UA’s Center for Public Television and Radio Wins Two Emmys

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama-housed Center for Public Television and Radio brought home two Southeast Regional Emmy Awards from the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences.

The Center won Best Historical Documentary for “Mama Called,” an hour-long program on the life and times of legendary Crimson Tide football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. “Mama Called” won the honor over entries from stations and producers in Atlanta and South Carolina.

“Winning the Emmy for ‘Mama Called’ really makes us feel like we’ve done The University of Alabama and the Bryant family proud in portraying just how much Coach Bryant’s legacy has and always will mean to this state,” said Rob Briscoe, an executive producer for the documentary. “Our team had such an incredible time getting to meet so many of the people whose lives have been touched by Coach Bryant. We can’t thank President Bonner enough for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime to tell his story.”

Briscoe co-executive produced the film with Elizabeth Brock, director of the Center for Public Television and Radio. The production team included Center staffers Robert Clay and Gray Lloyd, as well as Ken Gaddy and Taylor Watson with UA’s Bryant Museum. It was shot by Preston Sullivan and Robert Clay, and student William Mason (senior, telecommunication and film, Birmingham) and Adam Morrow were production assistants.

The Center for Public Television and Radio also won Best Promotional Campaign for “Alabama Detours,” short documentaries that air between programs on WVUA-TV. This entry won over competition from Atlanta and Georgia Public Broadcasting.

“The success of ‘Alabama Detours’ rests with a talented crew of staff and students —and with the fascinating characters who call Alabama home,” Brock said. “We are so lucky to live in a state filled with natural storytellers who are willing to share their lives with WVUA-TV audiences.”

Several of the ‘Alabama Detours’ mini-documentaries were produced by all-student crews, which Brock said is one of the many things that make The University of Alabama student experience outstanding preparation for aspiring film and television professionals.

More than 50 Alabama Detours have been shot to date, by more than 13 producers, videographers and students, including Briscoe, Clay, Lloyd, Sullivan, Morrow, Becky Beamer, Max Shores, Johnathan Morris and the following  telecommunication and film students: Mason, Tom Coiner (former student, Nixa, Missouri), Sean Dave (senior, Kapolei, Hawaii), Erin Torgerson (senior,  Chesterfield, Missouri), Greg Kubik (2012 graduate, Glenview, Illinois) and Lucas Porter (2013 graduate, Montgomery).