Robert Elswit, ASC to Co-Judge 2018 UFVF/Kodak Student Scholarship Program

Recognizing emerging global motion picture talent, 27th annual competition submissions due May 18.

As part of the Eastman Kodak Company’s long-held commitment to showcasing and supporting the burgeoning talents of the next generation of motion picture artists, the company is sponsoring the 27th annual UFVF/Kodak Student Scholarship Program.

This international program — held in partnership with the University Film & Video Foundation (UFVF), the 501c(3) arm of the University Film & Video Association (UFVA), which promotes worldwide education, research, innovation and charitable activities in the arts and sciences of moving images and aural communication — is designed to encourage and foster up-and-coming storytellers by honoring students who demonstrate exemplary skills and creativity in the art of motion pictures.

The company's ongoing efforts encompass a range of opportunities, which students and educators can use to enrich their knowledge of the art and craft of filmmaking, including educational materials and discounts; and sponsorship of film festivals, awards, seminars and student showcases.

Commented Steve Bellamy, President of Motion Picture and Entertainment, Consumer and Film Division, Eastman Kodak Company, “We are excited to join the University Film & Video Foundation once again and provide the tools and funding for motion picture artists to create their art and tell their stories. Kodak is helping young digital moviemakers become real FILM-makers who recognize the benefits, the esthetics, the cost effectiveness and the value of the film. We look forward to having more great young artists join the ranks of Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Patty Jenkins, P.T. Anderson, J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Julius Onah, Ondi Timoner and so many more great motion picture directors who understand the value of real film.”

Added Norman Hollyn, Professor at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and President of the UFVF, “The University Film & Video Foundation has long been an active supporter of the work of the University Film & Video Association in bringing resources to its university and college members for the teaching of the cinematic media—whether it be through narrative, documentary, new media, games or a host of other traditional and emerging forms. This partnership with Kodak is a perfect example of that critical support. I am proud of the Kodak partnership and thrilled to work with them again this year, as we make it easier for students to learn and to succeed at telling stories in today’s world that reflect who they are.”

Joining the judging panel is Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit, ASC. He is best known for his work on Boogie Nights (1997), Magnolia (1999), Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), There Will Be Blood (2007), Inherent Vice (2014) and Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017). He received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography in 2006 for his work on Good Night, and Good Luck and won his first Oscar for Best Cinematography in 2008 for There Will Be Blood.

The UFVF/Kodak Student Scholarship Program is open to university or college students of film or film production at the undergraduate or graduate levels in an accredited degree. Grants include three Kodak Student Scholarship Awards; and two Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards, one of which, the Kodak Vision Award, will recognize an outstanding project of which at least 50 percent was shot on film.

Winners will be announced in July 2018, at the 72nd annual UFVA Conference, hosted by New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

KODAK Student Scholarship Awards:

• Gold Award — $5,000 Tuition Scholarship Award & $5,000 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant.

• Silver Award — $3,000 Tuition Scholarship Award & $3,000 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant.

• Bronze Award — $2,000 Tuition Scholarship Award & $3,000 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant.

KODAK Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards:

• Kodak Vision Award — $3,000 Tuition Scholarship Award & $5,000 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant.

• Kodak Vision Honorary Award — $1,000 Scholarship Tuition Award & $500 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant (to qualify for the Vision Award and Vision Honorary Award, project must be shot on at least 50% film).

• First Place — $3,000 Tuition Scholarship Award & $5,000 Kodak Motion Picture Product Grant.

Rules & Regulations:

Accredited schools around the world may nominate up to two students for consideration for the UFVF/ Kodak Student Scholarship Awards and one cinematography student for the UVFV/ Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship Awards. To qualify, nominated students must be registered through the fall 2018 term.  

Deadline is Friday, May 18, 2018, 11:59pm Eastern Time. All submissions are to be made online and must include correct and verified Vimeo or YouTube links to selected samples of the student’s work.  All entries are assessed on three criteria: Sample reels, faculty recommendations and academic achievement. Winners will be announced by July 26, 2018.

Further details regarding the scholarships and nominations can be found on Kodak’s website.