Kodak to sponsor masterclass led by worldclass cinematographers

Sponsorship is part of Kodak support for next generation filmmakers

(Rochester, NY August 31, 2009)  Kodak announced today it will be a major sponsor of the 2009 Budapest Cinematography Masterclass at Korda Studios in Budapest, Hungary.  The class will be led by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and Emmy-winner Elemér Ragályi.  This year's two-week session will include 16 postgraduate film school students and young film professionals from 13 countries.

Held every two years and organized by the Hungarian University of Drama, Film and Television and the Hungarian Society of Cinematographers (HSC), the class is now in its ninth session.  Participants are chosen by a jury of professors at the University.  This year's session will take place from August 31 through September 13.

In addition to the primary participants, six students sponsored by Kodak will also attend; they will assist, observe, and provide support as crew members for the various exercises required of the class.  The Kodak student participants reflect the cultural diversity of the class itself; they are from five countries and have been selected based on their own film work and experience.

"Kodak has supported the Budapest Masterclass since it began almost twenty years ago," said Thierry Perronnet, marketing director for Kodak Entertainment Imaging in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.  "And in every session, as we see the caliber of students this class attracts and the work they do, we become more confident in the quality of tomorrow's movies and the role that film will play in their future.  Our involvement here is one more Kodak investment in filmmaking's next generation."

In addition to sponsoring the class and supporting student participation, Kodak will offer literature, film, laboratories tours and technical presentations.  Holger Schwaerzel, product manager for Kodak Entertainment Imaging in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, will conduct several technical sessions providing the latest information on film technology and digital intermediates, as well as on archiving and restoration.  The company is also hosting a tour of Kodak Cinelabs Hungary for all class participants.

During the course, the students will participate in lighting and shooting exercises on the sound stages and in screening rooms of Korda Studios, Budapest's newest film studio complex designed to meet the needs of modern international film production. The studio opened for business in 2007, and continues to expand today.  It was named after Sir Alexander Korda, who was born in Hungary and became one of the most prolific film directors, producers, and studio chiefs in the history of filmmaking.

Classes are conducted under the guidance of Zsigmond and Ragályi who provide a balance of guidance and independence, support and critique.  The international mix of students and their diverse backgrounds also enables the class participants to learn from each other as they complete their assignments.

"Not only are Vilmos and Elemér masters of their craft, they are enlightening and engaging teachers," said Perronnet.  "They know film and how to use it to solve creative problems - and they bring a combination of warmth and experience that students immediately recognize, respect, and learn from.  We're honored that they've invited Kodak to continue to be a part of what has become a world-celebrated experience."

For more information about Kodak's initiatives for students and educators, visit www.kodak.com/go/education.  For more information on the masterclass, visit www.bpmasterclass.hu