President’s Desk
ach year during the inevitable down time of the Christmas season, I gradually work my way
through the huge number of Academy Awards screeners that have come flying through the
mail slot in hopes of garnering my Oscar vote. This year I’ve again been floored by the consistently high level of cinematographic craft that graces the majority of these movies. Regardless
of whether they were studio productions or independents, large budget or small, these films
always seems to raise the photographic bar — sometimes in ways we’ve never seen before.
The moments that have stood out for me are not flashy or obvious; instead, they are examples of great subtlety and simplicity, which can be among the hardest to achieve. Because everyone is essentially working with the same emulsions, lenses, lighting equipment and post
processes, the issue of quality really comes down to the aesthetic choices made by each cinematographer. Once again, we are reminded that technology is not an end in itself — it is the
means to an end, a conduit to self expression. Although the quality of the onscreen stories has
been deteriorating for ages, it’s exciting to see that cinematographers have yet to approach the limits of their own originality,
creativity and imaginations.
It’s also refreshing to note that a number of the cinematographers responsible for this wonderful work are not ASC
members. Though a few of them will no doubt earn that distinction in the future, turning in one outstanding effort is not enough,
nor will a mere two or three more movies do the trick. In the interest of clearing up what is perhaps the most common inquiry
we receive at the Clubhouse, I’d like to present some information (provided by Membership Committee Chairman Francis Kenny,
ASC) about how we evaluate prospective members.
First, the ASC is an invitation-only organization. You can’t just call up and join, as one Hong Kong-based video cameraman was so disappointed to learn from our receptionist a few months ago. Membership is open to directors of photography
who have been engaged in that capacity for no fewer than five of the eight years immediately preceding their application. As
you might expect, a candidate must have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability. Another important prerequisite is good
character. Those who are abusive to their crews or have dodgy reputations are inevitably found out and barred from our ranks.
Assuming these criteria are met, a candidate must then be proposed in writing by three ASC members. Eventually, the
applicant will be summoned to an interview by our Membership Committee, which meets regularly to adjudicate these matters.
Comprising 15 to 20 members, this group carries out the Society’s due diligence by considering the prospective member’s qualifications — and believe me, they take their job very seriously. This phase of the process also includes a screening of the candidate’s work, usually in the familiar form of a sample reel. Afterwards, the person is sent home and a vote is taken to determine
his or her suitability.
The “yea or nay” recommendation of the Membership Committee is presented to the Board of Governors for further
consideration. A subsequent vote is then taken during the board’s next scheduled meeting, with a two-thirds majority required
for approval. Bear in mind that a positive endorsement by the Membership Committee does not guarantee an automatic
thumbs-up from the board. Spirited debate often ensues, and occasionally a candidate’s application stalls at this point.
Even a unanimously positive vote from the board does not fully clear the way for membership. That goal is reached only
after board approval and clearance of a 30-day “posting period.” During this interval, the entire ASC membership is informed
of someone’s pending invitation into the organization. Members are invited to review the candidate’s sample reel and bona fides
and are free to voice any objections. Sometimes further investigation is warranted and a candidate’s advancement is tabled
indefinitely. In most cases, though, they pass this stage with flying colors.
In short, the ASC’s membership-selection process is solid, thorough and uncompromising; it’s one of the reasons we have
remained an elite organization for more than 87 years. I can assure you that our standards, unlike many of those used to determine our tenuously evolving technologies, will never become diluted.
Photo by Douglas Kirkland.
E
Richard P. Crudo, ASC
President
10 February 2006
American Cinematographer