Richard a roberts

Rick Roberts is the Executive Producer and Founder of Horizons Communications Group. He is a White House "Point of Light" Award recipient and former "Chicagoan of the Year".

In 1995 Roberts founded his own production company, Horizons Communications Group, [http://www.hcgrp.net] . Through this company Roberts has developed and created numerous video and film projects, including "The Corner Pub" and "The Long Way Home", both Emmy-nominated documentaries written and produced for PBS in Chicago. Among his most celebrated projects are the nationally acclaimed and Gracie Award-winning "The Hunger Heroes", a look at the insidious problem of hunger in America during once august economic times, and "Service Above Self" , a one-hour documentary on the history and programs of Rotary International.

Throughout dual careers as a former social services agency director/board member and as a filmmaker, Roberts has been instrumental in bringing national attention to complex socio-economic issues. Rick has served on a White House/HUD Sub-Committee on homelessness and social entrepreneurism, and continues to be a highly sought font of knowledge for non-profit professionals. His Art of Pain project was featured on CBS's Sunday Morning and subsequently nominated for a national Emmy Award, and in his role as a social commentator, he has been frequently featured on CNN, the "ABC Evening News" and the "CBS Evening News". His expertise led to a nationally televised debate on current social policy which was moderated by Paula Zahnfor "The CBS Morning News", and he has also appeared as a resource guest on "Oprah".

He recently wrapped production on entertainment projects "Last Comic Trying" and "What’s On Tap", and is currently developing "The Hunger Heroes II".

Notable productions

The Hunger Heroes

Nominated for an Emmy and Gracie Award-wining, "The Hunger Heroes" explored the insidious problem of hunger in America under what were august economic times. Crisscrossing the country, "The Hunger Heroes" discovers surprising pockets of hunger in rural and urban areas, examining creative solutions gleamed from providers and emergency food recipients. This documentary hears from those in the front lines including retired Marine Corp General Mike Mulqueen – Executive Director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository – along with celebrity activists Danny Glover, Harry Belafonte, Valerie Harper and folk singer Peter Yarrow, as well as former President Bill Clinton.

Currently in production: "Hunger Heroes II " [http://www.myspace.com/hungerheroesii]

The Long Way Home

The Emmy-nominated "The Long Way Home" takes the viewer on a realistic journey through the streets of Chicago, visiting with the homeless and those who attempt to assist them, from religious institutions to government agencies. Conflicting views on the reasons for homelessness and equally divisive solutions are explored through "The Long Way Home".

Art Pain: National Vietnam Veteran's Art Museum

This compelling, Emmy-nominated short form documentary, also known as Art Pain, explores the mission and collections of Chicago’s National Vietnam Veterans’ Art Museum.

Veterans Marv Rotter, Kimo Williams and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Al Lynch share their personal experiences of the Vietnam Conflict. Images from the Museum’s various collections are woven through these heroes’ stories. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, a U. S. Marines veteran, articulates what the Museum means to him as well as to Chicago.

Service Above Self

"Service Above Self" tells the story of the world's first non-sectarian service organization, the Rotary Club, and its centennial of challenges and achievements. Founded in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1905, the Rotary Club is one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations with over 1.3 million members working in more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in 165 countries. The international network links Rotary Club members and resources with people in need across the globe.

The "Service Above Self" documentary focuses on Rotary’s efforts in spearheading initiatives to eradicate Polio by following a team of volunteer immunizers as they travel from the US to India. Along the way many more internationally renowned Rotary programs are highlighted, including the Micro-lending scheme, the construction of a baseball ‘Miracle Field’ for disabled children, Rotary Scholarships and International Studies, studies in Peace/Conflict Resolution and the remarkable Gift of Life project.

Rotary International’s history and purpose is clarified as the lives of countless men, women and children are altered for the better, whether it be by receiving a drop of life-saving vaccine or through an opportunity to contribute to world peace.