Two Ball State University students took home a gold Student Academy Award Saturday, marking the second consecutive year telecommunications students received this honor.
Travis Hatfield and Samuel Day were awarded the top honor in alternative student-produced films from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their film "Perspective" during a ceremony in Los Angeles. The pair will split a $5,000 cash award, but both said the experience was worth more than the actual award.
"We didn't care because, either way, we were winners," Day said. "The entire week was the main prize."
Kevin Smith, writer and director of movies such as "Clerks" and "Dogma," presented Day and Hatfield their award, which was the first of the night.
Hatfield said he was very excited for Smith to present the award, but he didn't really get to savor the experience of meeting him.
"I was kind of tunnel-visioned," he said. "I barely remember even seeing his face."
Day and Hatfield spent Wednesday through Saturday in Los Angeles, attending several dinners and lectures by industry leaders.
"One of the main things Travis and I both learned was that the people out in Los Angeles share the same passion as we do, and they really care," Day said.
Hatfield said he was impressed with the people he met during his time in Los Angeles.
"When we met all these famous people, they're all completely selfless," he said. "They didn't want to talk about what they'd done unless it related to us."
Both students said the trip was encouraging and inspired them to continue working toward becoming professional filmmakers.
"They want more people and new, fresh ideas," Hatfield said. "Fame or no fame, if you're doing what you love, you'll be happy and the industry will be better."
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