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Mercury Filmworks Establishes ‘Kevin Kocvar Editing Award’

Created to honor the studio’s late employee, an alumnus of Algonquin College, the $5,000 annual gift will reward a Film and Media Production program graduate with passion for excellence in editing matched by leadership, mentoring, kindness, and desire to learn and grow in the editorial field.

Mercury Filmworks has established an annual award for a graduating Algonquin College Film and Media Production student. The five-year commitment has an annual value of $5,000 and was created to honor former Mercury Filmworks’ employee and Algonquin College student Kevin Kocvar.

Launched in the Fall of 2020, Algonquin’s two-year Film and Media Production program provides hands-on experience with the equipment and processes used in the film and screen-based media production industry. Ottawa’s Mercury Filmworks is one of Canada's most prolific independent studios and is internationally known in the animation industry for its quality, reliability, and innovation.

“We are grateful to Mercury Filmworks for their support of learners in our new Film and Media Production program,” commented Algonquin College president and CEO Claude Brulé. “This generous donation will help support students as they embark on their career in animation and film production. This annual award will make an impact on the life of one of our pending graduates, providing them with resources and support as they begin their career in this exciting field – while honoring a talented individual who served as a role model for many.”

Kocvar was a much beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He loved music, animals, his family, and friends, and he loved his work and his co-workers. He appreciated life and was always mindful of his interactions and impact on others; he was a respected member of the Ottawa production community for 30+ years in both live-action and animation.

Ottawa is growing into a known hub of top-notch talent, in part due to the animation, film and media students graduating from Algonquin. Mercury employs over 75 graduates and has been a long-time partner of the College.

“With this bursary, we honor the memory of our friend and colleague Kevin Kocvar,” noted Mercury Filmworks CEO Clint Eland.

The newly established Kevin Kocvar Editing Award will be awarded annually to a graduating student of the Film & Media Production program whose passion for excellence in editing is matched by their leadership, mentoring, kindness, and understanding as well as their desire to continually learn and grow in the editorial field. Applications will begin this spring. The deadline is June 15, 2021. The winning applicant will receive $5,000.

“We are thrilled that each year one of our students will be the recipient of this honor,” remarked Robyn Heaton, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Media, and Design. “This award, in Kevin’s name, recognizes the tremendous importance of the editing process in films. The new Film and Media Production program allows students to immerse themselves in the complete workflow of modern digital filmmaking - from cinematography to post-production. This annual award will assist a student in realizing their dream of working in this exciting industry.”

Source: Mercury Filmworks