Guild Presents Bitzer Awards in NY

Billy Bitzer

Local 600 celebrated two union members for their contributions to enriching the union and its membership with the presentation of the biennial Billy Bitzer Awards in New York on Oct. 16.

The honorees were Director of Photography Louis Barlia and the late Thomas Landi. The awards are presented bi-annually and are designed to recognize one living member and one deceased member. Billy Bitzer was one of the early presidents of Local 644 and achieved acclaim as the cinematographer on many of D.W. Griffith's most iconic films.

The presentation took place as part of the Master Series Seminar. It accompanied a screening of The Door in the Floor and a discussion with its cinematographer, Terry Stacey.

Sol Negrin, ASC accepts the award from National Vice President Tom Weston on behalf of Lous Barlia.

From right to left: son John Landi, daughter-in-law Maria Landi, grandson Thomas Landi, granddaughter Johnna Schultz, great-grandsons Nicholas and Joseph, great-granddaughter Charlene McDonough.

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