Academy Commendation

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented an Award of Commendation to the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) at the Scientific and Technical Awards dinner on Saturday, March 2, 2002.

The ASC received the award, an Academy certificate, for its ongoing publication of the American Cinematographer Manual, the premiere reference book for motion picture cinematographers.

First published in 1930 as The Cinematographic Annual, the American Cinematographer Manual continues to be the most-referred-to book on movie sets, covering all aspects of cinematography from loading film to calculating foot-candles and understanding aspect ratios.

There are 40 chapters in the 929-page manual, each authored by an expert in the field. Among the topics included are film dimensions and standards, a directory of film labs, information about camera accessories and visual effects techniques.

"Over the years, the ASC has continued to provide commentary on up-to-date technologies from leading experts in the field of cinematography," said Richard Edlund, chair of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee. "The impact that the American Cinematographer Manual has had on motion picture photography throughout the world provides clear evidence of why the ASC deserves this commendation."

Currently in its eighth edition, "The Filmmaker's Bible," as it is often called, also incorporates chapters on recent digital technology developments.