Gerry Richman/Star Tribune photo by Neal Justin
Gerry Richman's attention to detail and workaholic nature helped bring "Hoop Dreams," "Newton's Apple" and "Liberty!: The American Revolution" to the screen. They were also attributes that justified some good-natured ribbing Friday at the Twin Cities Public Television executive's retirement party.
"Most of the people here who have worked with Gerry have been through rehab," joked TPT president Jim Pagliarini, nodding to the packed room at company headquarters in downtown St. Paul.
Catherine Allan, who worked with Richman on some of TPT's most prestigious projects, landed a few zingers about how her partner could keep his colleagues on edge by making changes at the very last minute.
"He could sometimes drive you crazy with angst over details not visible to the naked eye," she said.
Jokes aside, the overall tone for the event was one of admiration for Richman who, perhaps more than any other individual, took TPT from a regional player to a powerhouse on the national scene.
"It seems so audicious that Gerry thought we could reach millions from here," said Richard Hudson, who worked with Richman on "SciGirls" and "Newton's Apple."
PBS president Paula Kerger, financial guru Suze Orman and "Hoop Dreams" director Steve James were among the big names that sent in taped tributes.
