In Surprise Finish to Fierce Competition, Judges Award Dream Job to Journalist and Cinematographer
CHICAGO, May 2, 2011 — After three months of intense competition, Amble Resorts announces two separate winners of their Island Intern Contest – Luke Hansen and Benjamin Brown. Hansen, a freelance cinematographer from Phoenix, and Brown, an aspiring travel journalist residing in Las Vegas, applied to the contest separately, but the contest judges decided that their complementary skill sets would make a strong team, and today declared them co-winners. The two applicants beat out almost 100 talented competitors, winning the opportunity to explore the 400-acre Panama island where the eco-luxury Resort at Isla Palenque is being developed.
Amble President and lead contest judge Benjamin Loomis didn't anticipate how tough the decision would be: "We were floored by both the quantity and quality of the applicants. It was a challenge to narrow it down." Once the judges began interviewing the finalists, Hansen and Brown quickly rose to the top of the list. "I didn't expect to choose two winners, but it was clear that these two would make a great team. I honestly think they'll produce work comparable to what you see on Discovery or the Travel channel," says Loomis.
The pair will team up this summer to document the island experience and, as Hansen put it, "make people amazed at what they see." With support from Amble Resorts' development team, and using video, photography, and blogging tools, Hansen and Brown will do just that. The results will be broadcast along social media channels in preparation for the opening of the resort's five-bedroom inn later this year. "The inn will give the public their first taste of the resort's high-end service and spectacular natural environment," says Loomis. "Ben and Luke will be our pioneers."
Brown and Hansen were eager about the possibilities presented by their joint effort and complementary backgrounds. Hansen said of the outcome, "I can already tell that Ben and I are going to make a great team. His enthusiasm for travel and adventure combined with his energetic on-camera presence make his videos so much fun to watch. I know working together will push us both to produce some really amazing videos."
Upon receiving the news that he won, Brown could hardly contain his excitement: "To take on this role is a dream come true. As an aspiring travel journalist, my goal is to inspire people to free their minds and change their lives by experiencing life abroad. My schooling, training, and professional experience will surely be put to the test. I can't wait."
The two don't have long to bask in their win; in just six weeks they will be boarding a plane to Panama for a summer of adventure. Armed with professional equipment and an infectious passion for discovery, Brown and Hansen are excited to share what it means to travel to a destination that deserves not only to be explored, but preserved and respected as well. "I'm ready to get out there and show the world a new kind of travel," says Brown.
Photos:
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2011-Luke-Hansen.jpg
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2011-Benjamin-Brown.jpg
About Amble Resorts
Amble Resorts specializes in ecologically sensitive and culturally authentic resorts in places of spectacular natural beauty and historical significance, offering meaningful connection to the earth, other peoples, and each other. Those who want more out of travel, amble with us. http://www.Amble.com
About The Resort at Isla Palenque
The Resort at Isla Palenque will be a secluded and sustainable Panama resort community opening in 2013. http://www.islapalenque.com
Media contact: Email
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