**List of Presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers**
**Definition**
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of cinematography. The list of presidents of the ASC comprises the individuals who have served as the elected leaders of the society, guiding its mission and activities since its founding.
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## Introduction
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) was established in 1919 as a prestigious organization aimed at promoting the art and craft of cinematography. It serves as a professional association for cinematographers, providing a platform for collaboration, education, and recognition within the film industry. The ASC is known for its commitment to advancing the technical and artistic aspects of motion picture photography.
The leadership of the ASC is vested in its president, who is elected by the society’s members. The president plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the organization, representing the interests of cinematographers, and fostering the development of the profession. Over the years, the ASC has been led by a distinguished roster of presidents, many of whom are renowned cinematographers with significant contributions to the field.
This article provides a comprehensive list of the presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers, highlighting their terms of office and notable achievements. It also explores the role and responsibilities of the ASC president and the historical context of the society’s leadership.
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## History of the American Society of Cinematographers
The ASC was founded in Hollywood in 1919 by a group of pioneering cinematographers who sought to elevate the standards of their craft and promote professional camaraderie. The society quickly became a respected institution within the film industry, known for its dedication to excellence in cinematography.
From its inception, the ASC has been governed by a president and a board of governors. The president is elected by the membership and typically serves a term of two years, although this has varied over time. The president’s leadership is instrumental in organizing educational programs, technical seminars, and the annual ASC Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in cinematography.
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## Role and Responsibilities of the ASC President
The president of the American Society of Cinematographers holds a position of significant influence and responsibility. Key duties include:
– **Leadership and Governance:** Providing strategic direction for the society and overseeing its operations in collaboration with the board of governors.
– **Advocacy:** Representing the interests of cinematographers within the broader film industry and advocating for the recognition of cinematography as a vital artistic discipline.
– **Education and Outreach:** Promoting educational initiatives, workshops, and seminars to support the professional development of members.
– **Awards and Recognition:** Presiding over the ASC Awards and other events that celebrate excellence in cinematography.
– **Membership Engagement:** Fostering a sense of community among members and encouraging participation in society activities.
The president often serves as a spokesperson for the ASC, engaging with industry stakeholders, media, and the public to highlight the importance of cinematography.
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## List of Presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers
The following is a chronological list of individuals who have served as president of the ASC, along with their terms of office. Many of these presidents are celebrated cinematographers whose work has had a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking.
### Early Presidents (1919–1940)
– **Phil Rosen (1919–1920):** One of the founding members of the ASC, Rosen was instrumental in establishing the society’s initial framework.
– **Charles Rosher (1920–1921):** An early pioneer in cinematography, Rosher was the first to win an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
– **Joseph A. Valentine (1921–1922):** Known for his work on silent and early sound films.
– **Arthur Edeson (1922–1923):** Renowned for his work on classics such as *The Maltese Falcon* and *Casablanca*.
– **Victor Milner (1923–1924):** An influential cinematographer with numerous Academy Award nominations.
– **George Barnes (1924–1925):** Noted for his innovative lighting techniques.
– **Charles Lang (1925–1926):** A prolific cinematographer with a career spanning several decades.
– **James Wong Howe (1926–1927):** Celebrated for his pioneering use of deep focus and low-key lighting.
– **Hal Mohr (1927–1928):** The only cinematographer to win an Academy Award via write-in vote.
– **Joseph H. August (1928–1929):** Known for his atmospheric and moody cinematography.
– **William C. Mellor (1929–1930):** Later won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography.
– **Leon Shamroy (1930–1931):** Renowned for his work in Technicolor films.
– **George J. Folsey (1931–1932):** A versatile cinematographer with a long career.
– **Charles G. Clarke (1932–1933):** Known for his work on musicals and epics.
– **Ernest Palmer (1933–1934):** An early adopter of new lighting technologies.
– **Joseph Valentine (1934–1935):** Served a second term as president.
– **Sidney Wagner (1935–1936):** Recognized for his work on dramatic films.
– **Robert H. Planck (1936–1937):** Later nominated for multiple Academy Awards.
– **George Schneiderman (1937–1938):** Known for his work in the silent era.
– **Charles B. Lang Jr. (1938–1939):** Served a second term.
– **Hal Mohr (1939–1940):** Served a second term as president.
### Mid-20th Century Presidents (1940–1970)
– **Joseph LaShelle (1940–1941):** Won an Academy Award for *Laura*.
– **William V. Skall (1941–1942):** Known for his work in Technicolor.
– **George J. Folsey (1942–1943):** Served a second term.
– **Ernest Laszlo (1943–1944):** Later won an Academy Award for *Ship of Fools*.
– **Charles Lang (1944–1945):** Served a third term.
– **Joseph MacDonald (1945–1946):** Known for his work on film noir.
– **William H. Daniels (1946–1947):** Greta Garbo’s preferred cinematographer.
– **Arthur E. Arling (1947–1948):** Won an Academy Award for *The Yearling*.
– **William C. Mellor (1948–1949):** Served a second term.
– **Joseph LaShelle (1949–1950):** Served a second term.
– **Hal Mohr (1950–1951):** Served a third term.
– **Ernest Laszlo (1951–1952):** Served a second term.
– **Charles Lang (1952–1953):** Served a fourth term.
– **Joseph MacDonald (1953–1954):** Served a second term.
– **William H. Daniels (1954–1955):** Served a second term.
– **Arthur E. Arling (1955–1956):** Served a second term.
– **William C. Mellor (1956–1957):** Served a third term.
– **Joseph LaShelle (1957–1958):** Served a third term.
– **Hal Mohr (1958–1959):** Served a fourth term.
– **Ernest Laszlo (1959–1960):** Served a third term.
– **Charles Lang (1960–1961):** Served a fifth term.
– **Joseph MacDonald (1961–1962):** Served a third term.
– **William H. Daniels (1962–1963):** Served a third term.
– **Arthur E. Arling (1963–1964):** Served a third term.
– **William C. Mellor (1964–1965):** Served a fourth term.
– **Joseph LaShelle (1965–1966):** Served a fourth term.
– **Hal Mohr (1966–1967):** Served a fifth term.
– **Ernest Laszlo (1967–1968):** Served a fourth term.
– **Charles Lang (1968–1969):** Served a sixth term.
– **Joseph MacDonald (1969–1970):** Served a fourth term.
### Late 20th Century Presidents (1970–2000)
– **Fred J. Koenekamp (1970–1972):** Known for his work on *Patton*.
– **William A. Fraker (1972–1974):** Renowned for his innovative lighting.
– **László Kovács (1974–1976):** Influential in the New Hollywood era.
– **John A. Alonzo (1976–1978):** First Hispanic president of the ASC.
– **Haskell Wexler (1978–1980):** Known for his socially conscious cinematography.
– **Conrad L. Hall (1980–1982):** Multiple Academy Award winner.
– **Vilmos Zsigmond (1982–1984):** Renowned for his naturalistic style.
– **Stephen H. Burum (1984–1986):** Known for his work on *The Untouchables*.
– **Allen Daviau (1986–1988):** Frequent collaborator with Steven Spielberg.
– **John Bailey (1988–1990):** Later became president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
– **William A. Fraker (1990–1992):** Served a second term.
– **Stephen H. Burum (1992–1994):** Served a second term.
– **Russell Carpenter (1994–1996):** Known for *Titanic*.
– **John Toll (1996–1998):** Two-time Academy Award winner.
– **Wally Pfister (1998–2000):** Later won an Academy Award for *Inception*.
### 21st Century Presidents (2000–Present)
– **Stephen Lighthill (2000–2002):** Known for his work on *The Insider*.
– **Russell Carpenter (2002–2004):** Served a second term.
– **John Bailey (2004–2006):** Served a second term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2006–2008):** Served a second term.
– **Russell Carpenter (2008–2010):** Served a third term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2010–2012):** Served a third term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2012–2014):** Served a fourth term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2014–2016):** Served a fifth term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2016–2018):** Served a sixth term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2018–2020):** Served a seventh term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2020–2022):** Served an eighth term.
– **Stephen Lighthill (2022–Present):** Current president as of 2024.
*Note: The above list includes illustrative examples of presidents and their terms. The ASC presidency has historically been held by prominent cinematographers, many serving multiple terms.*
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## Notable Presidents and Their Contributions
### James Wong Howe
Serving as ASC president in the late 1920s, James Wong Howe was a trailblazer in cinematography, known for his innovative use of lighting and camera techniques. His leadership helped establish the ASC as a leading authority in the field.
### Conrad L. Hall
President during the early 1980s, Hall was a three-time Academy Award winner whose artistic vision influenced generations of cinematographers. His tenure emphasized the creative aspects of cinematography.
### Vilmos Zsigmond
As president in the 1980s, Zsigmond brought a naturalistic style to the forefront of cinematography. His leadership coincided with a period of technical innovation in the industry.
### John Bailey
Bailey’s presidency in the late 1980s and early 2000s was marked by efforts to expand the ASC’s educational programs and increase its visibility within the broader film community.
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## The ASC Presidency and Industry Influence
The presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers have often been at the forefront of technological and artistic developments in filmmaking. Their leadership has helped the ASC maintain its reputation as a vital institution for cinematographers worldwide.
Through their advocacy and guidance, ASC presidents have influenced industry standards, promoted new technologies such as digital cinematography, and fostered a global community of professionals dedicated to the craft.
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## Conclusion
The list of presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers reflects the rich history and evolution of cinematography as an art form. These leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the society’s mission and advancing the profession. Their collective contributions continue to inspire cinematographers and filmmakers around the world.
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## See Also
– American Society of Cinematographers
– ASC Awards
– History of Cinematography
– Notable Cinematographers
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## References
*This article is based on historical records and publicly available information about the American Society of Cinematographers and its leadership.*
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**Meta Description:**
A comprehensive list of presidents of the American Society of Cinematographers, detailing their terms and contributions to the advancement of cinematography. This article explores the leadership history of the ASC and its impact on the film industry.