GenMovi will host its 5th annual Spotlight Awards ceremony to celebrate the Spotlight Academy’s incoming class of 2024 members. This year’s Spotlight Awards will be an in-person, as well as live, celebration at the Ivar Theater in Hollywood, California on September 12. Stay tuned for updates on special guest appearances from entertainment industry leaders and exclusive chats with inductees during the show.
The awards show is just the tip of the iceberg of LA Film School’s Spotlight Week, which features a variety of interactive events designed for students and alumni on campus and online. Throughout the week, attendees will have exclusive access to expert panel discussions, networking sessions, live equipment demonstrations with exhibitors including Focusrite Group, CDW-G, B&H, MSI and Sony, to awards, and much more. The event runs from Monday September 9 to Thursday September 12, 2024 and will conclude with the Spotlight Awards ceremony on Thursday evening.
Spotlight Academy – East. 2019
The Spotlight Academy honors the heart, creativity and dedication of Los Angeles Film School alumni. Each year, Academy inductees are honored for their unwavering commitment to excellence in their professional careers and their selfless contribution of time and connection to our students and community. It is with great privilege that we shine the spotlight on these inspiring and exceptional people.
Spotlight Academy Class of 2024 Overview
James Cotten (2001 film)
Painted woman | The line – The line | Demon Slayer
Award-winning filmmaker James Cotten has led a multi-faceted career spanning more than 25 years, including work as a director, actor, producer, screenwriter, film editor, visual effects producer and post-producer. James got his start in the industry when famed producer Roger Corman and the LA Film School teamed up and James was selected to direct the film. Demon Slayer just three months after graduating. Since then, he has directed three other films, including one of the three most praised films in America: La Linea, with Andy Garcia and Ray Liotta. As a member of the Producers Guild, James produced 11 films and ventured into post-production, owning and operating two post-production facilities with over 50 post-production and visual effects production credits , of which Perfect pitch, Captain FantasticAnd Extraction 2.
Marlon Rivas (Animation 2015)
Avatar: The Way of Water | Stranger Things | Rebel Moon
As an immigrant, veteran, and artist, Marlon Rivas’ story is as much about where he came from as where he went. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles, Marlon immigrated to the United States as a young child. His interest in the film industry remained a dream until he completed his military service, which opened new doors for his career. Having completed the LA Film School’s associate and bachelor’s programs, Marlon now works as a visualization generalist, shooting from start to finish, using a combination of disciplines ranging from tracking, animation, lighting, rendering and compositing. Marlon has accumulated dozens of credits, Aquaman has Zombie Land.
Mehrnaz Mohabadi (Audio 2014)
American fiction | Shadow and bones | Winning time
Driven by a passion for creating immersive and impactful sound experiences, Mehrnaz Mohabati is a force to be reckoned with in the world of audio storytelling. Mehrnaz worked as a sound engineer in Iran before immigrating to the United States to continue his education. Now a seasoned ADR mixer known for her natural flow sessions, Mehrnaz helps actors achieve their best performances and has worked with notable talents such as Al Pacino, Willem Dafoe and Molly Shannon. His talent has earned industry recognition, including an MPSE Golden Reel Award nomination for Outstanding Sound Editing in the documentary Fire Chasers and an AAAA Award for Best Sound for Soul Diaspora.
Peter Munters (Audio 2014, Entertainment Business 2015)
Above | AHail King Julien | Harley Quinn | LEGO DC Batman
As a songwriter, touring performer, and audio engineer, Peter Munters has certainly made (sonic) waves in the entertainment industry. Peter got his start as the lead singer of the skatepunk band Over It, and later Runner Runner. He has since found his niche specializing in animation sound as a sound engineer/dialogue editor and has showcased his talents as a casting director and voice actor for commercials, video games and animation. Peter has been nominated for the Daytime Emmys in the Outstanding Sound Editing and Sound Mixing in Animation category, and has received multiple Golden Reel nominations for Motion Picture Sound Editors, including his 2019 win as Dialogue Editor/ADR Mixer For Lego DC Batman: Family Affairs.
Joshua Gitersonke (Music production 2007)
Fantastic race | The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special | Survivalist
From reality adventure to acclaimed photographic work, Joshua Gitersonke’s passion for visual storytelling shines. As a cinematographer and steadicam operator, Joshua’s affinity for physical challenges is evident in the projects he chooses as Fantastic race and National Geographic Race to the center of the Earth. He often finds himself taking on the same physical challenges as the show’s contestants, but with a 25-pound camera on his shoulder. Whether scaling a rock face or ascending a mountain, his extensive on-camera experience is demonstrated by the nine Emmy® nominations he has received and his win for Technical Direction, Working exceptional camera and video control – a career highlight.
GenMovi is honored to honor these exceptional alumni for their significant impact on the entertainment industry. Their achievements reflect the excellence and dedication nurtured within our school.
To learn more about the Spotlight Awards, visit lafilm.edu/spotlight.