News & Press

As previously announced, FotoKem is set to receive the prestigious Charles S. Swartz Award from the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) this year at the annual HPA Awards Ceremony on November 7th! This special honor, which recognizes profound contributions to the media content ecosystem, is only awarded when the HPA Awards Committee feels it’s truly deserved, and this year, the decision was clear.

Named in memory of Charles S. Swartz—a trailblazer in the industry who was a producer, educator, and a vital collaborator—the award pays tribute to his incredible legacy. Swartz, who led the Entertainment Technology Center at USC and served on the HPA Board of Directors, left an indelible mark on the media world before his passing in 2007. This award, which is not bestowed every year, but rather when worthy recipients are identified, continues to celebrate his vision and impact on digital cinema technologies. Previous recipients include AVID, Michelle Munson and Victoria Alonso.

Founded in 1963 by Gerald Brodersen, FotoKem began as an independent black-and-white film lab on Cahuenga Boulevard, just blocks from Universal and Warner Bros. Over more than six decades, FotoKem has grown into a leading name in post-production services, maintaining its independent ownership, an anomaly in today’s post production services sector. The company has become a trusted partner for filmmakers, studios, and artists, known for its deep expertise in film and commitment to innovative digital processes.

FotoKem’s facilities include their main campus in Burbank, an editorial facility in Hollywood, Keep Me Posted episodic post in Burbank, and LA Studios / Margarita Mix sound in Hollywood and Santa Monica. They operate four-wall facilities across several U.S. states and deploy dailies and edit systems globally, supporting production around the world. FotoKem’s technical and artistic prowess, coupled with their understanding of color, sound, and complex workflows, has established them as a creative hub in the filmmaking industry. Their impressive credits include major projects such as “Oppenheimer,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Euphoria,” “Dune,” and many, many others.

Bill Brodersen, CEO of FotoKem, shared his enthusiasm about the award, saying, “From the time my father started FotoKem until today, we have remained dedicated to serving the filmmakers who entrust us with their work. This award shines a light on our teams who work so diligently on behalf of our clients, and the community of artists and technologists who tell stories and share their vision. Thank you to HPA for honoring FotoKem with such a meaningful award. On behalf of the entire team at FotoKem, we are deeply honored to be recognized with the Charles S. Swartz Award”

Seth Hallen, HPA President commented, “The HPA Awards Committee and the Board of Directors were unanimous in their desire to honor FotoKem with this award. They have played an undeniable role in keeping film alive as a viable tool for filmmakers. The impact of their unwavering support of film along with their non-stop innovation in many aspects of the post production processes and the talent and skill with which they serve their clients, eloquently illustrate their impact. From dailies to the meticulous restoration of classic films, and outstanding work for picture and sound to mind-blowing 70mm workflows, FotoKem brings an unparalleled level of talent. It is with great pride that the HPA Awards Committee bestows the Charles S. Swartz Award to FotoKem. It is richly deserved thanks to their team that includes some of the most talented creative, technical and operational individuals in the industry.”

Join us in celebrating the brilliant work of artists in the creative categories, Engineering Excellence winner and FotoKem’s achievement at the HPA Awards gala on November 7th! For more details about the HPA Awards, visit HPAonline.com.