AWARDS FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
Cinematography is no longer defined by the size of a crew or the scale of a budget. Audiences now expect rich, expressive visuals as standard – and independent filmmakers are meeting that challenge with intelligence, sensitivity and craft. The category praises work that gives big- screen impact via thoughtful choices. Jonny Lewis’s documentary on the life and work of painter Pat Porter is just one example of that philosophy in action. Made in collaboration with Jay Goldmark and Finley Kilmartin for Goldmark Films, it explores a body of work that remained largely unseen during Porter’s lifetime – intimate still lifes, portraits and interiors created quietly over decades. Lewis, who has already won in two editions of Pro Moviemaker FOTY, says: “She was a prolific painter, but one who never sought public attention. Her work was deeply personal, and we wanted the cinematography to reflect that sense of observation and restraint.” CINEMATOGRAPHY CINEMA CRAFT WITHOUT CINEMA BUDGETS
That sensitivity extends to how the paintings are filmed. “Pat always worked from life,” describes Lewis. “So we tried to do the same. The camera observes rather than interprets. It gives the viewer time to look and notice texture, colour and stillness.” It’s cinematography in service of story and subject – purposeful, considered and emotionally resonant. Exactly the kind of work this category is here to recognise.
Shot in Porter’s Rutland home and studio, the film allows space for both the artwork and the voices of her four children, including journalist and author Charlie Porter. “The house became part of the visual language,” Lewis explains. “We weren’t interested in stylisation for its own sake. The light, the framing, the movement – it all needed to feel honest and grounded in the space in which she lived and worked.”
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CVP is one of the most influential suppliers of professional production equipment, with a role that extends far beyond retail. Known for its depth of expertise and filmmaker-first approach, CVP helps creators navigate complex workflows and choose tools that will achieve their creative goals. Supporting emerging talent is at the heart of CVP. Its busy programme of training, workshops, educational events and product demonstrations prove it’s invested in helping the next generation build skills, industry understanding and confidence. Platforms such as CVP Education and CVP TV provide access to technical insight, hands-on knowledge and experience that’s invaluable for those starting out. Alongside sales, CVP also offers hire services, used and ex-demo equipment, in-house repairs and tech consultations, making it a true filmmaking hub. With flagship London showrooms, dedicated event spaces and the Creator Hub, CVP gives new filmmakers the chance to test, learn, connect and grow. By backing the future filmmaker award, CVP continues its commitment to nurturing creative talent and shaping film’s future.
FUTURE FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHTING THE VOICES JUST GETTING STARTED
even a showreel of your developing style. Whether your work was commissioned, self-funded, part of your studies or collaborative, what matters is the idea and how confidently it’s realised. Filmmaking, photography, visual media, mixed media and broadcast projects are all welcome. A university assignment, client job, passion project or creative experiment can qualify if it demonstrates intent and imagination. This award exists to shine a light on the filmmakers who will shape the future.
Every career has a beginning, and we want to recognise those first bold steps. The future filmmaker award is for the emerging talent of creators in their first two years of professional filmmaking who already have a clear, creative voice. It is not about polish or scale but potential. We’re looking for ambition, originality and the will to experiment. Entries can take almost any form: music videos, documentaries,
narrative shorts, social-first projects, personal films or
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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