The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has completed construction of its new ASC ARRI Educational Center. Located behind the historic ASC Clubhouse in Hollywood, the modern building now serves as a hub for the organization’s ongoing efforts to educate the next generation of filmmakers on the art and craft of cinematography.
The educational center is made possible through the support of ARRI, a leading manufacturer of camera and lighting technology for the motion picture and film industry.
The new 5,000-square-foot space consists of offices, a large meeting room, and provides a gathering place for the exchange of ideas. In addition to being the home to all print and digital publications staff, the center also houses an archive of historic American Cinematographer magazines for those wishing to research the art and craft of cinematography.
The official opening of the new structure coincides with the organization’s celebration of its 100th anniversary with members and sponsors.
“It is thrilling to see the educational commitment of the ASC solidified through this endeavor,” says ASC President Kees van Oostrum. “It’s also wonderful to be able to open this facility during our centennial party. For me, it manifests our mission for the next 100 years.”
ARRI has a longstanding relationship with the ASC and its membership. The ASC and ARRI previously collaborated on the launch of the International Master Class series, intensive workshops taking place around the world with acclaimed ASC members. Since 2019, ARRI has hosted various Los Angeles-based Master Classes and will continue to sponsor the International Master Classes for the next decade.
“The ASC is one of the world’s premier organizations for cinematographers, with members not only in the United States but all over the globe. Like the ASC, we at ARRI believe in pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and advancing the art of cinematography,” says Dr. Joerg Pohlman, member of the Executive Board at ARRI.
Markus Zeiler, also a member of the Executive Board at ARRI, adds, “We are pleased to support the ASC in their ongoing mission to educate and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. We believe the ASC ARRI Educational Center will help the ASC grow their efforts today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”
ARRI Educational Center
The ASC began its educational mission in 1920 with the publication of its flagship magazine, American Cinematographer, which covers the artistic approaches and motion-imaging techniques of filmmakers. The society has cultivated its educational efforts over the century by establishing a number of programs to promote learning on a global basis. Its Education and Outreach Committee organizes frequent events for the benefit of filmmaking students and the general public, including week-long Master Classes taught by renowned ASC members. Additionally, the organization hosts the annual Student Heritage Awards honoring both graduate and undergraduate film students; regular camera and lighting seminars; Coffee and Conversation Q&A sessions analyzing the work of cinematographers on a specific project; roundtable discussions featuring panels of professionals who address a variety of topics central to the work of camera people and other industry disciplines; and a bi-annual International Cinematography Summit bringing together participants from dozens of cinematography societies from around the globe to meet, share information, and prioritize an agenda that will forward the interests of cinematographers everywhere.
More recently, the ASC Vision Committee was inaugurated to promote diversity throughout the industry with a series of popular and highly engaging seminars and events devoted to nurturing an open dialogue and progressive hiring practices for women and minority filmmakers.
ASC was officially chartered in January 1919. Today, the organization has some 390 members. For more information, visit www.theasc.com.
