The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) honored its inaugural graduating class of Certified Film Commissioners at its Cineposium 09 confab in Universal City, Calif., on November 2.
Launched in 2007, the AFCI’s Certified Film Commissioner Designation is awarded to those individuals who have completed all required training through AFCI University, the membership organization’s professional development program. The program consists of a combination of required Master Classes, exams, a case study, and other service and educational activities. The designation signifies the recipient has achieved the highest level of accomplishment in his/her profession according to a certification committee of seven AFCI members.
AFCI member Pat Swinney Kaufman, chairperson of the certification committee and executive director of the New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development, presented six film industry professionals with their certificates in front of an audience of film commissioners and entertainment industry executives.
The first AFCI University graduating class consisted of: Jamie Cope, location services manager, West Virginia Film Office; Johnny Griffin, director, Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc.; Jennifer Parramore, film commissioner, St. Petersburg/Clearwater; Kevin Shand, director, Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media; Mark Stricklin, executive director, Birmingham-Jefferson Film Office; and Aaron Syrett, director, North Carolina Film Office.
“The merit of a membership organization like AFCI is deeply rooted in the knowledge, expertise, and dedication of its constituents,” said Mary Nelson, AFCI board president, and communications manager for the Virginia Film Office. “Congratulations to these film commission professionals for their ongoing commitment to providing the best possible service to on-location filmmakers worldwide.”
The AFCI is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television and video production throughout the world. It is a non-profit educational association whose network of members serves as city, county, state, regional, provincial or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More