El Segundo, Calif.
–
exclusive 3D channel n3D recently
awarded its first-ever Excellence Award to Loyola Marymount University
professor and filmmaker Vanessa Newell.
The filmmaking
teacher received $25,000 here on July 20 as part of the top prize from the n3D
Film Invitational presented by Panasonic. Newell presented a wacky
horror/comedy 3D short titled “Hazelwood” that follows a genetically altered
lab rat that is accidentally let out of its cage.
“Being part of the
Invitational was an incredible learning opportunity,” Newell said. “I’m looking
forward to working more with this exciting technology.”
Other 3D content
creators honored at the event included writer, producer and director Levi
Holiman, who was among six Hollywood filmmakers selected to showcase their 3D
talents during the invitational.
Holiman won the 3D
Technical Achievement Award and $5,000 from Technicolor for his 3D short
“Nickel Ride,” a family drama that follows two grandsons who must come to grips
with the fact that their grandfather is dying, and are determined to give him
one last adventure.
“Our ultimate goal going into this venture was
to open the door to 3D to those who didn’t have the resources to make films in
this medium,” said Chris Long, DirecTV Entertainment and Production senior VP.
“We believe we achieved this goal and had a great experience working with and
learning from each participant. DirecTV remains committed to the category and
will continue investing in 3D to help increase consumer adoption around the
world.”
The featured
filmmakers were selected out of a pool of talented individuals who presented an
original, live action short film concept that followed this year’s invitational
theme of “Anything is Possible.”
The judges
included two-time Emmy Award-winning director and producer, Paris Barclay
(“Sons of Anarchy,” “NYPD Blue”).
The selected
filmmakers received 3D camera training and were loaned the latest 3D equipment
from Panasonic, participated in Technicolor’s 3D Master Class training, and
received funding from DirecTV to create their 3D short films.
The winning film will
premiere on DirecTV’s n3D, powered by Panasonic, channel this fall.
