About the Program

The American Society of Cinematographers was founded in 1919 with the dual purpose of advancing the art and science of cinematography and bringing cinematographers together to exchange ideas and techniques. ASC members have a long history of mentoring burgeoning artists and students, and the ASC Vision Mentorship Program expands and supports this critical mission.

The Mentorship Program aims to make the cinematography profession more inclusive by sharing the professional experiences of our members with a wide range of cinematographers.

Mentees will be chosen and accepted by the ASC and then paired with an ASC mentor. They will receive the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the craft, focus on their career objectives, and hone their skills. The number of accepted mentees will vary based on available mentors and the applicant pool.

Mentor schedules permitting, mentees will receive a minimum of two meetings with their mentors during a one-year period. Should the mentor or mentee not be available to meet in person, the mentor will be available via email, Zoom, Skype, or phone. Additional interactions or relationships will be at the sole discretion of the mentor.

The mentor will be available to discuss professional questions and issues relating to career growth and objectives — this is not an appropriate space for the mentee to ask to be hired.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility

Application Requirements

• Serious interest in pursuing a professional career as a cinematographer

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional production or on-set experience

• 25 years of age or older

• Resume

• Bio - 500 words maximum

• Headshot

• Reel - 5-Minute Clip

This is NOT a sizzle reel, we want to see a finished scene or clip from something you’ve shot. We will accept TWO separate clips (both clips must be in one single Vimeo or Youtube link), a combined total of 5 minutes or less. Narrate your work in this clip and explain what your choices were — and why.

This can include talking about lighting, camera moves, color schemes, and how you worked with the challenges of a location or time of day. How did you want your choices to work with the story or the mood of the project? Do you think you succeeded? If not, what would you do differently? What did you learn that will help you improve next time?

• Show Reel:

YouTube or Vimeo link. Show us how you represent and “sell” yourself. Give us an idea of the variety of work you've done — commercials, narrative, docs, etc.

• Artistic Statement:

In a short essay (500 words maximum), describe the challenges that you have faced in your journey to becoming a cinematographer, your short- and long-term goals, and your personal philosophy on cinematography.

The ASC Vision Mentorship Program is designed for working professionals with a deep interest in pursuing a career as a cinematographer. Successful applicants will have significant production or on-set work experience, preferably within the camera department.

It is not a requirement that applicants possess a college degree or have earned higher education in film. Recent college graduates are encouraged to gain at least five years of postgraduate professional experience prior to applying.

The program is open to local, out-of-state, and international applicants.