Academy Sci Tech Awards To Honour ARRIMAX Innovators

ARRI has announced that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has selected Erwin Melzner, Volker Schumacher and Timo Müller to receive one of the most prestigious honours in the film industry.
The three innovative designers are to be awarded a Scientific and Engineering Award for the development of the ARRIMAX 18/12 HMI. Not since 2004 has an AMPAS Scientific and Technical Award been given for an advance in the field of lighting equipment.
Also known as the Sci Tech Oscars, the event will take place at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California on February 7, 2009. This achievement marks the 15th Scientific and Technical Award for ARRI and the very first to honour one of the company's lighting products.
The ARRIMAX combines the variable beam spread of a Fresnel and the light output of a PAR, and uses a unique reflector concept for beam control that eliminates the need for spread lenses. AMPAS notes: "With its choice of vari-focus and specular reflectors, the superior optical and mechanical design of this lighting fixture allows it to operate at 18,000 watts, producing unsurpassed light quality while it innovative cooling system keeps the housing safe to touch."
Since its introduction, the ARRIMAX has proven itself as a popular and versatile tool for feature films, commercials and television.
AMPAS has recognised Melzner, Head of Lighting Research & Development at Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH, for the overall concept, including the optical system, cooling system, physical design and product development. Schumacher, CEO of Ospira GmbH, will be credited for the optical concept, optical development and simulations, and Müller, Location Lighting Product Manager at Arnold & Richter, for the concept and mechanical design. The award, in the form of an Academy plaque, will be presented to the three recipients during a ceremony hosted by actress Jessica Biel.
Since 1930, AMPAS has conducted a program for honouring artisans whose contributions have made it possible for the movie industry to exist and evolve. Approximately 45 people constitute the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee, representing cinematography (production and technical), digital imaging, electronics and research, film and laboratory, lighting and equipment, mechanical or optical effects and engineering, production, projection, exhbition techniques and sound.
Further information is available at: www.arri.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)