Communication, Media and Film graduate Matt Bendo (BA 2014) was recognized by the Canadian Society of Cinematographers with the 2017 award for Best Cinematography in the category of Branded/Corporate/Educational Cinematography.

Bendo received the honour April 1 in Toronto at the society’s 60th annual awards gala for his work on Storm, an ad for custom Lamborghini exhausts created by YST and Armytrix.

His former University of Windsor instructor, Tony Lau, produced the advertisement through his company, Film Loft Productions, with cinematography by Bendo.

“Tony has gone beyond the scope of what is required as a professor. After my graduation, Tony has continued his role as an important mentor whose guidance has tremendously impacted my professional career,” Bendo said.

Besides being the cinematographer, Bendo co-directed the commercial alongside Cameron Bryson, with sound design created by Windsor native and musician Cal Cuffaro.

“It’s an honour to share this nomination with a student that I have taught, mentored, and later worked with professionally,” said Lau. “Matt is a talented and dedicated young filmmaker, and to see him recognized among the top Canadian cinematographers so early in his career is something I am immensely proud of. I see some great things ahead for him.”

See the award-winning ad here.