American Cinematographer - September 2023 - 8

President's Desk
PORTRAIT BY JOHN SIMMONS, ASC.
WHILE SERVING AS ONE OF THE INSTRUCTORS AT AN ASC MASTER
CLASS IN NEW YORK CITY RECENTLY, I was reminded of a question
cinematographers hear quite often: " Why are directors of photography
so generous with their experience and knowledge? "
When I think back to my first contact with the ASC in 1989, at an
Awards Nominees' Dinner at the Society's Clubhouse in Hollywood, I
remember meeting all of my heroes and being struck by how open they
were - how willing they were to talk with a young cinematographer
who, up till that moment, had been a complete unknown. These amazing
people answered all my questions and helped me learn very quickly
that the cinematography community is very much a family. And, they
were funny! The humor with which they related their experiences was
entertaining and, let's face it, good storytelling. They all wore smiles,
they were positive, and they seemed younger than their years. It was
quite a memorable group, because their collective energy was squared2
within the Clubhouse walls!
I met one of my earliest mentors, ASC member Allen Daviau, when I
was just 18, and the man had no reason to be as forthcoming with me
as he was through the subsequent decades of friendship - other than,
perhaps, a desire to pay forward the debt he felt to the teachers of his
own past. I think I'm starting to see why this is so important to us and
such a meaningful part of what forms a cinematographer's character.
Since the beginning of this art form, fellow cinematographers have been
collaborating and working together to further visual storytelling, inspire
technical advances, and create a sense of loyalty and respect toward
our fellow filmmakers. This knowledge has been passed on, refined and
advanced - and passed on again and again. We wouldn't be cinematographers
if it wasn't for this tradition of generosity.
By the end of my teaching experience at the New York Master Class
(see page 62), I felt a great sense of balance. I was not tired (ready for
a beer, however), but quietly satisfied. My ego wasn't pumped-up - I
simply felt I had done my teachers justice, and perhaps created a few
new teachers to pass along what there is to tell.
8 / SEPTEMBER 2023
" I remember meeting all of my heroes and
being struck by how open they were. "
If you come to the ASC Open House (on October 7), our Awards
(March 3, 2024) or any other ASC panel or event, you will experience
this sort of sharing firsthand. I think this is one of the reasons American
Cinematographer has been successful since its conception. The magazine
is a way to tell our stories and put those experiences in front of
others - both as a learning tool and as a means of giving cinematography
a place in the filmmaking conversation.
Per our tradition, the ASC and American Cinematographer will be
here for you to provide information and education that you can pay forward
when the time comes.
Best regards,
Shelly Johnson
ASC President
American Cinematographer - September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - September 2023
