The Film Pioneer Awards will highlight and kick-off the three-day event which includes a cocktail party preceding the awards ceremony – slated for Friday, September 21, 2001 at the new Billboardlive entertainment complex on Miami Beach. The evening will recognize the achievements and contributions of popular talk-show host Cristina Saralegui, longtime production supervisor of motion pictures and movies of the week Michelle Marx,renowned worldwide talent agent for three decades Peggi McKinley, and international television commercial director Lois Levinson. Companies being honored include AFI/Filmworks, Continental Film Labs, CineVideoTech, Unique Producers Services , and Midtown Video.

 "WOMPI’s goals have always been to promote the industry through its own efforts in supporting worthwhile causes and charities that reflect the goodwill of the business,"  said Producer/Director Mo Fitzgibbon, a former WOMPI President. “This year’s event will honor those who have dedicated their careers to the growth of our production community; These individuals and companies took risks at a time when there wasn’t an industry with the goal of making South Florida a film and television mecca," she added. Proceeds from the entire event will benefit charitable organizations which WOMPI supports nationwide. Top Level sponsors include:  Ad Producers.com, Eastman Kodak, Arriflex Corporation, Bacardi, City of Miami Beach, United Mellon National  Bank, Cinevideotech, The Blue Dolphin Studios, Pigeon Productions, Unique Casting South Beach, Music a La  Carte, Magic Hour Lighting & Grip, Continental Film Labs, Midtown Video, Unique Producers Services, Chapman Leonard Studios and the Broward Alliance Film and Television Office, the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and Walker/Fitzgibbon TV/Film Productions.

 CBS-WFOR’s Michele Gillen and ABC-WPLG’s Maribel Rodriguez will host the ceremony. Over 400 industry professionals are expected to attend, which include members from all over the country, production companies, advertising agencies, networks, cable companies, producers, directors and  those key decision-makers involving television and film in Florida.