AWARDS

'Monsoon' sweeps USC School of Cinematic Arts awards

First Look 2.0 celebrates outstanding student films.

Sheigh Crabtree, Times Staff Writer

April 3, 2008

A rogue bull, sacred cows and a batch of burnt chocolate chip cookies proved to be winning themes for student filmmakers participating in USC's School of Cinematic Arts First Look 2.0 film festival.

Rounding up the gold prize was Jacob Hatley's "China" about a stubborn bull that refuses to be fenced in. "China" also won achievement in sound (Joe Dzuban.) Shyam Balse's "Monsoon," about a young heart doctor who has an auspicious encounter with a steer, swept up three honors including achievement in directing, editing (Tom Gould) and the silver prize. Diane Lisa Johnson, who wrote, directed, produced and sound designed "Swimming", won the audience award. Johnson's film follows a hapless receptionist turned cookie baker on a quest to woo a distant sailor.

USC Dean Elizabeth M. Daley hosted a reception and screening followed by an awards shindig at the Directors Guild of America on Wednesday night. Barry M. Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros., provided introductory remarks that played up the importance of mentoring new talent and nurturing new voices.

USC's School of Cinematic Arts handed out six Industry Awards, six Faculty Awards and an Audience Award to students in the school's Film & Television Production and Writing division.

The three top prize winners and three runners-up were hand-picked out of 46 entered films by an industry panel that included producer/editor Bob Ducsay; William Morris agent Ramses Ishak; producer Michelle Manning and director Randy Zisk.

For a more detailed look at the best of the festival see USC First Look 2.0 winners.

Winning films:

Industry Awards:
Gold - "China"
Silver - "Monsoon"
Bronze - "Express 831"
Finalist - "The Big Production"
Finalist - "Have You Ever Heard About Vukovar?"
Finalist - "Over the Line"

Faculty Awards:
Achievement in Directing - Shyam Balse for "Monsoon"
Achievement in Producing - Arvin Chen, Andres Garcia, Gregory Shamo for "Limpiando Sapos"
Achievement in Writing - Myles Price for "Vartan LLP"
Achievement in Editing - Tom Gould for "Monsoon"
Achievement in Cinematography - Rob Connolly for "Coons"
Achievement in Sound - Joe Dzudan for "China"

Audience Award:
"Swimming"