Cinematography’s 50th a box office hit

Cinema screenings and workshops by award-winning cinematographers, plus a hands-on exhibition of film and TV’s most advanced technology underpin some 60 educational and social events awaiting delegates to “ACS50: Future of the Image” – the Australian Cinematographers Society’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

Commencing tomorrow (Wednesday 28 May) and running five days at Sydney‘s Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, Future of the Image will reflect on 50 years of iconic Australian cinematographic achievement and, most importantly, look to cinematography’s future survival.

The ‘Full House’ sign has gone up on many of the workshops and industry panels, with only a few of the conference sessions still available. The accompanying free exhibition will be busy but still welcomes all professionals from Wednesday to Friday.

The Quay to Hollywood

Academy award-winning cinematographers Dean Semler AM ACS ASC (Dances with Wolves, Apocalypto) and Andrew Lesnie ACS ASC (Lord of the Rings) will join Producer George Miller (Babe, Happy Feet) and 50 other highly awarded directors and creative image technologists as they seek to arm the current generation of image creators with the skills and tools to ensure long term career success.

ACS50 Chair Calvin Gardiner ACS, whose father Jack Gardiner ACS was among the 50 founding ACS members at Sydney‘s Film Club in 1958, explains why Future of the Image is a pre-release box office hit. 

“The international success of our members has attracted the best cinematic image creators from Australia, Europe and Hollywood, eager to share expertise  spanning from 3D and animation to which camera, software and workflow procedures best suit production.”

Film or digital, Imax or phone?
Cal believes a changing technical and media landscape is another motivation for attending ACS50. “We are at a critical stage between film and digital cinema technology – and of course whether your images will be enjoyed on Imax, home cinema or mobile phone – or all three.”

“Debate will be heated, techniques will be argued, and conventions challenged. Ultimately however, delegates will get the chance to judge for themselves when the presenters screen their work and explain their motivation.”

In addition to the conference, exhibition, workshops and industry panels, the ACS will also host its annual awards night during ACS50. Already a sellout, the special 50th Anniversary award night sees more than 570 of cinematography’s elite reward creativity and innovation in news, drama, visual effects, documentary and feature film cinematography in 2007. The Milli Award for Best Australian cinematographer is the year’s pinnacle award, with Golden Tripod awards on offer for excellence in each category.

Cal Gardiner concludes, “While the five Academy award winners in the ACS are inspiration to us all, Future of the Image will be deemed a success if it helps chart a course of consistent employment for its members, based on achieving the highest creative goals.”

[release from ACS Media]