| MUMBAI:
Linda Agran, one of British television’s creative executives, will receive
the first Television Pioneer Award from the inaugural The Women’s International
Film and Television Showcase (TheWIFTS) at the event’s closing Awards Night
on 7 December 2008, at the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood. After
early career stints at Columbia Pictures, Paramount and Warner Bros. in the UK,
Agran joined Euston Films, a subsidiary of Thames Television, as director of development
where she produced a string of popular television series. They included many episodes
of shows such as The Wimbledon Poisoner, Agatha Christie: Poirot and
Minder. She
was nominated for two Bafta TV Awards for the television drama series The Widows.
TheWIFTS says, “Linda has had a remarkable career in television and, although
now retired, she continues to be passionate about broadcasting. She is presently
advising young filmmakers and writers, and serves on the BFI Production Board.
We are delighted to present her our first Television Pioneer Award.” The
Women’s International Film & Television Showcase is a new showcase recognizing
the talents of women in film and television, focusing on the work of women producers,
directors and cinematographers from around the world. Founded
by Craig Prater, formerly executive director of the Palm Springs International
Film Festival and the Bangkok International Film Festival, and Elspeth Tavares,
publisher and editor of the film industry trade paper, The Business of Film, TheWIFTS
has been endorsed by the City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Marketing
and Visitors Bureau. TheWIFTS inaugural event will take place 4 – 7 December
2008, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The
event will open with a world premiere and will include screenings of 16 new films
as well as seminars and discussion panels. The event will close with an awards
ceremony. | 
