Film students know it’s a tough business in which to stand out. Any exposure helps. Especially if your film is being accessed by one of the leading cinematographers working today. John Bailey, a leader in the cinematography world for more than three decades, stands to give one lucky budding cinematographer just such a chance.

Bailey is judging the 2009 Kodak Film School Competition in cinematography and will announce the winner by November 1st. Bailey, a master’s graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, has worked on more than 70 films including The Big Chill, American Gigolo, As Good As It Gets and Ordinary People. His current film projects include an adaptation of the children’s classic Ramona and Beezus, starring Josh Duhamel and Selena Gomez, as well as When In Rome, a romantic comedy with Kristen Bell.

The Kodak Film School Competition, now in its 10th year, is designed to recognize creativity in student cinematographers through a collaborative process of visual storytelling. Wendy Elms, Kodak’s education segment manager of the Entertainment Imaging division, is proud to have Bailey’s expertise on board. “We are honored [Bailey] has agreed to lend his perspective and keen eye to this year’s competition. Every student who is participating in this competition will be thrilled to find out that John Bailey will be reviewing their work.”

The grand prize is a trip to the 2010 Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France, a prominent showcase for short films. Winners also have the opportunity to screen a 35mm print of their film at the festival. More information can be found at http://www.kodak.com/go/filmschoolcompetition.

Share: