The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has unveiled the HPA Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) class of 2023. The program, which has accelerated the careers of over 100 graduates to date, has evolved into a robust networking, mentoring, and education resource for young professionals working in the industry.
YEP class members, selected by HPA committee, are encouraged to take advantage of the full spectrum of HPA activities, including the HPA Tech Retreat and HPA Awards. They are paired with advanced career mentors who often become long-term supports as they continue to advance.
Here’s the YEP class of ‘23:
- Victor Amigo, Eluvio
- Lauren Balladares, Freelance
- Luke Birch, Netflix
- Ekaterina Buchneva, Sensor Tower
- Allison Eilhart, ROE Visual
- Jamie Foley, 495 Productions
- Jazmin Freire, Black Cake
- Allyson Geiger, Marvel Studios
- Maddie Hong, Netflix
- Colin Hughes, Light Iron
- Vivian Ip, Independent Filmmaker
- Rachel Jobin, 6P Color
- Haley Kreofsky, Freelance
- Jennifer Losch, Work Editorial
- Erik Mahoney, Paramount Pictures
- Kara Prichard, A+E Networks
- Cassandra Rodriguez, Pixar
- Erick Silvera, Freelance
- Sarah Xu, Fox Entertainment
- Simon Yahn, Technicolor Creative Studios
- Jimmy Zhu, Scanline VFX
HPA president Seth Hallen remarked, “Of all the HPA initiatives that bring value to our industry and community, the YEP program is one of the most important. Connecting the brilliant and talented next generation with mentors is critical, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch the YEPs create their own networks that shape our community. Once again, the members of the 2023 YEP class have impressive accomplishments and important perspectives. I can’t wait to see what they can achieve as they move forward and contribute to the advancement of our industry.”
6 recipients named for Life Achievement Awards from Society of Camera Operators
The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) has announced the recipients of the upcoming Society of Camera Operators Lifetime Achievement Awards. Recipients will be presented and honored during the SOC Awards on February 15, 2025, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
SOC president Matthew Moriarty shared, “This year’s honorees represent an exceptional level of skill, dedication, and artistry. From broadcast to film, unscripted television to still photography, these individuals have made significant contributions to their craft and helped shape the stories that captivate audiences. We are proud to recognize their talent and celebrate their careers.”
The Lifetime Achievement Awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement by an established person within the field of film and video production. The honorees of the Lifetime Achievement Awards were nominated in six categories including: Camera Operator Film and Television, Camera Operator Broadcast & Live, Camera Technician, Mobile Platform Camera Operator, Still Photographer, and (new) Camera Operator Unscripted.
The recipients are:
--Still Photographer – Zade Rosenthal
--Camera Operator Film & Television – Bonnie Blake, SOC
--Mobile Camera Platform Operator – Tim Christie
--Camera Technician – Jamie Felz
--Camera Operator Broadcast & Live – Larry Heider
--Camera Operator Unscripted – John Armstrong
Submissions are now open for the Camera Operator of the Year Award, which honors operators in Feature Film and Television, with a deadline of December 31, 2024. Final nominees will be selected by SOC voting members, with winners announced at the awards ceremony in February. The Technical Achievement Award, recognizing innovative... Read More