Founder of Vela Visuals LLC, Shawn Vela earned 8 Emmy® Awards at the 42nd Annual Suncoast Regional EMMY AWARDS. Four of the winning awards were for films earned by his agency Vela Visuals. The awards ceremony took place on December 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The 2018 Emmy® wins puts his total career wins at 13 Emmys® at the time of this article. When asked what receiving these awards means for him, Shawn said: “Receiving an Emmy® is an enormous honor. What is even more rewarding is the experience of being trusted as a steward to tell incredible stories.”
Flying Fortress
“Flying Fortress” follows the story of retired World War II veteran Mel Jenner. Mel served in the 8th and 9th Air Force as a gunner in A-20 and B-17 bombers. Flying in a bomber during WWII was risky to say the least. 71% of those who flew during the war did not make it back home. After surviving 45 aerial combat missions, Mel returns home and is diagnosed with PTSD. Mel and his family seek faith and community to restore hope and positivity.
Vela Visuals Receives Five Emmy® Nominations 2018
On October 15, 2018 the Suncoast Emmy Awards announced nominations for 2018. Among the nominations Shawn Vela and Vela Visuals LLC received 5 nominations in Religion and Cinematography Categories for the films "A Mother's Love", "The Sea Aire Motel", "Against All Odds - The Shea Hillenbrand Story", the trailer for the new series "Success In Your City", and the commercial "Greatest of All Time".
Film To Honor Fallen Marines
Remembering The Fallen is a documentary film directed by Shawn Vela of Vela Visuals to honor fallen marines and navy corpsman. The film follows Cliff Leonard, a retired Marine with a passion for sculpting. Cliff uses his skills to honor Marines and Navy Corpsman who have been killed in the line of duty.
Shawn Vela Wins First Emmy
Shawn Vela, Founder of Vela Visuals, received his first Emmy® Award for the inspirational short film documentary “Alive: Taking A Stand For Christ.” The Emmy® Ceremony was held on December 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida (Suncoast Chapter).