American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)

Overview

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is an honorary society founded in 1919 dedicated to advancing the art and science of cinematography through education, publication, and peer recognition. Unlike the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600), which is a labor union with mandatory jurisdiction over camera department workers on union productions, the ASC is an invitation-only organization whose membership represents a distinction conferred by peers rather than a requirement of employment.

The ASC's initials "ASC" appear after the names of member cinematographers in screen credits -- an instantly recognizable mark of professional distinction in the field. Membership is open to cinematographers of any nationality who have demonstrated significant contributions to the craft, making the ASC one of the few American industry organizations with genuinely international membership. Active members are practicing cinematographers; associate members include technologists, executives, and others who contribute to cinematography.

Membership and Invitation

ASC membership is by invitation only and is considered one of the highest honors available to a working cinematographer. Nominations come from existing members and are voted upon by the full membership. The organization looks for cinematographers who have demonstrated sustained excellence, significant creative contribution, and a commitment to the advancement of the craft beyond their own individual work.

International membership has grown substantially over recent decades, reflecting the global nature of the contemporary film industry. Cinematographers from the UK, France, Australia, India, and many other countries hold ASC membership, distinguished by the "ASC" suffix in their credits alongside any membership in their own national cinematography society.

ASC Magazine and Education

American Cinematographer, the ASC's monthly publication, is one of the most widely read technical and creative magazines in the film industry. Published continuously since 1920, it covers cinematography on major productions with detailed technical breakdowns, interviews with cinematographers, and analysis of new camera and lighting technology. For cinematographers and camera students seeking to understand how professional DPs approach their work, American Cinematographer is an invaluable primary resource.

The ASC also operates educational programs, masterclasses, and the ASC Master Class series, providing access to working professional knowledge for the broader cinematography community beyond ASC members.

ASC Awards

The ASC presents annual Outstanding Achievement Awards in cinematography across theatrical releases, episodic television, movies of the week, and documentary. The awards are voted on by ASC members and are regarded as among the most credible honors in cinematography, given that they represent peer recognition from working professionals rather than a general industry vote.

What Filmmakers Should Know

For directors working with DPs, understanding the ASC's role helps contextualize the "ASC" credit suffix that appears in cinematographer credits. It signals peer-recognized distinction rather than union membership -- a DP with "ASC" after their name has been honored by their peers as among the best in their field.

For cinematographers, ASC membership is a long-term career aspiration rather than an early-career goal. Building the body of work, industry relationships, and peer reputation that leads to ASC membership is a decades-long process.

See Also

For the union that covers camera department employment, see International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600) in this directory. For equivalent honorary cinematography societies in other countries, see British Society of Cinematographers and IMAGO in this directory.