Mercury Filmworks Donates $25,000 Film and Media Production Program

Posted on Friday, January 29th, 2021

Over 50 students and faculty attended the online announcement on Wednesday evening where John McKinnon, Supervising Editor at Mercury Filmworks spoke to the group. “I’m very happy there is a program we can do this with,” he said. “To know that his Kevin’s memory will go on in this way and will help people, I can’t tell you how much it means to the entire studio.”

“We are grateful to Mercury Filmworks for their support of learners in our new Film and Media Production program said Claude Brulé, President and CEO, Algonquin College. “This generous donation will help support students as they embark on their career in animation and film production. This annual award will make an impact on the life of one of our pending graduates, providing them with resources and support as they begin their career in this exciting field – while honouring a talented individual who served as a role model for many.”

Program co-ordinator Jeremy Atherton echoed those sentiments. “We are honoured you have chosen our program to continue his legacy. To build this legacy with this new generation speaks to who Kevin was and who Mercury is to our film community.”

Kevin was a much beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He loved music, animals, his family and friends, and he loved his work and his co-workers. Kevin appreciated life and was always mindful of his interactions and impact on others. Kevin was an immensely respected pillar in the Ottawa production community for 30+ years in both live action & animation. Mercury Filmworks is proud to offer this award in Kevin’s memory.

Launched in the Fall of 2020, Algonquin’s two-year Film and Media Production program provides hands-on experience with the equipment and processes used in the film and screen-based media production industry. Ottawa’s Mercury Filmworks is one of Canada’s most prolific independent studios and internationally recognized as a leader in the animation industry for its benchmarks in quality, reliability, and innovation.

Ottawa is becoming known for its top-notch talent, in part due to the animation, film and media students graduating from Algonquin and being hired by firms like Mercury Filmworks. Mercury employs over 75 graduates and has been a long-time partner of the College.

“With this bursary, we honour the memory of our friend and colleague Kevin Kocvar. In his name, we hope to empower the next generation of editing talent to be the skilled, steadfast, and kind professional that Kevin was,” said Clint Eland, Chief Executive Officer of Mercury Filmworks.

The newly established Kevin Kocvar Editing Award will be awarded annually to a graduating student of the Film & Media Production program whose passion for excellence in editing is matched by their leadership, mentoring, kindness, and understanding as well as their desire to continually learn and grow in the editorial field. Applications will begin this spring. The deadline is June 15, 2021. The winning applicant will receive $5,000.

“We are thrilled that each year one of our students will be the recipient of this honor. This award, in Kevin’s name, recognizes the tremendous importance of the editing process in films” said Robyn Heaton, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design. “The new Film and Media Production program allows students to immerse themselves in the complete workflow of modern digital filmmaking – from cinematography to post-production. This annual award will assist a student in realizing their dream of working in this exciting industry.”

“Kevin would be honoured but he never wanted people to make a fuss,” said former friend and colleague and Algonquin film theory professor Chris Mullington. “I think it’s wonderful, but he would say ‘what’s the big deal?’. He was a professional and a good person. He had high standards, he was kind and was a good citizen. I’d like (people) to know what a fine person he was and hopefully this award will help carry on that legacy.

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