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The International Cinematographers Guild is the only voice that speaks for all the practitioners in all the various aspects of our craft, from cinematographers to publicists, from still photographers, assistants and operators to photo editors and photojournalists. There are, of course, other organizations that advocate for the craft of cinematography as practiced by the cinematographer, but the Guild and ICG magazine are the only advocate for everyone involved in the creation, presentation and promotion of the motion picture image.
So it is in that role that we present a few ideas to you in this month’s issue.
First is an article by Jon Silberg about the increasing proliferation of still cameras on set. We cannot say enough that a large part of what holds us together as a guild is an inherent respect for the craft and the work opportunity of others in our guild. None of us would appreciate it if, through thoughtlessness or indifference, other members of this guild created a practice that threatened our work opportunity. Yet this is a very real threat that our still photographers face every time a non-still photographer picks up a still camera on set.
So Jon has gathered some thoughts from many of us, myself included, who have faced issues in this regard. I ask that you give some special care and attention to this article, discuss it at work, and become more aware of the probable consequences that will befall us all if we encourage the belief that anyone, just anyone, can shoot still photos.
And there is another issue that came to our attention recently that bears some discussion. This year the MTV Awards decided to stop giving out an award for Best Cinematography. Obviously we believe this to be an ill-considered decision on their part. So it seem we still have our work cut out for us. I have written a letter to the President of MTV. That letter will be available to you shortly on our website. And we will be sponsoring several more forums to highlight the work we do in an effort to engender appreciation of our craft among those who would denigrate it.
I am, of course, disheartened that an organization such as MTV that has greatly benefited from the talents of our members could show so little respect to the artisans who have collaborated to create the very identity of music videos as we know them today.
There is a constant ebb, as those who may not truly understand what we do, make decisions such as the one made by MTV, and there will be a flow as we once again raise the consciousness and awareness of our craft to counteract those decisions.
But at ICG magazine and the International Cinematographers Guild we will continue to carry the banner and will continue to share our craft with the outside world. The work of our many talented cinematographers, publicists and crews will continue to provide the only true example we need; the finest movies, television shows, news reports, sporting events, commercials and, yes, music videos, made by the members of the International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE, Local 600.
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In Solidarity,
Steven Poster, ASC
National President
International Cinematographers Guild
Local 600 |
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