The International Cinematographers Guild has named 10 honorees for the 2022 Annual Emerging Cinematographer Awards, spotlighting promising cinematographers and providing crucial exposure needed to succeed in the motion picture industry. The collection of 10 selected short films will be showcased at the ECA event on October 2, 2022, at the Wolf Theatre in the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center, followed by a cocktail reception. For more information, visit ecawards.net.
The winning filmmakers, who have been selected from 108 submissions nationwide, are:
Andrew Aiello, Green Cobra
Austin Scott Ahlborg, Lotus
Jac Cheairs, KENOBI: A Star Wars Fan Film
Morgan Gardiner, Molly Robber
Gregor Tavenner, Pleasant Canyon
Jason Chau, Sting
Michael Tedford, The Elder Scrolls Legends
Leonard P. Walsh, Kingsnake
Eric M. Hurt, Singularity
Allie Schultz, Your Monster
The ICG will also be honoring Emmy-nominated cinematographer Patti Lee, ASC with the ASC Mentor Award. Lee has shot for both single and multi-camera television, receiving Emmy nominations for her work on Bob Hearts Abishola, Call Me Kat, and Superior Donuts. She also produced the Emmy-nominated feature documentary, A Small Act, which was named one of “The Best Documentaries of 2010” by Robert Ebert.
Lee began her career lighting feature films, commercials, music videos, and television shows, working first as a set lighting technician and then becoming a gaffer. During that time, she continued to sharpen her skills as a cinematographer on independent projects, including the Independent Spirit Award nominee Bunny.
“The Emerging Cinematographer Awards creates opportunity when it is most needed,” said Steven Poster, ASC, co-chair of the Guild’s ECA committee and former Local 600 National President. “There are no rules for getting your first break but being part of this talented group of newer cinematographers provides a golden chance to shine in a very tough market.”
“The ECA’s are back, and we are excited to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of these very talented filmmakers,” added Jimmy Matlosz, co-chair of the Guild’s ECA committee. “Each year the competition is increasingly more challenging, and we look forward to spotlighting these emerging cinematographers from across the country.”
The Emerging Cinematographer Awards gives Local 600 members an opportunity to present themselves as directors of photography by submitting a short film with a running time of 30 minutes or less for consideration. The awards are open to any member of the Guild who is not already classified as a director of photography, and the films are selected by a panel of ICG members from across the country.