The American Society of Cinematographers’ in-person Master Class program is designed for cinematographers with an intermediate-to-advanced skill set. 

The program provides live demonstrations of lighting and camera techniques, instruction in current workflow practices and analysis of feature films.

This five-day seminar is taught in Los Angeles by some of the finest directors of photography in the world.

Enrolling in the ASC Master Class will enable you to hone your craft while making valuable professional connections that can jump-start your career. Prominent Society members and ASC associates serve as instructors, offering invaluable insights not only on the creative and technical aspects of the cinematographer’s profession, but on business-related topics as well.

Subjects and Activities may include:

• Five-day class including multiple interactive lighting demonstrations
• Engagement with ASC members, ASC associate members and sponsors
• Presentation of shooting in an LED volume 
• Color-grading workshop at a post facility
• ASC cinematographers-turned-directors panel
• Panel discussions on career and agent issues
• Analysis of cinematography from notable films of the past
• Presentations about cameras, lenses, sensors and future technologies

Specialized Instruction

Some of the curriculum in each class varies, depending on the instructors’ area of expertise. Instruction might cover such subjects as lighting for narrative storytelling, the creative use of optics, or virtual cinematography, for example.

Instruction takes place at the ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood and at nearby production and postproduction facilities. All equipment is provided major industry suppliers.

Enrollment in each ASC Master Class is limited to 30 participants. Applicants must submit a current résumé in order to be considered. COVID vaccination is required.

Here’s a full report on a recent class. Here’s a full report on a session that focused on shooting motion-picture film.

Here are details about our May 2022 Master Class session held in Hollywood, which focused on lighting and virtual production.

The next in-person ASC Master Class will take place in Los Angeles on:

October 17-21

Instructors to include*

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC 
(Loki, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

James Laxton, ASC
(Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk,
The Underground Railroad)

Magdalena Gorka, ASC, PSC  
(Doom Patrol, Into the Night,
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)

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Upcoming Sessions:

November 7-11 (shooting-on-film focus)

Registration and newsletter signup is available here.

• All instructors subject to availability

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