Pro Moviemaker July/August 2026 - Web

Filmmaker of the Year | awards

Cinematography Finding all the angles

Wedding Memory-making come rain or shine

Great cinematography is about far more than beautiful pictures. It’s about using light, composition, movement and perspective to support a story and create an emotional connection. This year’s cinematography winner, Marcus Rangel, reflected exactly that with his film for Stellpflug Cattle Co, a third-generation ranching family based in the spectacular landscapes of Wyoming. The film combines breathtaking aerial footage with intimate documentary-style moments and beautifully observed close-ups. Every shot feels purposeful, balancing the scale of the vast ranching environment with the personal stories at its heart. Rangel’s work captures both the rugged beauty of the landscape and the dedication of the people who work it, blending cinematic drone sequences, dynamic action shots and carefully crafted details into a cohesive visual narrative.

Success at shooting weddings depends on anticipation, creativity and the ability to tell an authentic story as it unfolds. This year’s winner is from Leonardo Zorzi, whose winning film follows Carly and James as they celebrate their wedding in the Scottish landscape. What should have been a picture-perfect day was met with relentless rain and strong winds, but rather than fighting the conditions, the couple embraced them. That created a film full of personality, humour and genuine emotion. Zorzi used the wild weather as a storytelling tool, capturing both the grandeur of the location and the infectious energy of the newlyweds. The result feels cinematic without ever losing sight of the people at its heart. A hallmark of Zorzi’s style is his blend of digital capture with Super 8 and VHS footage, adding texture, nostalgia and character.

The best commercial and corporate filmmaking tells a compelling story, creates an emotional connection and leaves a lasting impression while still delivering on the client’s objectives. This year’s winner is Jonny Lewis with his film for Goldmark Gallery, documenting the life and work of artist Pat Porter. It’s the story of a painter whose work remained largely unseen during her lifetime and, through interviews with her four children, viewers see an extraordinary body of work created over decades. Rather than focusing solely on the paintings, Lewis builds a deeply personal portrait of the artist. The film reveals how Porter balanced family life with an unwavering commitment to her craft, creating intimate still lifes, landscapes and portraits. The documentary feels informative and deeply moving, drawing viewers into a story they may never have otherwise discovered. Commercial & corporate Capturing the audience’s attention

Event So much more than highlights

Great event coverage captures the atmosphere, personalities and key moments, then shapes them into a compelling story. This year’s event winner is Jonny Lewis, demonstrating remarkable versatility by taking a second category win with his production of MLR Weekly , the longest-running rugby television show in the United States. The programme covers Major League Rugby, the country’s professional rugby union competition. But the winning episode focused on a plan to acquire Cardiff Rugby, one of Wales’ most historic clubs, and guide it through a remarkable revival. Through an engaging interview with Rhino Rugby CEO Reg Clark, host Matt McCarthy explores the vision, challenges and opportunities behind the project. What could have been a straightforward discussion becomes an intriguing look at the intersection of sport, business and entertainment.

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