Special thanks to 2012 Judges
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US International Film & Video Festival (FilmFest), a sister competition of Mobius Awards, recognizes outstanding Corporate, Educational, Entertainment, Documentary and Student productions. Deadline for entries is March 1.
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     A car campaign without cars and a stunning shot of Jennifer Lawrence – these two images were key influencers in deciding the winners of this year's special Mobius Awards for photography.

     Much sought-after German automotive specialist Jan van Endert is to receive the overall Photographer of the Year honor. His beautiful images through a rain-spattered windscreen at night were key in making the Mercedes Night View Assist campaign one of the most lauded in automotive advertising of recent years.

     In addition, Mobius Awards this year launches a new honor, the Young Photographer of the Year. The first recipient will be the 23-year-old self-taught Canadian Joey L., whose distinctive commercial portrait work for the entertainment industry is juxtaposed with a personal portfolio of strong documentary work. Among his recent commissions was a set of Oscar nominees – including one of Ms. Lawrence, demonstrating the cinematic lighting style that Joey L. has forged.

     Photography expert and Mobius Awards photography chair Lewis Blackwell, who led the photography selection process, explained the decisions:
     “Firstly, we set out to identify and honor great personal standards – putting up there two photographers that are outstanding for different reasons, at different points in their careers. Secondly, there is undoubtedly a sense with these two artists are focusing on key aspects of our image-making zeitgeist. Both Jan and Joey are pushing the boundaries around the commercial photography area in ways that reassert how the still image has a great deal to offer. With their fresh personal visions, they remind us of the infinite potential of photography to help us communicate – personally and commercially - in fresh ways. And both have developed their work in recent time so as to respond to new opportunities in image-making.”

     The Mobius special photography awards are distinctive in being not open to entry but are made by private nomination and research of the Mobius Awards organization and its advisers. At the same time, Mobius now also offers an open range of photography categories for entrants to compete across. Contact info@mobiusawards.com for details on the 2013 competition.
 

     Ben Smithard, a director of photography based in London, has been selected Mobius Awards Cinematographer of the Year. He is a member of the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) and has extensive credits in film and commercials. Judges for the award applauded his story-telling commercials as well as his deft handling of major film work.

     Smithard, in an interview with British Cinematographer, pointed out that he enjoys telling stories and that he also likes pre-planning his work and following it through post production.

     Among the commercials Smithard says he is especially proud of are “'Guinness' Rugby War of Flags,” “Captain Morgan,” Kelloggs “Dinosaur,” BBC’s “Helicopter.” and various works for “Orange,” a United Kingdom wireless provider.

     Among Smithard’s films is “My Week With Marilyn” a review of which credited Smithard as  "The secret star of the film. . .” Film critic David Hudson wrote that Smithard “exactly replicates certain Monroe images buried just under our collective Western consciousness."  The film starred Michelle Williams.

     Smithard also was DP for “The Trip” and “The Dammed United,” a look at Brian Clough's 44-day reign as the coach of Leeds United. His television work includes “The Hollow Crown” miniseries, which chronicles a continuous period in British history from the end of the 14th century to the aftermath of the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

     His works can be viewed at www.bensmithard.com.
 
     Watch the “'Guinness' Rugby War of Flags” commercial.