Hylen Lens System Honored by the Academy

[Tim Tyler]

Steve Hylén and the Hylén System were honored with the Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on Saturday, February 7, 2009, during the 81st annual Scientific and Technical Academy Awards. The product, a patented optical device allowing on-set modification to the image as it is captured, is rented exclusively through Panavision, the industry’s worldwide leading supplier of film and digital cameras and lighting used in motion pictures and television.

 

“It is an honor to have a group such as the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Committee understand the technology of the invention and the patents,” said creator Steve Hylén. “The committee included both directors of photography and engineers, who dissected the patent and looked at the Hylén System lens focusing system. I am very proud that they have endorsed the technology and its future possibilities.”

 

Recognized by the Academy for “the concept and his continued leadership in the further development of the Hylén Lens System for motion picture effects photography,” the Hylén System was awarded an Academy Award® Certificate which stated that “when attached to a film or digital production camera, this versatile aerial image device can produce a wide variety of optical effects interactively, on-set and in real time without post-production image manipulation.”

 

Randall Abney, President and CEO of SmARTlens Corporation, the manufacturer of the Hylén Lens, was also on hand for the presentation. “The Academy’s recognition of the Hylén System as an important development in cinematography validates our belief that the Hylén System can have a major impact - creatively and financially - in the making of feature films, commercials, music videos, and television programs,” he said.

 

“For Panavision, our association with SmARTlens™, Steve Hylén, and the Hylén System is a further example of introducing innovative and exciting technologies to the creative community,” remarked Bob Beitcher, President and CEO, Panavision Inc. “This is a terrific product and we’re very proud of the Academy for honoring Steve with a certificate.”

 

Rentals of the system are available through Panavision’s offices worldwide.