Los Angeles, CA

Director Michael Cornell (Semplice Picures) and Producer Tracey Paleo (Brink Tank Productions), have won the prestigious Award of Merit from The Accolade Competition. The award was given for Mr. Cornell’s and Ms. Paleo’s exciting music video, Live My Life, filmed as an irreverent, rock and roll, parody about TARP, The Wall Street Bailout of 2008-09.

Live My Life features the music and lyrics of Kameron White, who also poses in the video, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsen in a Fellini-esq, security camera capture, revealing what really goes on inside a bank when no one else is looking.

“I love that art, especially rock and roll, has an explosive ability to mock power and authority. The Live My Life video was meant to be an irreverent response to the Wall Street Bailout where everyone is examined, even the apathy of the American public. The fundamental need for TARP was absurd. These bankers were supposed to be professional money managers, yet we had to loan them 800 billion dollars to prevent the collapse of capitalism? When you step back and look at who was involved, the connections of power, the hearings, and the way the media covered it, this entire event was bizarre. The situation compelled us to use the rebellious nature of a rock video to craft a response. It is an amazing honor to receive the Accolade Award. We are thrilled to be selected and humbled to be along- side so many incredibly creative film makers,” says Cornell.

The Accolade recognizes film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry.

View the Live My Life trailer

In winning an Accolade, Semplice Pictures and Brink Tank Productions joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award. Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who chairs the Accolade, had this to say about the latest winners, “The Accolade is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world.

The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”