THE RORY PECK AWARDS 2004
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The Freelancers’ Choice Award 2004

This Award is for the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of freelancers - the unsung hero or heroine in the field or at base. The Award has been chosen by the freelancers themselves entirely from their own nominations.

NOMINEES

1 . ION BUJOR - freelance cameraman and director, CITV Mirador

Ion Bujor has been nominated for his courage filming in war zones, and for the diversity of his achievements. A freelancer in his native Moldova for over 30 years, Bujor has worked as a writer, reporter, cameraman, director and producer. In 1990, he founded his own independent documentary company “CITV Mirador”. The company is registered with the NGO “Vidolnfo” and for the past thirteen years, it has maintained its focus on the Transnistrian conflict, producing over 2000 videos, with its work honoured at international festivals. Bujor has also worked for many years with “Teleradio-Moldova” as a special correspondent for the Transnistria zone.

Quote from Nominator:

“Ion Bujor has made a great contribution to documentaries, working in very hard conditions and putting his life in danger.”

2. RON McCULLAGH - Managing editor, Insight News Television

Ron McCullagh has been nominated for the important role he has played in supporting freelancers and enabling them to develop their work. As Managing Director of Insight News Television Ltd for 9 years, he has ensured that the company remains focussed on in-depth international current affairs programming. McCullagh has made hundreds of documentary films and news features and the majority have involved the use of freelancers. Many of these programmes, like Cry Freetown, and Exodus have won awards, including BAFTA and Emmy awards. This has enabled those freelancers to develop their own careers in a hugely competitive market. Ron McCullagh has gained international recognition for the quality of Insight’s work and shown how much a small independent company can achieve.

Quote from nominator:

“His continual encouragement and support for freelance producers and reporters has certainly enabled the individuals concerned and the industry at large to benefit.”

3. MITCHELL PROTHERO - Freelance Photographer & Writer

Mitchell Prothero’s on-going support to freelance journalists, especially in Iraq, has been remarkable. In his capacity as field researcher for the Committee to Protect Journalists, Mitch has had the daunting and difficult job of helping secure the releases of many journalists recently taken hostage. These include James Brandon and Micah Garen. He continues to help, in whatever capacity he can, and is always there with help and advice to many freelancers as they try to keep on top of the on-going situation with limited means of support and communication

Quote from nominator:

“As freelancers, we often go to Mitch for advice, when all else fails, it is very common to hear someone say, “ask Mitch”. To boot he is a really nice guy!”

4. NICK SPRINGATE - Producer, BBC

Nick Springate has been nominated for support and encouraging the freelancers with whom he works. Committed to his job and to the team he works with, Nick’s field presence and understanding of the story is great. He is a source of guidance and security for his team, especially for those freelancers who have less experience in the field.

Quote from nominator:

The Trust and Sony

Finalists

The Freelancers' Choice 2004

Judging Panels

 

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