Robert L. Sacks, Esq., Partner at Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, LLP and long-serving general counsel of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), has been awarded the prestigious Jay B. Eisenstat Award.
The honor was bestowed upon him during the AICP Awards’ gala at The Museum of Modern Art on June 6, 2024, in recognition of his exceptional service to the association and the commercial production and post-production industry.
The Jay B. Eisenstat Award, established in 1990, is AICP’s highest honor and is named after one of the association’s founders. This accolade recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the creation and evolution of AICP. According to Matt Miller, AICP President and CEO, recipients of this award have uniquely shaped the association through their dedication and service.
Tabitha Mason-Elliott, Partner at BARK BARK and Chairperson of AICP’s National Board, lauded Sacks’ contributions: “For decades, Bob has been the heart and soul of AICP. His commitment, dedication, and brilliance have made an indelible mark on the organization. Anyone who has worked alongside him has gained invaluable insight. His unwavering tenacity has been the guiding hand in creating AICP’s most impactful contributions to the commercial industry. We’ve been profoundly fortunate to have him with us on this remarkable journey. No one is more deserving of this honor.”
During his remarks at MoMA, Miller highlighted Sacks’ dual roles as Secretary of AICP’s National Board and as a key member of the association’s negotiating teams for labor contracts. “Bob truly is often the MVP in our trenches, no matter the issue,” Miller stated. He further acknowledged Sacks’ instrumental role in the formation of several of AICP’s signature programs and initiatives, including the DGA Training Program, the DGA Commercial Qualifications List, the Commercial Directors Diversity Program, and the Producers Health Benefits Plan. Sacks also played a crucial part in the creation of affiliated organizations such as the Association of Music Producers (AMP) and the Association of Independent Creative Editors (AICE), which merged with AICP in 2018.
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Accepting the award, Sacks paid tribute to Jay Eisenstat and Steve Steinbrecher, AICP’s first general counsel, calling them the “moving geniuses behind this organization.” He expressed his gratitude, saying, “As an attorney, if you were given the opportunity to sit down and write out an ideal client, you couldn’t do anything better than AICP.”
Reflecting on his contributions to AICP, Sacks emphasized the collaborative efforts with the association’s leadership and staff in designing and implementing programs that benefit the membership. He credited AICP’s willingness to innovate and take strategic risks for the association’s success and acknowledged the significant role of AICP staff, led by Chief of Staff Kristin Wilcha, in executing these initiatives.
Sacks described his relationship with AICP as both rewarding and challenging, noting its evolution alongside the industry. He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues, particularly Jaclyn Ruocco and others at Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, for their support in his work with the association.
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