1. ACS Forum of Expectations
Presentation by Ron Johanson OAM ACS
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

2. THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER
We live in the most exciting time for cinematography with the development of Digital cameras and lenses capable of extraordinary quality and incredible devices to move the camera in ways previously only dreamt about
No longer does it require years of experience to simply get an image on celluloid, now you simply turn the camera on, adjust the aperture and presto you can have a beautifully exposed picture
The democratisation of the film industry through the reduced cost of entry at every level from Editing thru SFX to Cinematography has lead to an increasing number of very enthusiastic and often very talented but very inexperienced people joining us in the wonderful world we work in
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

3. THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER
The future of professional cinematography lies in educating, training and mentoring the many inexperienced people joining our industry that haven’t had the benefit of “On the Job” training. To help inform these new players the ACS is putting together “Guide Lines for the Cinematographer” to educate the emerging cinematographer and the industry as a whole as to the role of the cinematographer in the modern production environment
These guidelines will also include an understanding of filmmaking protocols that have been developed over the years to help produce productive and creative efficiencies
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

4. THE FUTURE OF THE CINEMATOGRAPHER
We have to be mindful that the modern production environment is very different now and take note of input of all involved including all the other departments at all levels of production
We are proposing that these guidelines should be “globally open source” moderated by panels comprising cinematographers of all levels of expertise and genres.
As a start we have started to put together a list of bullet points and we look forward to receiving any suggested additions
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

5. PRE - PRE PRODUCTION
Know and understand the Producer and Directors vision for the film
Meet with all departments especially, Production Design, VFX, Editing , 1ST AD
We want other departments to tell us what is required - collaboration
We need to tell them what we need
We want to collaborate with all departments creatively to make the set run smoothly and efficiently to produce a better-looking film
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

6. PRE PRODUCTION
Continue working with Director and crew re creative, budget and scheduling
Testing to establish a look and a LUT - Camera and Lens tests
Make up, hair and wardrobe tests
Establish the workflow with Editor and VFX
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

7. SHOOT What coverage do we need to bring the Directors vision to life?
We need to take every opportunity to communicate with key crew and department heads
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

8. PRODUCTION DESIGN Production designers are our ‘best friend’
In some cases, integrated lighting is the only way to light
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

9. VFX Decide on technical requirements, after consultation
Discuss artistic contributions and interpretations
Cinematographers need to know what VFX are capable of and how we collaborate to create the best image
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

10. GRADING -TIMING
Artistic control of the image from inception to exhibition
We design the look of the cinematography
We light and shoot to be graded in a particular way
We finally realise the vision in the Grading suite
This is how we deliver what we promised to the Producer and Director
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

11. NEW TECHNOLOGY
We need to be aware of any new technology and take charge of it
Understanding technology allows our artistry to flourish
Ignorance = Fear
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

12. FORUM OF EXPECTATIONS
The ACS consults and collaborates with other Guilds
We propose several Panel discussions: including “How our roles have changed due to new technology” and “How we relate to each other”
Allow time for open discussion with all participants
Aim is to enhance communications and understanding between each other
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

13. IN SUMMARY
The future of cinematography has never been more excitingly creative and it is up to the Societies worldwide to keep cinematographers and the art of cinematography relevant in a world where most creative professions are undervalued.
Nobody including the most talented postproduction artists can replicate what a cinematographer can photograph with the camera placed at that perfect height from the perfect angle, beautifully composed with the lighting just perfect.
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS

14. ACS Forum of Expectations coming soon
Presentation by Ron Johanson OAM ACS
Peter James ACS, ASC & Calvin Gardiner ACS