Recent Cal State Northridge film graduates Ryan Carmody and Masaki Imai were recognized by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) last week for their work on their culmination film project, Sounds of Silence.
Carmody and Imai are the first Northridge students to receive such honors from the society.
The ASC is about the art of cinematography, said Nate Thomas, head of the film option in CSUNs Department of Cinema and Television Arts. To become a member of the ASC, you have to be invited. Not every cinematographer in film or television is a member.
For our students to receive this recognition is a great honor, and a nice reflection on the caliber of our program and the talent of our students, Thomas said.
Carmody and Imai received the ASC honor for their work on Sounds of Silence, which premiered at Cal State Northridges 19th annual Senior Film Showcase last May. The student film, which has little dialogue, is the story of a young deaf boy who learns to overcome his disability and communicate through the art of mime.
It really means a lot to receive the recognition from the ASC, said Carmody, who, along with Imai, graduated last May with a bachelors degree in cinema and television arts.
Carmody said he hopes some day that he and Imai may be invited to be members of ASC. Until then, they are both working to hone their skills; Carmody as a freelance director of photography assistant and Imai as a photographer.
The American Society of Cinematographers is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the art of filmmaking. Since its charter in 1919, ASC has been committed to educating aspiring filmmakers and others about the art and craft of cinematography. It accomplishes this by publishing the internationally recognized magazine American Cinematography and the venerable American Cinematographer Manual, through seminars at schools and industry events and via one-on-one mentoring.
Cal State Northridges Department of Cinema and Television Arts has an international reputation for producing dedicated and talented industry professionals who recognized the value of hard word as they learn and continue to perfect their craft. The departments alumni work in all aspects of the industry, from writing, producing and directing to manning cameras and having the final say in what project is made.