The American School of Cinematography (ASC) is a prestigious institution revered in the film industry for its significant contributions to the art and craft of cinematography. Founded in 1919, the ASC is not a school in the traditional sense but rather an honorary society of accomplished cinematographers. Its primary mission revolves around advancing the art of filmmaking through education, collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge. This article delves into the history, objectives, membership, and influence of the ASC, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the visual language of cinema.

History and Formation of the ASC

The genesis of the American School of Cinematography traces back to the early days of filmmaking when the role of the cinematographer was often undervalued and misunderstood. A group of pioneering cinematographers, recognizing the need for greater recognition and professional standards, came together to form an organization that would champion their craft. In January 1919, in Los Angeles, California, a collective of fifteen founding members established the ASC. These visionary individuals aimed to create a platform for sharing technical expertise, fostering artistic innovation, and elevating the status of cinematography as a vital component of cinematic storytelling. Some of the notable founding members included Philip Rosen, Homer Scott, and L.D. Clawson. The formation of the ASC marked a pivotal moment in the history of cinematography, providing a much-needed voice and identity for cinematographers within the burgeoning film industry.

Initially, the ASC served as a close-knit community where members could exchange ideas, discuss technical challenges, and collaborate on projects. As the film industry evolved, so did the ASC, expanding its activities to include educational initiatives, publications, and outreach programs. The society played a crucial role in standardizing cinematographic practices and promoting best practices within the industry. The ASC also became an advocate for cinematographers' rights, working to ensure fair compensation and recognition for their contributions. Over the years, the ASC has remained committed to its founding principles, adapting to technological advancements and evolving artistic trends while upholding the highest standards of excellence in cinematography.

Objectives and Mission

The core objectives of the American School of Cinematography revolve around advancing the art and science of cinematography. The ASC is dedicated to fostering excellence in filmmaking through education, collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge. One of the primary goals of the ASC is to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cinematographer's role in visual storytelling. By highlighting the artistic and technical skills required to create compelling imagery, the ASC aims to elevate the status of cinematography as a vital component of the filmmaking process. The society achieves this through a variety of initiatives, including workshops, seminars, and publications that provide valuable insights into the craft.

Education is a cornerstone of the ASC's mission. The society offers a range of educational programs designed to support aspiring and established cinematographers. These programs cover a wide array of topics, including lighting techniques, camera operation, color grading, and visual effects. The ASC also provides resources for students and educators, such as lesson plans, film clips, and interviews with renowned cinematographers. By investing in education, the ASC seeks to cultivate the next generation of talented filmmakers and ensure the continued growth and evolution of cinematography. Collaboration is another key aspect of the ASC's mission. The society encourages cinematographers to share their knowledge and experiences with one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Through its various events and activities, the ASC provides opportunities for members to network, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other's successes and failures. This collaborative environment promotes innovation and helps cinematographers stay at the forefront of their craft. The dissemination of knowledge is also a central objective of the ASC. The society publishes the American Cinematographer magazine, a highly respected industry publication that features articles on filmmaking techniques, equipment reviews, and interviews with leading cinematographers. The ASC also produces books, documentaries, and online resources that provide valuable information and insights into the world of cinematography. By sharing its knowledge with the wider filmmaking community, the ASC helps to raise the bar for visual storytelling and inspire creativity.

Membership and Selection Criteria

Membership in the American School of Cinematography is a prestigious honor bestowed upon accomplished cinematographers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, artistry, and dedication to their craft. Unlike traditional schools, the ASC is an honorary society, and its members are selected through a rigorous nomination and review process. The selection criteria are stringent, reflecting the ASC's commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in cinematography. To be considered for membership, a cinematographer must have a substantial body of work that showcases their talent and expertise. This typically includes feature films, television series, documentaries, or other significant visual productions. The nominee's work must demonstrate a mastery of lighting, composition, camera movement, and other key elements of cinematography. Their visual storytelling abilities and their ability to enhance the narrative through imagery are also carefully evaluated.

In addition to their technical skills, nominees must also possess a strong artistic vision and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual expression. The ASC seeks members who are not only skilled technicians but also creative artists who can bring a unique perspective to their work. The nomination process typically begins with a current ASC member sponsoring the candidate. The sponsor must submit a detailed nomination package that includes the nominee's resume, a reel of their work, and letters of recommendation from other industry professionals. The ASC's membership committee then reviews the nomination package and evaluates the candidate's qualifications. The committee considers a variety of factors, including the quality and quantity of the nominee's work, their contributions to the field of cinematography, and their reputation within the industry. If the committee approves the nomination, it is then submitted to the ASC's board of governors for final approval. The board of governors consists of experienced cinematographers who have a deep understanding of the art and craft of filmmaking. They carefully review each nomination to ensure that the candidate meets the ASC's stringent standards. Once the board of governors approves the nomination, the candidate is invited to become a member of the ASC. Membership is a lifelong commitment, and members are expected to actively participate in the society's activities and uphold its values. The ASC's selective membership process ensures that only the most talented and dedicated cinematographers are invited to join its ranks. This helps to maintain the ASC's reputation as a leading authority on cinematography and ensures that its members continue to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Influence and Contributions to Filmmaking

The American School of Cinematography has exerted a profound influence on the art and technology of filmmaking since its inception. Through its educational initiatives, publications, and advocacy efforts, the ASC has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual language of cinema. One of the key contributions of the ASC has been its commitment to promoting best practices in cinematography. The society has developed a range of technical standards and guidelines that have helped to standardize cinematographic practices and ensure consistent quality across the industry. These standards cover a wide array of topics, including camera operation, lighting techniques, color grading, and visual effects. By adhering to these standards, cinematographers can ensure that their work meets the highest technical and artistic standards.

The ASC has also been instrumental in fostering innovation in filmmaking technology. The society has worked closely with manufacturers to develop new cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and other tools that have revolutionized the way movies are made. ASC members have also been at the forefront of adopting and adapting new technologies, such as digital cinematography, high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging, and virtual reality (VR), to enhance the visual storytelling capabilities of film. In addition to its technical contributions, the ASC has also played a significant role in shaping the artistic landscape of cinema. ASC members have been responsible for creating some of the most iconic and memorable images in film history. Their work has inspired countless filmmakers and has helped to define the visual style of various genres and movements. The ASC has also been a strong advocate for the artistic recognition of cinematographers. The society has worked to ensure that cinematographers receive proper credit and compensation for their contributions to filmmaking. The ASC has also lobbied for greater representation of cinematographers in awards ceremonies and other industry events. By promoting the artistic recognition of cinematographers, the ASC has helped to elevate the status of cinematography as a vital component of the filmmaking process. The ASC's influence extends beyond the film industry. The society's publications and educational programs have been used by students, educators, and filmmakers around the world. The ASC's website and online resources provide valuable information and insights into the world of cinematography. By sharing its knowledge and expertise with the wider filmmaking community, the ASC has helped to raise the bar for visual storytelling and inspire creativity.

Notable ASC Members

Throughout its history, the American School of Cinematography has been home to some of the most talented and influential cinematographers in the world. These individuals have made significant contributions to the art and craft of filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and inspiring generations of filmmakers. Some notable ASC members include:

• Conrad Hall: Known for his innovative use of light and shadow, Hall lensed such classics as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, American Beauty, and Road to Perdition. He won three Academy Awards for Best Cinematography.
• Gordon Willis: Renowned for his mastery of underexposure and his ability to create a sense of realism, Willis shot iconic films like The Godfather trilogy, Annie Hall, and Manhattan.
• Vilmos Zsigmond: A master of naturalistic lighting and innovative camera techniques, Zsigmond's credits include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Deer Hunter, and The Black Dahlia. He won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
• John Toll: With a career spanning over three decades, Toll has photographed films such as Braveheart, Legends of the Fall, and Cloud Atlas. He won two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Cinematography for Braveheart and Legends of the Fall.
• Emmanuel Lubezki: Known for his long takes and naturalistic lighting, Lubezki has collaborated with directors such as Terrence Malick, Alfonso Cuarón, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu. He won three consecutive Academy Awards for Best Cinematography for Gravity, Birdman, and The Revenant.
• Roger Deakins: Widely regarded as one of the greatest cinematographers of all time, Deakins has worked on films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, Skyfall, and Blade Runner 2049. He has received fifteen Academy Award nominations and won for Blade Runner 2049.

These are just a few of the many talented cinematographers who have been members of the ASC. Their work has helped to shape the visual language of cinema and has inspired countless filmmakers around the world. The ASC continues to attract the best and brightest cinematographers in the industry, ensuring that its legacy of excellence will continue for years to come.

Conclusion

The American School of Cinematography stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of filmmaking. Its unwavering commitment to advancing the art and science of cinematography has had a profound impact on the industry. Through its educational initiatives, publications, and advocacy efforts, the ASC has helped to shape the visual language of cinema and has inspired generations of filmmakers. The society's rigorous membership standards ensure that only the most talented and dedicated cinematographers are invited to join its ranks. ASC members have been responsible for creating some of the most iconic and memorable images in film history, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and setting new standards for excellence. As the film industry continues to evolve, the ASC remains committed to its founding principles, adapting to technological advancements and evolving artistic trends while upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation. The ASC's legacy of excellence will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence filmmakers for many years to come.