WASHINGTON, D.C.—NAB Show has announced that it is partnering with the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) to present educational workshops taught by prominent cinematographers. The two in-person workshops will take place April 24-25 at NAB Show in Las Vegas and will cover cinematic techniques in lighting.

The NAB Show is developing the workshops in coordination with the newly formed Cine Consortium, which was launched in November 2021 in Los Angeles to guide NAB Show and affiliated events in identifying opportunities to serve, educate and unite the cinema, production, post and broader content creation communities. Each five-hour workshop is designed by instructors with expertise and experience in specific areas of film and television production.

"NAB Show has had an ongoing partnership with ASC, and this new alliance signals our renewed commitment to the cinema industry and content creators,” said Chris Brown, NAB executive vice president and managing director, Global Connections and Events. “We look forward to presenting this unique education opportunity to our community in April 2022.”

Stephen Lighthill, ASC, president, American Society of Cinematographers, added that “the Workshop allows our members to teach and share their expertise to a new group of filmmakers while continuing to advance the craft of the cinematographer."

ASC instructors and workshop details will be announced in the coming weeks, the show's organizers said. 

Registration for the workshops is available here.

LOS ANGELES—The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has announced the planned release of its Standard Evaluation Material II (StEM2) project as a free download in early 2022. 

The short film is an initiative by the organization to provide standardized viewing material designed to aid in the development and calibration of technology impacting the modern imaging chain. StEM2 test packages will be available in early 2022 to download for free in all common theatrical and home TV formats.

“The Mission,” a professionally produced short film for the StEM2 initiative, emulates a high-end movie. Under the direction of the ASC, the film was designed to test exhibition and streaming systems, displays, and image-processing tools used in production and post, the ASC said 

“We set out to create a comprehensive assessment of the elements that increasingly impact professional production in today’s environment,” says ASC president Stephen Lighthill. “StEM2 offers the industry the information needed to support developments and advancements of products and solutions for image creation. Everyone from filmmakers, studios and post houses to engineers, technologists and manufacturers are affected by the technical complexities impacting storytelling.”

StEM2 was produced with significant backing from studios, technology companies and industry leaders, including a seed grant from Epic MegaGrants, as well as major support from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Scientific and Technical Council.

“We saw a need to measure the dramatic change in workflows to enable script-to-screen technology that will support the viewer’s experience as close as possible to the filmmaker’s intentions,” notes chairman of the ASC Motion Imaging Technology Council (MITC) Curtis Clark, ASC. “As exhibition technology continues to advance, there is a critical need for baseline evaluation material originated by neutral and trusted third-party imaging experts.”

“The Mission” was carefully conceived to exploit and challenge today’s exhibition and image processing systems, the ASA said. 

StEM2 utilized the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) throughout the entire pipeline. The project evaluated the challenges of moving meticulously crafted images through cloud workflows, including camera-to-cloud, dailies, editing, rendering and creation of deliverables while simultaneously maintaining artistic intentions. Utilizing an array of production environments, it was shot on location and on virtual production stages in July, capturing scenes shot in a dark cave, the desert, car interiors (day and night), city streets (night exteriors), and a dimly lit hospital (night interiors), the ASC explained. 

Additional parameters tested by “The Mission” include image high dynamic range, diverse skin tones, high resolution detail, in-camera VFX, fast moving action, and visuals to tax compression algorithms and image processing software.

StEM2 is an updated version of the ASC’s StEM1 project, which was a collaboration of the ASC and Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) in 2004. StEM1 helped DCI to establish technical parameters for digital cinema specifications during the transition from film print projection. It continues to be a bellwether for the industry in evaluating first generation digital developments. 

For more information on “The Mission” and accessing files, visit https://theasc.com/news/stem2

LOS ANGELES—The American Society of Cinematographers’ Board of Governors have announced the results of their recent election for organization officers. Leading the new group is Stephen Lighthill, who was elected to the role of president.

Other newly elected officers include Amy Vincent, Bill Bennett and John Simmons as vice presidents; Levine Isaacks as treasurer; Gregg Heschong as secretary; and David Darby as sergeant-at-arms.

Lighthill assumes the role of president of ASC after after most recently serving as a vice president. He takes over from outgoing ASC President Kees van Oostrum, who had served the maximum number of four terms. This will be Lightill’s second term as president, having previously served from 2012-2013.

ASC members are currently advocating for equal rights and diversity, as well as safe production environments as productions begin to return amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a challenging moment for filmmaking in general and cinematography in particular,” Lighthill said. “As an organization, we are making plans to put words into action. Through work of the Future Practices Committee and Vision Committee, I’m ready to lead our Society in responding, and in making our work environment safe, equal and diverse.”

Lighthill’s career includes shooting for San Francisco Bay area news programs, national shows like “60 Minutes,” feature documentaries like “Gimme Shelter” and “Berkeley in the Sixties” and TV dramas such as “Vietnam War Story,” “Earth 2” and “Nash Bridges.” In 2018, Lighthill was recognized with the ASC Presidents Award.

For more information, visit www.theasc.com.  

LOS ANGELES-- The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is accepting submissions for the television competition during its 33rd Annual ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement In Cinematography, on Feb. 9, 2019, in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland. The ceremony will also celebrate the ASC’s 100th anniversary.

The three TV awards categories include:

• Episode of a Television Series – Commercial (half hour and one hour).
• Episode of a Television Series – Non-Commercial (half hour and one hour).
• Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot Made for TV.

The deadline to enter is Nov. 5 by 5 p.m. (PT).

To qualify, shows must have a premiere broadcast date in the United States between

Nov. 1, 2017, and Oct. 31, 2018. Entry forms can be downloaded at here on the ASC website.

In addition to the TV awards, the ASC gala in February will recognize the year’s best feature film cinematography, as well as lifetime honorees.

For a complete timeline of the 33rd ASC Awards, visit this link.

Please visit the award website for more information. 

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) broke ground today on the construction of the new ASC ARRI Educational Center. The contemporary building, located behind the historic ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood, will serve as a hub for the organization’s ongoing efforts to educate the next generation of filmmakers on the art and craft of cinematography. The structure also will be home to all print and digital publications staff. The ASC ARRI Educational Center offers a modern, inspired space with offices and meeting rooms, and is slated to be completed by 2019.

ASC President Kees van Oostrum was joined by ARRI Inc. President and CEO Glenn Kennel at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“When the ASC was formed in 1919, our founding members pledged to foster and artistically inspire rising cinematographers,” says van Oostrum. “That mission has made us the society we are today. Through our members and initiatives, we have aggressively continued that edict. As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary next year, the new ASC ARRI Educational Center symbolizes our commitment to the future and provides an excellent gathering place for the exchange of ideas.”

The educational center is made possible through the patronage of ARRI, a pioneering technology company that has a longstanding relationship with the ASC and its membership.

Kennel says, “ARRI’s two founders were young filmmakers who produced movies and created lighting and camera equipment to make their visions a reality. We are thrilled to continue their legacy and help create a space to inspire emerging content creators.”

The ASC and ARRI previously collaborated on the launch of the International Master Class series, intensive workshops taking place around the world with acclaimed ASC members. ARRI will continue to sponsor the International Master Classes for the next decade and host various Los Angeles-based Master Classes beginning in 2019.

ARRI’s Executive Board Member Dr. Joerg Pohlman notes, “Last year ARRI celebrated our centennial, so continuing to innovate side-by-side as the ASC enters into their 100 anniversary is an important collaboration for future generations. To have a hand in developing new talent and voices honors this legacy.”

“If we look back on 100 years, the ASC has evolved from a professional group of cinematographers into a formidable, international presence in artistry, technology and education,” van Oostrum adds. “During the past couple of years, our educational efforts have grown tremendously, supported not only by the artistic endeavors of our membership but also through the work of our Motion Imaging Technology Council and our members’ commitment to illustrating the role of the cinematographer to the world. We are very grateful to have ARRI’s backing in so many of our educational initiatives, especially the one we are celebrating today.”

The ASC began its educational mission in 1920 with the publication of its flagship magazine, American Cinematographer, which covers the artistic approaches and motion-imaging techniques of filmmakers. The society has cultivated its educational efforts over the century by establishing a number of programs to promote learning on a global basis. Its Education and Outreach Committee organizes frequent events for the benefit of filmmaking students and the general public, including week-long Master Classes taught by renowned ASC members. Additionally, the organization hosts the annual Student Heritage Awards honoring both graduate and undergraduate film students; regular camera and lighting seminars; “Coffee and Conversation” Q&A sessions analyzing the work of cinematographers on a specific project; roundtable discussions featuring panels of professionals who address a variety of topics central to the work of camera people and other industry disciplines; and a bi-annual International Cinematography Summit bringing together participants from dozens of cinematography societies from around the globe to meet, share information, and prioritize an agenda that will forward the interests of cinematographers everywhere.

More recently, the ASC Vision Committee was inaugurated to promote diversity throughout the industry with a series of popular and highly engaging seminars and events devoted to nurturing an open dialogue and progressive hiring practices for women and minority filmmakers.

ASC was officially chartered in January 1919. Today, the organization has some 380 members. For more information, visit www.theasc.com

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has re-elected Kees van Oostrum as president. Van Oostrum will serve his third consecutive term.

The ASC Board also named its roster of officers for 2018-2019, including Bill Bennett, John Simmons and Cynthia Pusheck as vice presidents; Levie Isaacks as treasurer; David Darby as secretary; and Isidore Mankofsky as sergeant-at-arms.

“During this past year at the ASC, we have been steadfastly focused on educational events, international outreach, and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion,” notes van Oostrum. “These all support our mission of loyalty, progress and artistry. As we look ahead, we plan to usher in the 100 anniversary of the ASC in a way that commemorates our heritage and positions our members to maintain a leadership role in the evolution of the art and craft of image making.”

Van Oostrum initiated and chairs the ASC Master Class program, which has expanded to locations worldwide under his presidency. The Master Classes take place several times a year and are taught exclusively by ASC members. It is designed for cinematographers with an intermediate-to-advanced skill set, and incorporates practical, hands-on demonstrations of lighting and camera techniques with essential instruction in current workflow practices.

The ASC Vision Committee, founded during van Oostrum’s first term, continues to organize successful symposiums that encourage diversity and inclusion on camera crews, and also offers networking opportunities. The most recent was a standing-room-only event that explored practical and progressive ideas for changing the face of the industry. The Society will continue to host more of these activities during the coming years.

Van Oostrum has earned two Primetime Emmy® nominations for his work on the telefilms Miss Rose White and Return to Lonesome Dove. His peers chose the latter for a 1994 ASC Outstanding Achievement Award. Additional ASC Award nominations for his television credits came for The Burden of Proof, Medusa’s Child, and Spartacus. He also shot the Emmy®-winning documentary The Last Chance.

A native of Amsterdam, van Oostrum studied at the Dutch Film Academy with an emphasis on both cinematography and directing, and went on to earn a scholarship sponsored by the Dutch government, which enabled him to enroll the American Film Institute (AFI). Van Oostrum broke into the industry shooting television documentaries for several years. He has subsequently compiled a wide range of some 80-plus credits, including movies for television and the cinema, such as Gettysburg and Gods and Generals, and occasional documentaries. He recently wrapped the final season of TV series The Fosters.

The 2018-2019 Board who voted in this election include: John Bailey, Paul Cameron, Russell Carpenter, Curtis Clark, Dean Cundey, George Spiro Dibie, Stephen Lighthill, Lowell Peterson, Roberto Schaefer, John Toll, and Amelia Vincent. Alternate Board members are Karl-Walter Lindenlaub, Stephen Burum, David Darby, Charlie Lieberman, and Eric Steelberg.

The ASC has over 20 committees driving the organization’s initiatives, such as the award-winning Motion Imaging Technology Council (MITC), and the Educational and Outreach committee.

For additional information about the ASC, visit www.theasc.com.  

LOS ANGELES—The American Society of Cinematographers announced it will honor four cinematographers for their outstanding achievement at the 32nd ASC Awards Gala, Feb. 17, 2018, in Hollywood, Calif.

Alan Caso

The society will honor Russell Carpenter with its Lifetime Achievement Award; Russell Boyd with the International Award; Alan Caso with the Career Achievement in Television Award; and Stephen Lighthill with the Presidents Award.

Carpenter received an Academy Award for his work on James Cameron’s “Titanic,”which received 11 Oscars. The film also earned best cinematography awards for Carpenter from the ASC and Chicago Film Critics.

Boyd has received an Oscar for his visuals on Peter Weir’s “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.”

Caso has more than 50 TV credits, earning two Emmy nominations for his work on “Six Feet Under,” as well as recognition for “Into the West”and “George Wallace.”

Lighthill began his career shooting network news and documentaries, including contributions to Oscar-nominated documentary “Berkeley in the ‘60s,” “Gimme Shelter,” and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” His breakthrough film was “The Lawnmower Man,” which demonstrated pioneering computer graphics in filmmaking.

Commenting on the honorees, ASC President Kees van Oostrum said the four have “have accomplished a compelling array of visuals throughout their careers,” “excelled in the art and craft of cinematography” and “demonstrated leadership and mentorship.”