Morty Dubin, a mentor to many in the commercial production community and a self-described “industry activist” who was a prime catalyst for the formation of the New York Production Alliance (NYPA), passed away on January 1 at the age of 83.
Dubin positively impacted and touched many lives through his work on the company and industry organization fronts. On the former score, his long-running successful TV commercial house Iris Films helped establish and nurture many careers and in the process garnered numerous creative awards including 13 Clios, Gold, Silver and Bronze International Film Festival medals, and ANDY, ADDY and Mobius recognition. Earlier in his career, Dubin was a VP at the venerable MPO, a production house with a full editorial and opticals operation. MPO was a spawning ground for filmmaking, production, editorial and effects talent during its heyday in the 1960s and very early ‘70s.
Dubin the activist left his imprint through his work with such industry organizations as the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and the NYPA. He served as AICP/East president and in 1995 received the AICP’s highest honor, the Jay B. Eisenstat Award which recognizes outstanding contributions and service to the commercial production industry. The honor meant much to Dubin who once reflected to SHOOT, “It represents recognition from your peers that you’ve done good in–and for–the industry. It’s a wonderful reaffirmation and gives you the impetus to continue.”
Part of his continuing efforts were done via the NYPA and for his good work there he received in 2007 the very first NYPA Award which was created “in recognition of outstanding and devoted service to the New York production industry.” Besides helping to launch the NYPA, Dubin had a hand in guiding the organization through its growth into an umbrella group of varied member organizations representing a cross-section of the industry, spanning studios, manufacturers, talent and craft unions, guilds and TV, film, commercial and new media production companies.
Dubin’s industry and community service were also recognized by a Crystal Apple from NYC Mayor Ed Koch, awarded to industry leaders in film and TV. Dubin received the Congressional Order of Merit, the Ronald Reagan Gold Medal and a N.Y.P.D. Plaque for 40 years of Volunteer anti-crime service. He was also named a “Volunteer of Valor” by the N.Y. Daily News. A former Marine Corps sergeant, Dubin was involved in the committee raising money for college scholarships for children of Marines killed in action.
Dubin was the beloved husband of Jean, devoted father of Morton Donald Dubin II and daughter-in-law Anna, adoring grandfather of Alina and Theo. and dear brother of Barry. Services for Morty Dubin are scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 12:45 pm at The Riverside (Amsterdam Avenue and West 76th Street).
