“And the winner ……

In that brief split second at the TV Awards night, where some presenters stretch their delivery to the unwarranted limit, a whole year’s work flashes across your mind.

This year’s Tghanniqa was already in the making. In fact the last days of filming were coming to an end. Pupi, last year’s production, was being judged. It had taken over a year of preparation and pre production. The actual filming lasted seven hot summer months and cold winter nights. Careful methodical attention ensuring that dated authenticity is adhered to. Actor direction, emotional build ups, coordination with Net Television, the station that carried it. Pupi had an excellent public reaction on quality, when compared to other drama series on other stations. The whole project was mind boggling. The first TV Drama series for 26th frame, it involved a complete blanket process of funding, advertising and organizing. And now it was all over.

And the winner for best Drama……..

One always does his best but is never satisfied. A shot could have been improved or retaken, an extra changed or a million other details taken care of. But within our local TV system of everlasting lack of funds this is the way we work. So you do your best, always kicking yourself with the constant thought that it is better to spend your free time on the beach, but instead just like a junkie griped on a vice, you engulf yourself in a saga of self sacrifice and pain called creativity. So you do your best.

And the winner for best Drama 2007 is…..

…Pupi

Yes I did hear it. We spring back to reality. Yes we heard right. The rest of the Pupi cast who are closest to us, attack us with hugs and kisses. My specs are twisted out of shape. A kiss on the forehead feels more like a bite. I am lost for words. Back at home Alessandro who could not make it to the event hugs Harry his dog and we all share a great moment of euphoria.

I later hear that those were not the only reactions in the hall. There were some who passed unwanted comments or freely expressed their feelings through vulgar hand signs. But in this business you get used to all kinds of surprises. The competition is very strong.

At 26th frame we took the plunge and surfaced with awards for best documentary, drama and direction together with nine other nominations. Not bad for such a young company who have expanded quite fast tripling our staff in our second year and expanding into other spheres of entertainment.

This year we are quite occupied with a daily young teenage programme Teen & Co. presented by Pauline Agius, a hot line up of presenters for TVM’s Sunday morning programme together with Charles Saliba, Janice Darmanin, Hector Bruno and Julia Farrugia. On One TV they run the family game show Ghal Qalbi hosted by Antonella Galea Lofreda and Joe Galea and of course the ever increasing viewer puller Tghanniqa where classic actors Claire Agius Ordway, Fabian Scerri de Carlo and Alexandra Camilleri Warne are showing off what TV drama should be. Writer Lino Grech is behind the script and he gives the final touch to a showcase of specialized talent to 26th frame production output.

That is not all. What with a Nationwide distributed magazine, U’ve Got Mail, their marketing and design assignments, large scale Event organization and an ever increasing reputation for excellence 26th frame are on their toes for client satisfaction.

The Pupi crowd were still on their toes returning to their places when the next award was announced.

And the award for best direction goes to Charles…….

Another stripe for a productive year. Oil into the 2008 machine is already being poured. A new drama series. Another angle. Another service to a demanding public. Another challenge to 26th frame.

Vanessa Chircop