The Visual Effects Society has announced news today regarding the addition of the VES Emerging Technology Award, a new industry prize to be delivered at the annual VES Awards beginning with the next ceremony coming in February 2023. This prestigious accolade honors “the inventors of a novel and uniquely innovative tool, device, software or methodology of outstanding value to the art and science of Visual Effects, Gaming or Animation.”
The importance of this new VES award is that it recognizes individual production developers, R&D technical directors, software engineers, and creators of the technology behind the visuals. Nominees will be limited to the primary contributors to the technology and not the specific artists that utilize the technology. Also excluded are companies where the technology was developed or the managers who supported it, unless they were additional contributors. It’s an appreciation of all the unsung developers who work at the studios and facilities, side-by-side with the artists, to solve problems aimed at specific entertainment content.
“The images that we produce are the fruit of the work of the artists, but also of the immense creativity that goes into making the innovative tools and technologies that enable them,” said Lisa Cooke, Board Chair of the VES. “The relevance and speed of technological innovation in VFX is extremely high and this award puts a spotlight on the importance of the collaboration between art and science in our industry. We are so proud to introduce this new award to honor the technologists behind the captivating images.”
Submissions have now officially opened for the 21st Annual VES Awards, and entries will be accepted through Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:59PM (PST).
According to the VES press release, eligibility for this Emerging Technology Award is defined by a new technology (software, hardware, workflow) that was developed over a period of time, even several years. The specific technology is approved for submission during the same year that the technology sees its first substantial and impactful use for relevant project work (visual effects, animation, games).
“This award has been long in the planning and we are extremely pleased to finally recognize and honor the first Emerging Technology Awardees at the next VES Awards ceremony,” said Chair of the VES Technology Committee Sebastian Sylwan, VES.
For more info, vesglobal.net
