Master Class - The American Society of Cinematographers (en-US)

ASC Master Class

Essential instruction in current workflow practices.

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.

David Stockton, ASC (center) talks with students during a session held at the ASC Clubhouse in May of 2022.

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

Robert Yeoman, ASC takes questions during the May 2022 session.

Specialized Instruction

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 one of our recent classes as well as a full report on a session that focused on shooting motion-picture film.

Our May 2022 Master Class session was held in Hollywood and focused on lighting and virtual production.

A Master Class session was held in New York City on June 25-26, 2022. Participating Society members Fred Murphy (back row, far left), Dejan Georgevich (back row, third from left), M. David Mullen (back row, fourth from right), Stephen Lighthill (back row, far right) and Declan Quinn (front row, far right) pose with the class at AbelCine in Brooklyn.

Upcoming ASC Master Class Sessions

ASC Master Class June 22-25, 2023
Special Focus: Virtual Production
This session will give an intensive introduction to the world of virtual production, with talks by ASC instructors who have shot with LED walls, and will include two full days of instruction on a Los Angeles-area LED volume facility as ASC instructors demonstrate lighting and camera techniques to the class.
Confirmed ASC Instructors: TBA*

ASC Master Class Sept. 18-22, 2023
The ASC Master Class is an intensive five-day seminar designed for cinematographers who want to master an intermediate-to-advanced skill set. Instruction takes place in Hollywood and covers lighting and camera techniques and current workflow practices. All necessary equipment is provided.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from the industry's top professionals.
Confirmed ASC Instructors: TBA*

ASC Master Class Nov. 13-17, 2023
Special Focus: Shooting Film
This session will cover the unique attributes of shooting on motion-picture film (which may include 16mm, 35mm and 65mm formats), with seasoned instructors sharing their experience and insight. This class will include production and post, with instruction on working with the lab.
Confirmed ASC Instructors: TBA*