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

Clad in a white shirt, ASC member Dan Mindel (*Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*) is pictured with members of a 2020 Master Class session that focused in shooting on motion-picture film. Other instructors included M. David Mullen (*The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*), Mikael Salomon (*The Abyss, Far and Away*) and Linus Sandgren (*La La Land, No Time to Die*).

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.

What Are Attendees Saying About Their Experience?

“I learned a lot technically, but it was inspiration and motivation that was most valuable.”

“Every lighting demo technique used was distinct and applicable to so many different areas of the discipline and art of cinematography. The stories and advice were simply life changing.”

“More than anything, every day was an affirmation that I’m on the right path and have made decisions for my life, my crews or my projects that mirror what these legends have accomplished. A definite confidence boost.”

A Master Class session was held in New York City in 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 Abel Cine in Brooklyn.

Upcoming Master Class Sessions

November 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. To be held in Los Angeles.
Confirmed ASC Instructors:*