The Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded WGVU Productions the EMMY for Outstanding Cultural Affairs television program for Phil Lane's work on David Plowden: Light, Shadow, and Form.
The 22nd Annual EMMY Awards were presented on Saturday, May 20, 2000 at the International Banquet and Conference Center in downtown Detroit.
The EMMY is a distinct honor awarded to television professionals. This year's judges from Boston/New England; Ohio Valley; Colorado; and the San Diego chapters of the National Academy scored recipients based on content, creativity, and execution of work.
The one-hour documentary from WGVU Productions is narrated by nationally known journalist Bill Kurtis and features the life and work of photographer David Plowden.
Since beginning his career in 1958, Plowden's black and white photographs have revealed the continually changing face of America. His images have had a major impact on the profession of photography and are an important part of the recording of America's history.
This program documents Plowden's work, from his position as a visiting professor at Grand Valley State University, to scenes of him searching for the perfect light, and working in his darkroom. Interviews with Plowden's mother, wife, and noted historian David McCullough give insight into Plowden's motivations for his life and art.
The more we dug into Plowden's life the more intriguing his work became, said Phil Lane, who photographed and edited the documentary.
WGVU is proud to produce and present a documentary of such high caliber, said Michael T. Walenta, General Manager at WGVU. It has been a wonderful opportunity for WGVU to work with Plowden, an individual who is dedicated to life-long learning in his profession.
David Plowden: Light, Shadow, and Form is an example of WGVU's commitment to providing educational, informative, and entertaining programming to the west Michigan community as a service of Grand Valley State University.
