Award of Commendation

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented an Award of Commendation to Rune Ericson at the Scientific and Technical Awards dinner on March 2, 2002.

Ericson was honored for his ground-breaking efforts on and dedication to the development of the Super 16mm film format for motion pictures.

For more than 30 years, Ericson has tirelessly worked to improve the Super 16mm format, which has been used for more than 500 feature films shot throughout the world since the 1970s. The Super 16mm film system gives the camera extreme mobility, allowing cuts in production costs and shooting time without corrupting the quality of the image.

The 16mm film format also has played a significant part in furthering the mainstream success of low-budget films. By extending the width of the 16mm frame, more of the frame height can be used, which allows low-budget films to be produced in a technically compatible version for widescreen theatrical release.

"This technology has furthered the film industry overall, and in particular, provided enormous advantages to low-budget productions," said Richard Edlund, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. "Ericson is a pioneer in this field and a worthy recipient of the Academy's Award of Commendation."

Ericson has worked as a director of photography since his first film in 1946. The Swedish film "Ronja Rövardotter" earned Ericson the Guldbagge, the Swedish equivalent of an Oscar, for best photography in 1984.