International Cinematographers Guild Recognizes 2016 ECA Honorees, Bestows Special Awards At Luncheon

Michael Goi, former president of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and board member of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), welcomed the 2016 Emerging Cinematographer Award recipients in addition to members of the production industry at the annual ECA Award Luncheon at the ASC Club House.  The event, held September 23^rd kicked off a weekend of ECA activities including social gatherings, a marketing workshop with agents, and the 20^th Annual ECA screening and celebration at the Directors Guild Theater Sunday, September 25^th.  While he noted the award could be a kick start to a major career path, he informed the 2016 honorees, including Derek C. Fisher, Dan Hertzog, Eric M Hurt, Spencer Hutchins, Alexa Ihrt, Matt Irwin, Clifford Jones, Karina Silva, John Veleta and Alejandro A. Wilkins, that maintaining their drive to excel would always come in handy.

“There are 390 ASC members who are actively working, and we never feel like we made it,” said Goi.  “Hold on to that feeling and you will always continue to ascend to greater levels.”

ICG President Steven Poster remarked that this year’s submitted films were “simply phenomenal.”  He welcomed the new inductees into the Guild, nothing that the guild is made strong through the unity of the DPs, camera manufacturers and scientists collaborating to elevate the craft of cinematography.  Newly appointed ICG National Executive Director Rebecca Rhine also took a moment to commend the honorees and remind them of the importance a union holds for them.

“You are now part of the great history of this union.  The gathering of a union brings forth both jobs and art,” said Rhine.

In addition to recognizing the 2016 ECA honorees, a number of esteemed awards were presented during the luncheon.  The Technicolor William A. Fraker Cinematography Journalist of the Year Award was presented to David Geffner, Executive Editor of the ICG Magazine.  Upon accepting the award, Geffner indicated the award was not only his but a tribute to everyone who puts the award –winning ICG Magazine together, from journalists to graphic designers.

“It takes teamwork to gather lightening in a bottle; to write about something you see,” said Geffner.

Dolby Laboratories received the Canon award for Advancement in Digital Technology  for their Dolby Vision solution – professional displays and cinema project.  Upon receiving the award Robert Carroll, Senior Director of Video Content Solutions at Dolby spoke about the benefit the HDR monitor presents cinematographers.  Noting many people mistakenly discuss the brightness of monitors, the HDR monitor focuses on high dynamic range and a wide color gamut which expands the available color palette.

“Our goal is to push the intent of the artist closer to the viewer,” said Carroll.

The final award of the afternoon, the Kodak Cinematography Mentor of the Year Award, was presented to Rodrigo Prieto, ASC.  Since coming to the US after shooting Alejandro Inarritu’s “Amores Perros”, Prieto has shot films for leading directors including Ang Lee, Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone.  Upon receiving his award, Prieto recognized his first mentor, a Mexican still photographer named Nina Martova.  He recalled the apprenticeship he took on with her in his youth.  After answering a help wanted ad requesting “photographer who knows how to type and has their own car,” he got the job and soon discovered joy she had for photography.  Prieto feels that joy is where mentoring exists.

“I feel I’m not worth but it is a very inspiring,” said Prieto upon receiving the award.  “I feel I am just joining the conversation of young cinematographers and learning as much as them.  Mentorship is about the inspiration.”

To learn more about the ICG, please visit: https://www.icg600.com/