Andy Griffith led by example on the set of his television show, teaching a 6-year-old boy that true leadership requires not only confidence and hard work but also humility, Academy Award-winning film director Ron Howard said in recorded remarks Sunday.
Mr. Howard’s remarks were played during a tribute to Griffith at the 23rd annual Mayberry Days celebration in Mount Airy, N.C. It’s the first Mayberry Days held since Griffith, a native of Mount Airy, died July 3 at the age of 86 at his home in Manteo, N.C. The three-day event typically attracts 25,000 to 30,000 people.
“Andy’s impact on my life and my approach to my work really can’t be measured,” Mr. Howard said. “The balance that he sustained between focused, creative effort and this overt, playful enjoyment that he got out of working hard with people that he liked, doing a show he loved, was something that I hope I’ll always remember and emulate.”
Mr. Howard played Opie Taylor, the red-headed son of Sheriff Andy Taylor, on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The CBS TV show aired from 1960 to 1968, starting when Mr. Howard was 6 years old and ending when he was 14.
Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council, said Mr. Howard reached out to her and told her he wanted to “do something for Andy,” adding that he knew Griffith loved his hometown.
Mr. Howard hinted that what he learned on “The Andy Griffith Show” helped him with his future career, which includes an Academy Award for directing “A Beautiful Mind.” Griffith, he said, established an inclusive set that allowed him, at age 6, “to feel safe, comfortable enough to participate and then to be able to witness and learn so much about the collaborative process — the value of originality, the discipline of form and the bursts of individual inspiration that good moments and scenes are built on.”
Travel Channel show to feature Miami airport
The Travel Channel has spent years telling stories about where people go, but now they’re doing a show on how people get there.
“Airport 24/7: Miami” offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to move more than 100,000 travelers each day through Miami International Airport.
“We host a Super Bowl every day at MIA,” security director Lauren Stover said, comparing the number of travelers to attendance at the championship football game.
With thousands of employees running what can easily be compared to a small city, the show follows workers as they deal with terrorist threats, intercept drug smugglers, attend to medical emergencies, repair aircraft and secure an Air Force One landing, all the while trying to get the passengers to their flights and the planes in the sky on time.
“This is one of many ways in which Travel Channel is trying to give viewers a different look at all aspects of travel,” network general manager Andy Singer said. “And we think the Miami International Airport is a fascinating way to do that.”
The first two episodes of the show premier back-to-back at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The idea for the show started with 2C Media owner Chris Sloan, who said he’s had a passion for commercial aviation since he was a child. His longtime hobby has been collecting photos and memorabilia from airports around the world. He’s even been maintaining a website about airports and airlines — airchive.com — for nearly a decade.
“I travel a lot,” Mr. Sloan said. “And I felt that this was a world that was much maligned.”
Mr. Sloan said it was challenging to convince airport officials he wasn’t trying to do some kind of expose or smear job. And once MIA agreed to the show, they still had to convince multiple airlines and government agencies to give them access, Mr. Sloan said. But their patience and perseverance appeared to pay off.
“Whenever you go to an airport, there are always signs that say, ’Staff Only,’ ’Do Not Enter,’ ’Prohibited Area,’ ’Alarm Will Go Off,’ ” Mr. Sloan said. “But we actually go to all those places, and that’s unique.”
’Veep’ among shows honored with environmental award
The HBO comedy “Veep,” the feature film “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” and the documentary “Chasing Ice” are among the winners of this year’s Environmental Media Association Awards.
The organization presented its 22nd annual honors for programs that raise awareness about environmental issues Saturday at a private ceremony on a sound stage at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif.
Other winners announced Saturday include the Disney Channel show “Handy Manny” and National Geographic Channel’s reality show, “Superfish: Bluefin Tuna.” Jessica Alba and Ian Somerhalder also were recognized for their environmental contributions.
Police break up scuffle at BET Hip-Hop Awards
Atlanta police officers broke up an altercation Saturday evening between two groups at the seventh annual BET Hip-Hop Awards, but no arrests were made.
Police spokesman Carlos Campos said officers responded to the scuffle at around 7:30 p.m. in the backstage area of the awards show, held at a downtown civic center. Mr. Campos said there were no injuries or shots fired.
Police have not released the identities of those involved in the scuffle.
The altercation took place around the same time as a tribute performance to hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty, who committed suicide last month.
BET officials told the Associated Press that the awards show was not interrupted.
Kanye West, who received the most nominations with 17, didn’t attend the event. The show will air on BET on Oct. 9.
Rapper LL Cool J paid homage in remarks to Lighty, who he said helped shape his career and many others in hip-hop. After LL Cool J spoke, rappers Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent took the stage to perform.
The show was highlighted by several freestyle sessions that included rapper T.I., B.o.B., Snoop Dogg, E-40 and Cassidy. Others who performed included Rick Ross, P. Diddy, 2 Chainz and Future.
Rapper T.I. presented legendary rapper Rakim with the “I Am Hip-Hop Icon” honor. 2 Chainz won the People’s Choice award, and Kendrick Lamar came away with Lyricist of the Year award.
• Compiled from Web and wire reports.
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