The American Society of Cinematographers is not a labor union or guild, but is an educational, cultural and professional organization. Membership is possible by invitation and is extended only to directors of photography with distinguished credits in the industry.
For more than 85 years, the Society has remained true to its ideals: loyalty, progress and artistry. Reverence for the past and a commitment to the future have made a potent and lasting combination in a world of shifting values and uncertain motives.
The American Society of Cinematographers received its charter from the State of
The origins of the ASC lie in two clubs founded by cinematographers in 1913. The Cinema Camera Club was started in
The first ASC screen credit was given to charter member Joseph August when he photographed a William S. Hart picture in 1919. Later that year, producer-star Mary Pickford had the initials ASC lettered after Charles Rosher’s name on her credit titles. Since that time, these letters have come to symbolize excellence in the motion picture industry.
The year after its charter, the ASC began publishing American Cinematographer magazine, which has advanced the art form by analyzing the work of its top practitioners. During the past decade alone, the magazine has earned scores of accolades, including three Folio: Editorial Excellence Awards, nine Maggie Awards and 28 Maggie nominations.
The Society has also served the industry by publishing a series of important and influential books about cinematography. It has published nine editions of the American Cinematographer Manual, a technical benchmark whose continuous publication recently earned the Society an Award of Commendation from the
One of the Society’s most important endeavors is its ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography, which salutes stellar work on both theatrical features and television shows. Staged annually in
Throughout the decades, the ASC has kept pace with changing times. The Society has launched its own Web site (www.theasc.com), which has become a hub of information for both industry professionals and students. Along with in-depth articles about cinematography, the site has presented Society news, educational resources and question-and-answer forums with ASC members.
In recent years, the ASC has also been very active in expressing concern about choices for Advanced Television (ATV), ranging from the choice of aspect ratio to pushing for the abandonment of interlaced displays. At the invitation of the House and Senate in
Currently, the Society is spearheading the effort to establish industrywide standards for digital cinema. Digital tools and techniques have had a significant impact on the cinematographer’s craft, and the Society is committed to maintaining the same high standards that it applies to more traditional, film-based methods. Its vigilant positions on digital issues has ensured that the ASC will continue to function as a guardian of high quality for motion-picture images.
2 comments:
thanks for linking! i'll repay the favour!
Really good post on a side of film making not enough people seem to appreciate.
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