Visual effects technologist and MA Filmmaking alumnus, Jonathan Erland, will be one of thirty-four recipients on Saturday, 10 February 2018 to be honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation. Erland is set to receive the prestigious honour of the Gordon E. Sawyer Award (an Oscar® statuette), presented to an individual whose technical contributions have brought credit to the industry.
Erland worked with John Dykstra at industrial Light & Magic to create the visual effects in the first Star Wars (1977) film. He later went on to work as director of research and development of Apogee Prods. There he received patents for the Blue Max flux projectors. Previously, Erland has been awarded four previous Sci-Tech awards as well as the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation by the Academy.
Congratulations to Jonathan on a career full of achievements.