For immediate release
May 30, 2001
Atlanta—"Primary Influence," a film detailing the critical role parents play in determining whether or not their kids will use alcohol, won seven Emmy Award nominations from the Southeast Regional Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The film was produced by ImageMaster Productions for the State of Georgia and the State of Alabama as a part of a federally funded campaign to reduce underage drinking.
"Primary Influence" is the fifth in a series of films, produced by Georgia’s Children and Youth Coordinating Council, addressing at-risk behavior for teenagers. The film profiles two young people who began using alcohol at a very early age and defines the devastation that underage drinking can cause for families and society. "This recognition is an honor, but it is also proof that this type of programming is desperately needed and highly effective," said Judy Neal, Executive Director of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council.
The target of the film is parents and the message is responsibility. "Children learn behavior and attitudes from their parents, and a parent’s attitude toward and use of alcohol has a significant impact on whether their children will use alcohol illegally," said Dan Johnson, the producer and director of the film. "Alcohol is the number one drug problem facing our children, but the biggest problem we discovered during the production is that people don’t think it’s a problem," Johnson concluded.
Film crews spent time shooting in Georgia and Alabama last year and visited renowned alcohol intensive celebrations such as Mardi Gras in Mobile and St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Crews followed local law enforcement officials as they attempted to enforce underage drinking laws and prevent the tragedies that often result from the irresponsible use of alcohol. Crews also documented compliance checks by Alabama and Georgia Department of Revenue's Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents in which numerous stores sold alcohol illegally to minors.
The most compelling information, however, came from families who have been devastated by underage drinking. Allison, a 19 year old who began drinking when she was 8 years old, tells of being raped at age 11 while under the influence of alcohol. Brian, a metro area teenager, recounts the parties held at homes where parents were either out of town or out of touch with what their teenagers are doing. And, he explains how alcohol was the first step on the road to drug abuse, pre-marital sex, crime, and eventually incarceration. Both Brian and Allison are now in recovery.
"Primary Influence" is nominated for Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Writing, Best Editing, Best Photography, Best Composer, and Best Audio. The Southern Regional Emmy Awards will be held Saturday, June 9th in Atlanta. The film has aired on commercial and public television stations in Georgia and Alabama and thousands of VHS copies have been distributed free of charge to public libraries, schools, and organizations that work with children. For more information on how to get a copy of the film visit primaryinfluence.com.
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ImageMaster Productions
404-231-3200
www.imagemaster.tv