Seneca graduates and professors contributed to all six films nominated for Oscar® for Visual Effects

TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - All of the films nominated for an Academy Award® for Achievement in Visual Effects feature the artistry of a graduate or professor of Seneca's Visual Effects for Film and Television program.

The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 26.

"It's great to see the talents and impressive work of Seneca graduates and faculty displayed in such high-profile films," said David Agnew, Seneca President. "We are delighted their careers are at a point where they can contribute to films of this calibre, and we're very proud that they've worked on films recognized by their peers as being worthy of an Oscar®. That is a huge honour in itself."

Six graduates and professors worked on Martin Scorsese's 3D children's adventure Hugo, which leads the nominees for the 2012 Academy Awards® with 11 nominations, including one for best picture: Professors Mahmoud Rahnama (division computer graphics lead) and Kenny Tam (division computer graphics supervisor) and graduates Tricia Kim (matchmove artist), John Dinh compositor, Karen Cheng (compositor), Rickey Verma (compositor).

In the other nominated films, Seneca graduates worked as compositors - effects artists who combine a number of images to create the final image: Zac Campbell and Ken Lam (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Clancy Silver (Real Steel), Geoff Sayer (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2), and Amy Daye (Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon).

In the Visual Effects for Film and Television graduate certificate program, students are introduced to the various techniques used to create visual effects for film and television. Studies focus on the software tools used to create visual effects and issues involved in combining these effects with live action footage.

With 10 campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca offers degrees, diplomas and graduate certificates renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Combining the highest academic standards with practical, hands-on learning, expert teaching faculty and the latest technology ensures Seneca graduates are career-ready.

Find out more at www.senecacollege.ca
"Follow" us on Twitter
"Fan" Seneca's Facebook page

Disclaimer: The Oscar statuette is the copyrighted property of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the statuette and the phrases "Academy Award(s)" and "Oscar" are registered trademarks under the laws of the United States and other countries.

Seneca College Media Relations
416-491-5050 ext. 77018