The Visual Effects Society (VES) is the recipient of a $46,000 donation from founder Tom Atkins family to honor pioneers in the field of visual effects. Five funds will be established to finance awards and scholarships and be known as the:
* Peter Ellenshaw Fund, in the amount of $10,000* Albert Whitlock Fund, in the amount of $10,000* Linwood Dunn Fund, in the amount of $10,000* Douglas Trumbull Fund, in the amount of $10,000* Tom Atkin Founders Award Fund, in the amount of $6,000
This is the ultimate recognition that the field of visual effects has come into its own and not only honors its glorious past, but also, is ready to reach out to the stars of tomorrow, said Eric Roth, executive director of VES.
The charitable trust was put together by Mary Atkin, who passed away in 2002. "VES is very close to my heart, Atkin added. The Atkin family is pleased to make this donation to VES to establish funds for scholarships or prizes in the names of the VES Honorary Members.
The Visual Effects Society (www.visualeffectssociety.com), founded in 1997, is comprised of distinguished visual effects artists and technologists who are professionally committed to the specialized industry of visual effects. The Society provides its members with a platform for communication, education and recognition of the current and future state of the visual effects industry. Society headquarters are located in Los Angeles, with approximately 1,000 global members.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
