Reed Morano, ASC Lends Voice to Doc Short Cinematographer
Directors of photography Emoni Aiken, Allison Anderson, Kate Arizmendi, Autumn Eakin and Maria Rusche also profiled by director Demi Waldron.
In her short documentary Cinematographer, director Demi Waldron — herself a working cinematographer — illustrates the trials, tribulations and triumphs of six female directors of photography working against stereotypes while also finding their place in a highly competitive profession that's traditionally difficult for anyone to enter.
In addition to Reed Morano, ASC, the subjects recounting their personal experiences are Emoni Aiken, Allison Anderson, Kate Arizmendi, Autumn Eakin and Maria Rusche.
The short was photographed by Claudia Burgi, who also served as executive producer.
Toward the end of the piece, Morano candidly describes her feelings about visiting the ASC Clubhouse — first as an aspiring newcomer who found inspiration in meeting Conrad L. Hall, ASC; and then, years later, as an ASC member.
“There were tons of women — all aspiring or [professional] cinematographers,” Morano says in the documentary. “And I just found it to be very exciting for me. [I thought] ‘Wow, I’m seeing progress. I’m seeing history change.’”
For additional historical context on the media image of “the cinematographer,” this short produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1951 offers a look at a distinctly different era:
