas City Council where she effects change on the local level. She recognizes the importance of the Arts and supports the Dallas film community.
|
We are so excited to be honoring such phenomenal women", said Women In Film.Dallas President Cynthia Salzman Mondell. “I want to thank everyone for their hard work to make last night the success that it was. My phone started ringing at 7 am with praise for WIF.D. Last night the DMA was filled with women and men in the film biz, politicians, journalists, corporate execs, students and young people. A lot of young women attended. The women we honored - Morgan, Ada, Linda and Elba are role models to us. To be over 80 and still be singing, dancing and working....wow. To be successful on tv and politicking for social change....wow. To be a young mother who took risks that led to a successful career...wow. And to be a dentist who became a city council person who now supports our biz...wow. And a Big WOW to Topaz Chair, Marla Watson-Werst who worked tirelessly to make last night an elegant success." Warm Regards, |
 Cynthia Salzman Mondell, WIF Dallas President
 Linda McAlister, Morgan Fairchild
|
More information on Topaz , including previous awards and scholarship recipients.
WIF.D Shines at the 21st Annual Topaz Awards '05
Westin Galleria Hotel
Dallas, Texas
Saturday, October 15, 2005
"Spectacular!" That's the way WIF.D president Shirley Thompson summed up the 2005 Topaz Gala, held Saturday, October 15, in honor of several distinguished Texas women who have made outstanding contributions in the film and television industry.
The evening was highlighted by film luminary and former Dallas school teacher Irma P. Hall, accepting the Topaz Award for her outstanding achievements as an actor on film and on stage. "I accept this award on behalf of my mother and father, my ancestors, and the women who filled my vase with flowers when I was young," said Ms. Irma. She inspired the Topaz gliterati with heartfelt words about the women who have supported her throughout her long career.
The award was presented to her by Golden Globe winning actress, director and playwright Regina Taylor, an old friend of Ms. Irma's, who spoke glowingly of her as a mentor, poet, artist and friend.
Topaz Chair Carolyn Kynard hosted the evening's events for the second year. "It's the biggest attendance of any Topaz I can remember," said WIF.D president emeritus Joan Murphy Rosenzweig. "Carolyn and Jane (Ketcham, Topaz co-chair) have set a standard for elegance for Topaz and for events in Dallas." Indeed, the room was stunning, with red draped chairs, and a dozen red roses adorning every table. Tall white illuminated columns with the image of the Goddess and red roses adorning every table.
One of the most moving moments of the evening came when WIF.D Vice President Cynthia Salzman Mondell and filmmaker Allen Mondell
presented the Gratitude Award to Circle R Media CEO Ed Delaney. Ed passed away a year ago and left a legacy of outstanding television work, along with a wide circle of friends and admirers. Ed's widow, Patty Delaney accepted the award on his behalf to a standing ovation. "Ed loved women, and was a big believer in giving women opportunities to excel," said Patty. She highlighted several successful women in television who got their first break from Ed. Speaking of him, she said, "I am indeed the luckiest woman in the world."
It was also a big night for the Dallas Film Commission, who both gave and received an award. The Women in Film Achievement award was presented to WIF.D member and Director of the Dallas Film Commission, Janis Burlund. The opening line of her tribute video said it best, "One woman, over 500 locations." A longtime location scout in Dallas, Janis has been a tireless advocate for the film industry in Texas. The award was presented by Director of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philip Jones, who highlighted Janis' recent work as an advocate for the local film industry, heading up the efforts to garner more tax incentives for the film industry in the state legislature, and making Dallas a more film-friendly city.
In addition, the Dallas Film Commission sponsored Advocacy Award was presented to former City Councilmember Lois Finkelman "The arts are like society's rainforest," she quoted. And indeed Lois has battled to preserve and grow that rainforest, through her efforts to bolster the Dallas film industry and as a champion of Dallas arts and culture, including her earlier efforts to establish the Dallas Arboretum.
The award was presented by Janis Burklund and former City Councilmember and 2004 Advocacy Award winner Veletta Forsythe Lill.
Scholarship Chair Cynthia Salzman Mondell awarded scholarships to this year's award winners UNT Graduate student Jessica Schoenbaechler, UT Arlington animation student Laila Maria Talley, UT Austin Film student Amy Bench and Angela C. Abbott a Texas native now studying in Boston.
Finally, Silent Auction Chair LeeAnne Locken closed the evening's events with a flourish, sending the party goers back out to the Silent Auction tables where friends and colleagues held bidding wars over the fabulous auction items, raising more money for WIF.D Scholarships.
Women in Film.Dallas thanks the entire Dallas film community for their continued support.
2004 Topaz Awards A Smashing Success!
WIF.Dallas Scholarships Awarded
Photos from Topaz in our Gallery
Women in Film.Dallas sparkled on Friday, October 22 at their 20th anniversary Topaz gala and awards ceremony. The 2004 Topaz award was presented to Dallas native turned top Hollywood producer Bonnie Curtis by actress Sharon Gless. Local casting icon Shirley Abrams was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. Dallas Film Commissioner Janis Burkland unveiled the new Advocacy award, which honored Dallas City Council member Veletta Forsythe Lill for her longtime support of the local film industry.
 |
 |
 |
|
Bonnie Curtis & Sharon Gless
|
Veletta Forsythe-Lill & Janis Burkland |
Shirley Abrams & Daughter
|
 |
The annual gala event funds WIF.D's scholarship program which supports young women studying film and video in Texas. Scholarship chair Cynthia Mondell awarded the 2004 WIF.D Scholarships to Texas film students Rosanna Brillantes and Misti Espinoza.
University of Texas at Austin graduate student, Brillantes received a $3,500 Student Project Grant to fund production of her thesis film, Shamans of Siquijor. The documentary presents a portrait of shamanistic folk healers and explores how the healers contribute to the balance of social and spiritual life on the rural island of Siquijor, Philippines. |
|
Rosanna Brillantes |
|
North Lake College Video major Misti Espinoza was awarded the $1,500 Student Tuition scholarship to continue her undergraduate studies. Misti's film BARE WITNESS was featured at the recent WIF.D Chick Flicks screening. The 2004 Topaz gala was co-chaired and organized by Carolyn Kynard and Jane Ketcham. WIF.D president Joan Murphy Rosenzweig welcomed members and guests and spoke about the organization's mission to the 200-plus guests. Stacy Meier managed the many WIF.D members who volunteered that evening. LeeAnne Locken oversaw the Silent Auction, and provided some lively entertainment as impromptu auctioneer, auctioning off a costume from the film MINORITY REPORT, produced by Topaz honoree Bonnie Curtis. |
|
|
|
Misti Espinoza
|
Curtis, who attended with her parents, Harold and Billie Faye Curtis of Dallas, has worked as a producer at DreamWorks, as part of a longtime collaboration with filmmaker Stephen Spielberg. She most recently completed, THE CHUMSCRUBBER, starring Jamie Bell, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Rita Wilson and Carrie-Anne Moss, which is due in theaters in Spring 2005. At the Topaz gala, Curtis also received a videotaped tribute from former Topaz honoree, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, congratulating her on behalf of the Hollywood film community.
20th Anniversary Topaz Awards Gala '04
|
October 22, 2004 6:30 pm to 1 am The Westin Galleria Hotel, 13340 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX Topaz co-chairwomen: Jane Ketcham & Carolyn Kynard Reception and opening of Silent Auction 6:30 pm Attire: Cocktail
|
 |
Women in Film.Dallas' 20th anniversary celebration and awards gala, benefiting the WIF.D Scholarship fund. The 2004 Topaz honorees include top Hollywood film producer Bonnie Curtis, local casting icon Shirley Abrams, and Dallas film industry advocate Council Member Veletta Forsythe Lill.
 |
Bonnie Curtis produced the blockbuster hit MINORITY REPORT, continuing a long business relationship with Steven Spielberg that began when she was hired as his assistant in 1990. Born in Texas and educated at Abilene Christian University, Curtis moved to Los Angeles and found production work on the films DEAD POET'S SOCIETY, and ARACHNOPHOBIA before working with Steven Spielberg on HOOK and JURASSIC PARK. Curtis became a Production Associate on the celebrated SCHINDLER'S LIST, served as Associate Producer on THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK, and AMISTAD, Co-Produced the epic blockbuster SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, and made her debut as Producer with A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. |
|
BONNIE CURTIS Producer & Texas Native |
TOPAZ Women in Film.Dallas
2600 Stemmons Fwy.
Ste. 117
Dallas, TX 75207