NZ television company picks up two awards in Los Angeles

The 2009 U.S. International Film and Video Festival awarded two “Gold Camera” trophies to Omnicron Productions of Auckland.

“Gold Cameras” are awarded to international first place getters in their categories.

The 42nd annual awards in Los Angeles attracted over 1200 entries from 22 countries.

Omnicron’s awards were first place in Direct Marketing for "Silver Bay," which features Queenstown as a holiday destination and first place in agriculture for "Stoneleigh; stonegrown," which tells the vintage story of New Zealand wine company, Stoneleigh wines, part of the multi-national Pernod Ricard group.

Ondrej Havas, founder and CEO of Omnicron, a company he established in 1980 as a teenager, said his studio has enjoyed consistent recognition in the USA.

The company now holds a total of over 50 awards for its commercial productions and TV documentaries from both local and international festivals including the Los Angeles Telly Awards, often described as the commercial sector’s Oscars.

In New Zealand, the company is just concluding the filming of a new 13 part reality TV series, Phunk Nation,” which will screen on Maori television next year.

Working with Ondrej on both winning productions, was Shortland Street actor, Andrew Eggleton, who plays Detective Inspector Bill Lamont in that series.

Andrew produced and served as on-screen presenter on both award winning productions.

Ondrej said Andrew is gaining valuable experience behind the camera which complements his many years of experience as an actor.

“Andrew’s time in front of the camera has given him an edge as a young producer and this experience has definitely contributed to these awards,” said Ondrej.

Andrew said he wants to gain production and direction experience as part of his long term plan.

“Ondrej is one of the most experienced mentors you can get in New Zealand for this kind of work,” said Andrew.