from staff
Two-time Daytime Emmy winner PineRidge Film & Television was recognized with an honorable mention award at last week’s Genesis Awards in Beverly Hills.
Owned by Jerry and Cindy Smith, the Jacksonville-based film and production company won for its PBS series “Animal Attractions TV,” a top-rated pet show on PBS that airs on 235 public stations cross the country.
The half-hour show has three hosts — former Miss Jacksonville and Miss Georgia Megan Blake, winner of the second “Amazing Race” Alex Boylan, and Chrishaunda Lee, formerly of “Entertainment Tonight.” — and features segments on dog and cat breeds, true-life pet rescue stories, pet training and veterinarian advice.
“We were floored by the news of winning this honorable mention,” said Amy Barnett, executive producer of the series. “It encourages us to work even harder to advance ‘Animal Attractions TV’s’ mission, which is helping people learn what it takes to have the best possible relationship with their pet, mostly so fewer end in animal shelters or worse.”
The Genesis Awards were created in 1986 by actress Gretchen Wyler. They are presented by the Humane Society of the United States and rewards members of the media that focus on animal issues and help create public awareness. The show first aired on the Discovery Channel in 1990, and last year’s winners include “Charlotte’s Web,” “Fast Food Nation,” an episode of “The Simpsons” and an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
PineRidge has been nominated for eight Daytime Emmys overall, winning for its “Great Hotels” and “Passport to Europe” series.