The Apollo Awards were announced at New York Comicon almost a year and a half ago and we at Pop Culture Zoo were really looking forward to this unique and original awards ceremony. Sadly, it appears that it is not to be at the group behind the show, 101010 Productions, have formally cancelled it. Below is the full release from 101010 Productions, but stay tuned to Pop Culture Zoo for what the company has coming up.
“There are always possibilities, Spock would say.” – Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek
101010 Productions, the team behind the Apollo Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy Film, Television and Online Media, have had to look to other possibilities for the continuation of The Apollo Project, as the decision was made early in the year that the Awards Ceremony – scheduled for April this year on the Gold Coast, Australia, will not go ahead as planned.
Whilst it generated generous support from many sectors who found it an exciting and forward thinking project, the complexity and unique elements of the concept meant that it suffered something familiar to most who work on Science Fiction and Fantasy productions – lack of mainstream support and funding. This meant the inability to progress to the next stage of planning and production to meet the deadlines for the proposed April 2012 event.
“It has been a labour of love for quite a number of years” says Peter Budd, co-founder of The Apollo Awards; “We could not have come this far without the support of the fans and those in the industry that have lent their time, money and expertise to get the project this far.”
Melanie Teychenne-King was overwhelmed by the good wishes of those involved. “It was heartbreaking to give the news of our decision”, she recalls, referring to the calls, emails and meetings held in January to give the news of the Award’s indefinite postponement to their inner circle. “The response was so positive and encouraging – many regaling stories of their own experiences of delayed projects and stifled startups. So far everyone has indicated they want to stay involved, no matter what becomes of The Apollo Project.”
101010 Productions Pty. Ltd. are still working on several projects to continue the mission statement of bringing quality science fiction and fantasy entertainment events directly to fans, and to interact with audiences to increase mainstream interest in these genres.
“Team Apollo”, as the project leaders have become known via their social media outlets, wished to thank the fans and media supporters from around the world. “Keep following the Apollo Awards Facebook page and twitter account @Apolloawards to find out what we have coming in the future.”
“The recognition of commercial and independent genre productions, their creators and contributors, and what the genre can contribute to the evolution of media and technology, social justice and just darn good telly, remains a strong focus for us.”
What the future holds for the Apollo Awards remains to be seen, as many other new and established media outlets around the world acknowledge the need for mainstream recognition of Science Fiction & Fantasy genre Film and Television.
Both Budd & Teychenne-King agree. “The acknowledgement and recognition being given by other outlets is a positive step for our industry. We look forward to being a part of those activities in the future.”