Mark Zoradi, former president of Walt Disney Studios, has been selected to receive the 2010 Briner Impact Award, joining a group of well-known past recipients including VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer; Dan Haseltine, lead singer of the rock band Jars of Clay; Martha Williamson, producer of the TV series Touched by an Angel; Lou Carlozo, former Chicago Tribune Editor; X-Men producer Ralph Winter, and others. The award is given semi-annually to recognize those who have made significant contributions in the world of media.
The award will be presented at CBS Studios on May 1, 2010 during the 15th annual Biola Media Conference which will explore how technology and the current economic crisis have set the stage for the collision of traditional media models and new digital possibilities today. The conference’s theme for 2010 is “World’s Collide.”
In 1992, Zoradi was plucked from Buena Vista Television to set up a stand-alone international theatrical marketing and distribution organization named Buena Vista International. Under his leadership as president, BVI shattered records by earning more than $1 billion at the international box-office for 12 consecutive years, generating $16.8 billion from 1995-2006. Following these achievements, Zoradi then rose to the top, assuming his post as President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group in 2006. Zoradi left Disney in late 2009.
“Mark has carried forth Bob’s ideas over nearly three decades of service at Disney,” states Mark Joseph, co-creator of the Briner Award. “He’s a great example to young people of how far hard work and a commitment to excellence can take you.”
Best known for his book, “Roaring Lambs,” which encouraged greater participation among people of faith in the arts and in media, Bob Briner was also an Emmy-Award winning television producer. He passed away in 1999.
“Mr. Zoradi has been a powerful executive in the movie world, bringing Walt Disney’s original, magical dreams to life. We’re proud to honor him with this award,” noted John Mark Reynolds of Biola University’s Torrey Honors Institute and a member of the selection committee.
“I know Bob would be pleased to have a man of Mark Zoradi’s accomplishments receiving this award,” noted Briner’s widow Marty who also serves on the awards committee. “But more importantly he’d be proud of the kind of character Mark so obviously exhibits.”
For further information regarding the Briner Award, please visit www.BrinerAward.com.
The Biola Media Conference, sponsored by Biola University and part of the FrontGate Media group, attracts over 600 attendees and is known for its intimate and practical conversations with leading Hollywood professionals, with industry training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in Film, TV, PR, Media Marketing, Management and Digital Media. Conference topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries from the creative, to the financial, to the production process.
Registration is currently open for the Biola Media Conference: $150 General Admission through April 27; and $180 at the door. Lunch and coffee bar provided. For more information or to register online, visit www.BiolaMedia.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available through FrontGate Media at http://tinyurl.com/biolamedia.
In its 15th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network media professionals while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. BMC attracts participants who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pros who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to students, attendees secure valuable information, insight, and contacts that strengthen their character and careers.
FrontGate Media is the largest pop-culture media group & marketing service reaching the faith and family values audience which represents $4.6 billion worth of Christian products purchased by consumers annually according to a recent article in USA Today. The FrontGate Media group reaches 15 million email subscribers, 25 million monthly page views, 600,000+ at annual events and 46 million+ television households. The firm serves as both conduit and coach for brands and companies desiring to reach any and every demographic of faith-based consumers through promotional campaigns within its media group. FrontGate also provides social media services, public relations, merchandise development and mobile giving services. The company has been repeatedly honored by World Vision as their #1 emedia partner, and plays a key role in the success of movie studios, non-profit organizations, publishers and authors, record labels and artists and more seeking “creative & emerging media” outlets. The company has been featured in Adweek as an authority on the “Role Of Religion In Modern Consumer Culture.”
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