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Upcoming Australian DOP Velinda Wardell has won the FUJIFILM Best Student Short Award at the recent Cinegear Expo 2008 Film Series in Los Angeles. The award was for Wardell’s work on ‘Tatterson’ which was directed by Michaela Danby and designed by Mitchell Seeto.
The Film Series at Cine Gear Expo – A Tribute to the Visual Art of Filmmaking, comprised screenings of films based on their illumination of the visual art forms in filmmaking, such as cinematography, art design, set and costume design, and featured a Student Short Film Competition, the Independent Short Film Competition, and the new Independent Feature Film Competition.
The winner in each category received one of the three production prize packages for use in LA sponsored by FUJIFILM, Deluxe Labs, Kresser Communications, Mole Richardson Co, Pro 8mm and The Camera House, with Wardell’s prize including $2,500 of FUJIFILM stock.
Commenting on her award Velinda Wardell said, “I am absolutely delighted to have won such a prestigious award in such a distinguished field of talented DOPs. I am particularly grateful to FUJIFILM for their generous sponsorship of the award and their continued support of the ACS in Australia.”
Karl Kresser, President of Cine Gear Expo added, "We felt that it was a natural evolution for Cine Gear Expo to introduce a Film Series and Film Competition to honor these artisans and technicians. We received a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support from the industry, and look forward to establishing The Film Series as a permanent part of Cine Gear Expo."
Velinda Wardell is also well known in Australia for her role as secretary of the Federal Executive of the ACS.