Press release from ACS
The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) have joined forces to offer a special new award for emerging cinematographers.
Called the NFSA- ACS John Leake OAM ACS Award, it will provide a cash prize of $5000 to an emerging cinematographer who is either currently studying cinematography at a tertiary institution or is currently working in the film industry.
The Award is named in honour of Australian Cinematographers Society co-founder and industry icon, John Leake OAM ACS (1927-2009). John began his cinematographic career as a 15-year-old with Movietone News in 1944 before moving on to Supreme Sound Studios. He served as both NSW President and Federal President of the ACS and was the Society’s Official Historian until his death.
The winner of the Award, to be announced at the ACS National Awards in Melbourne on Saturday 1 May, can use the prize for any educational, training, or professional work which will further his or her cinematographic knowledge.
The judging panel will comprise the Federal President of the Australian Cinematographers Society, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Sound Archive, and two other executive members of the ACS.
National Film and Sound Archive CEO, Dr Darryl McIntyre, said today that the NFSA was the national repository of Australia’s film heritage. ‘We were created to preserve Australia’s film heritage past present and future, so we have an ongoing interest in the maintenance and development of cinematic skills. We hope that this valuable Award will encourage young cinematographers to continue the outstanding story of Australian filmmaking.’
ACS Federal President, Ron Johanson ACS said that "It is the policy of the Society to foster and to encourage emerging and aspiring cinematographers to pursue their craft at every opportunity. This is one of those opportunities. The partnership between the NFSA and the ACS is one of vital importance to the continued growth of our industry. "