President’s Desk — February 2024
The balance the ASC staff provides transforms all of us from just a group of qualified cinematographers to a family.
Anyone who has been invited to join the ASC has a memory of walking through the front door of the Clubhouse for the first time. The house itself was purchased in the 1930s by the membership and paid off just a few years later. Since then — for the past 87 years or so — the house has been home for us. We are all beneficiaries of our members’ forward thinking in seeing the value in having a place of our own — the type of place that would become a Hollywood landmark cared for by our members and loyal staff.
Well before acquiring the house, the ASC has had our staff to help us. At first, responsibilities consisted of getting our magazine published regularly. Soon, the ASC’s mission — to educate and become a leading force in advancing the technology of our art form, by working together for the greater good — expanded our presence in the industry.
Through all this, our staff has been supporting us.
In several cases, many of our staff members have been around longer than most active members. Staff members such as Patty Armacost, Alex Lopez, Stephen Pizzello, Delphine Figueras, Saul Molina, Sal Maldonado and others have been with us for going on five, four, three and two decades. I’ve always stated that the ASC staff is every bit as much a part of the story of Hollywood cinematography as our members.
In December, as a perk of being Society president, I was invited to the ASC Staff Christmas Party and got to meet many of the families. We have two dozen staff members, as well as regulars who routinely come to the party and other big events to help, and celebrating with everyone at once was just incredible. I’m guessing there were 30 kids of every age running around the clubhouse, enjoying piñatas, a visit with Santa (portrayed with holiday gusto by ASC associate Rob Eagle), amazing food and more. I’m guessing there was even an afterparty, judging from some of the evidence I found around the place a few days later!
As far as I’m concerned, we cannot do enough for these people. They are beloved by our membership and play an essential part in welcoming new members and making sure they know there is a place here for them. They serve as an example for me also — showing me the manner in which I should represent the Society while tending to my president’s duties. Everything they touch, they make better. We are truly lucky to have them.
While attending the party, Alex Lopez walked up and asked, “So, what do you think?” I replied with my impressions of warmth and family that the walls of this old house soak in so well. Alex said, “This is the core of everything.”
No truer words were ever spoken. The balance the ASC staff provides transforms all of us from just a group of qualified cinematographers to a family. I hope that when you visit us, you’ll feel this same energy.
Best regards,
Shelly Johnson
ASC President
