Optimus scored big at the Midwest Independent Film Festival‘s 2011 Best of the Midwest Awards (BMAs), which took place on Dec. 6 in Chicago. Optimus editor/partner Randy Palmer took home the Best Editing award with Brooks Ruyle for their work on Ballhawks, the documentary by Mike Diedrich, who took home the Best Director BMA for his role on the film.
Ballhawks tells the story of the ballhawks who have been chasing baseballs and dreams just outside the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field for the last 90 years. It was a passion project for Diedrich, Palmer, and all those involved in the film, which began development in 2004.
“The BMAs for our work on Ballhawks were a testament to the years of dedication and commitment that went into this documentary,” said Palmer. “It truly was a labor of love, and we’re honored to have been recognized by the Midwest Independent Film Festival for our work on it.”
The BMAs recognize the premier films and filmmakers featured during this year’s Midwest Independent Film Festival, which holds its screenings every first Tuesday of the month in Chicago. This year-round film festival sits proudly at the center of the independent film scene in Chicago and the Midwest, and is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening that community. BMA winners were chosen via online balloting from both the public and the festival’s Awards Jury.
ONE at Optimus directors Logan Hall and Mark Pallman also were nominated for BMAs in the Best Music Video category.
Nominees Unveiled For Cinema Audio Society’s 61st Annual Awards
The Cinema Audio Society has unveiled its nominees in seven categories for the 61st Annual CAS Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing 2024.
The 61st CAS Awards will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the Beverly Hilton.
Nominated in the live action motion picture category were the audio teams behind A Complete Unknown, Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II and Wicked.
Animated motion picture nominees were the sound ensembles behind Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Wild Robot and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
As previously announced, multi-award-winning sound mixer Tod A. Maitland CAS (A Complete Unknown, West Side Story, Joker), will be honored with the CAS Career Achievement Award. In addition, visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) will receive the Cinema Audio Society’s Filmmaker Award.
The CAS Award nominees highlight the outstanding contributions of sound mixers, recognizing excellence in the specialized craft of sound mixing for both film and television. Each year, accomplished CAS members—who possess extensive expertise in the art and science of sound—carefully review hundreds of projects to ensure the nominees truly reflect excellence in sound mixing in Motion Picture and Television entertainment.
“2024 was a year of remarkable achievements in the sound community, with exceptional talent on display across every category,” said CAS president Peter Kurland. “The innovation and artistry of these sound mixers continue to elevate the craft, and the upcoming awards will be a celebration of the outstanding contributions made this year. Congratulations to... Read More