American Cinematographer - July 2007 - 84

Filmmakers’ Forum South Korea Hosts Cinematography Summit by Curtis Clark, ASC was recently given the honor of representing the ASC at the first International Digital Cinema Technology Forum, which took place in Seoul, South Korea. The event was initiated and sponsored by the Korean Society of Cinematographers with significant participation from the Japanese Society of Cinematographers. The purpose of the forum was to review and assess the changes that digital motion-imaging technologies are making in production and postproduction workflows, and how these technologies are affecting the cinematographer’s ability to execute and manage a photographic look. I was asked to talk about the impact high-definition digital motionpicture cameras are having on the cinematographer’s ability to maintain creative control over his or her photographic vision. In addition to my presentation, there were complementary presentations by members of the KSC and JSC that investigated aspects of the challenging nature of new digital-imaging technologies from the cinematographer’s perspective. The emphasis was on a thorough understanding of the impact these digital technologies are having on the workflow, so that they might be more effectively harnessed to support the cinematographer’s creative intent. What really struck me about this innovative forum was the group’s recognition of the significance of sharing our respective ideas, perspectives and experiences in ways that strengthened our confidence in being able to gain expert skill in using digital-imaging tech84 July 2007 I nologies. This sharing also reinforced a collective resolve and determination to influence the further development of these technologies in ways that will better serve the cinematographer’s needs. The experience was especially gratifying because of the considerable number of Korean and Japanese cine- “What really struck me about this innovative forum was the group’s recognition of the significance of sharing our respective ideas, perspectives and experiences ….” matographers in attendance. Fortunately, I was able to spend some time with my gracious hosts at the KSC, especially KSC President Sang Woo An, discussing these issues with a view to exploring ways we can better coordinate future collaborative activities between the ASC and KSC, along with the JSC. During our discussions, the idea emerged of creating a Pacific Rim association of cinematography societies, starting with the three principal societies whose members attended the forum and extending it to other societies in Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The KSC and JSC showed tremendous respect for the historic leadership role of the ASC and the important work being done by the ASC Technology Committee. President An indicated that the KSC intends to create a technology committee modeled after ours. This tangible manifestation of international solidarity between cinematographic societies in expressing a determination to address the immense technology challenges common to all cinematographers has certainly reinforced my sense of optimism that we will not only be able to maintain but also enhance the traditional role of the cinematographer in this new era of digital production and postproduction. For us to have the greatest chance of success, the ASC, in conjunction with our fraternal cinematography societies around the world, must make a concerted, sustained and coordinated effort to not only ensure that cinematographers gain access to the tools essential for the creation and management of their images, but also help them acquire a genuine understanding of how to effectively use them. s
American Cinematographer - July 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - July 2007
