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Rough Cut Director Gets Emmy Nomination

Tom McKenna, senior editor

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Tommy MacDonald and Rough Cut director Laurie Donnelly

Photo: Courtesy WGBH Boston

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Rough Cut--Woodworking with Tommy Mac is getting some attention from the TV industry. The show just won a Bronze Telly Award, which honors the best local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. But that's not all. Director Laurie Donnelly has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Directing in a Lifetyle/Culinary Program category.

The show, produced by WGBH Boston and sponsored by Woodcraft, features woodworker Tommy MacDonald, a North Bennet Street graduate and pro woodworker, who demonstrates traditional woodworking techniques in a truly Bostonian manner--wicked accent and all.

Donnelly, who is executive producer for lifestyle programming at WGBH, is not new to industry accolades, having won both Emmy and Peabody Awards in the past. "It is a great honor to be recognized in this way. Rough Cut has come together, thanks to the hard work of our host, Tommy MacDonald, and an amazing production team,” Donnelly said. “Together we've aimed to push the envelope in the world of woodworking as it's presented on-air. We are also deeply committed to delivering something meaningful for anyone who has the passion to pick up a tool in their workshop---or to be an armchair participant watching and learning from home."

Rough Cut begins its second season in October. Emmy winners will be announced June 17.

I wonder if the statue is available in mahogany...

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Comments (9)

pizza writes: After watching Mike Pekovich take us thru "Building a Hayrake Table" I vote for Mike replacing Tommy M on Rough Cut. I found Mike's pace very satisfying and thorough overall. I too find the Rough Cut show to be herky-jerky and too fast. Great video Mike. Keep it up.
Posted: 10:00 am on June 27th

RJMcC writes: I haven't watched Jersey Shore, not even twice, so I have no point of comparison. But while there are unquestionably rough edges, Laurie Donnelly gets an Emmy nod for excellent work taking a really talented woodworker and teacher with a big, good-guy personality and turning out a show that aims high. Every episode gets better - it is not an easy process to fit Tommy, a challenging project and good teaching into 22 minutes. You guys get it, Tommy & Laurie, and I look forward to more steady improvement.

To the skeptics, go look at some of Tommy's videos of building the bombé chest. Rough production? Well, it wasn't quite ready for TV, for sure. That's why Laurie gets the nomination, right Tommy? But he's been out there, working really hard, teaching people by making creative use of the internet. The dedication of this guy borders on fanaticism. It is as if he is driven to make this stuff accessible to you and to me.

I have one critical comment. The show is herky-jerky, with a pacing that conflicts with the peaceful pursuit of the craft. It crams a lot into very little time. That just makes me crave more. It would be better suited to a 1 hr show, or 1/2 hr with more depth on line.

Rob
Posted: 7:15 pm on June 3rd

holzarbeiterwpb writes: I always enjoy woodworking shows and I was excited when I heard a new show was airing. Then I saw the show....very disappointed. I've never heard of the host before the show. I do not know his credentials but I don't think being in front of a camera is in his background. I watched it twice to give it a chance. both times I felt like I was watching jersey shore meets woodworking. I agree with papaworx rough indeed.
Posted: 6:04 pm on June 1st

MPekovich writes: Congrats Tommy, it's well deserved. Good luck with season 2. -Mike
Posted: 12:17 pm on May 31st

lindhrr writes: Tommy....Keep up the good work...looking forward to the new season.
Posted: 9:53 pm on May 28th

papaworx writes: Maybe that's more a commentary on the general quality of TV programming or public taste than on the quality of Rough Cuts. It is rough indeed.
Posted: 4:17 pm on May 28th

tpobrien writes: tchisel, congratulations on the Emmy nomination and the Bronze Telly too.
I watch wood-shows regularly, and Tommy Mac teaches me something useful every time!

Posted: 5:29 pm on May 27th

tchisel writes: Hi Joe, I am sorry to see your dissapoinment with the show,I hope you tune in for season two.I think you will be pleasantly surprised .
Posted: 4:36 pm on May 26th

JoeAlpeza writes: An Emmy. For that show?
Posted: 9:45 am on May 26th

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