Golitzinsky Will Lead Kodak Student, EmergingFilmmaker Programs

Michel Golitzinsky has been appointed director of Kodakís worldwide programs designed to support film schools and students, as well as young filmmakers during the early stages of their careers.""Kodakís Worldwide Student and Emerging Filmmakers Programs include many ambitious initiatives designed to nurture filmmakers at a time when they need our help the most,"" says Golitzinsky. ""We consider these programs an investment in the future. The feedback and input from talented young filmmakers helps us in our efforts in many ways.""Golitzinsky succeeds James MacKay, who directed both programs until he retired from Kodak in 1998 after a career that spanned 36 years.Kodakís Worldwide Student Program was launched in 1991 and has been designed with input from committees in different parts of the world consisting of leading film school educators. Today, the program includes a number of initiatives, including scholarships, educator allowances, product grants, training materials and other educational and international support.The Kodak Worldwide Emerging Filmmakers Program, which was launched last year, includes an alliance with the Directors Guild of America to promote diversity; a showcase on Public Broadcasting System stations; educational seminars and material as well as supporting a conference to introduce new filmmakers to potential financiers. There are also many local, regional and country initiatives.Golitzinsky observes that the Worldwide Student Program has evolved into a powerful support tool over its first eight years. He says that the company is committed to providing the same level of support to emerging filmmakers.""The better we understand the needs of young filmmakers, the more beneficial support we can provide,"" he says. ""Our goal is to work toward developing a strong and continuing dialog with them, so we can help them realize their dreams.""Golitzinsky has participated in the Worldwide Student Program at the grassroots level as a regional manager for the Kodakís Professional Motion Imaging division in Montreal.""Iíve been working with local universities, and talking not just with the deans, chairpersons and faculties, but also with the students,"" he says. ""Iím passionate about educators and what they do, and look forward to this challenge.""Golitzinsky was born in France and raise in Quebec, Canada. He attended Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) and joined Kodak in Canada 24 years ago. He has broad experience in consumer and professional photography and electronic imaging within various divisions of Kodak. Golitzinsky is headquartered in Montreal.""While I have been working in Canada, I have maintained my European roots,"" he says, ""and thatís important. These are worldwide programs, and we intend to live up0 to that promise. This is a global industry because film speaks a universal language. My mandate is to make certain that young filmmakers from around the world get the support they deserve.""For more information about the Kodak Worldwide Emerging Filmmakers Program, visit the Kodak Web site at www.kodak.com/go/motion on the ""Rising Stars"" icon. For more information about the Kodak Worldwide Student Program, go to www.kodak.com/go/motion and click on ""News, Events & Programs.""