Oscar winner for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --The legendary cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC, best known for “The Deer Hunter” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” has died.
His business partner Yuri Neyman confirmed that Zsigmond died on Friday in Big Sur, California. Zsigmond was 85.
The Hungarian-born Zsigmond helped define cinema’s American New Wave in the 1970s through iconic collaborations and a preference for natural light. He first gained renown for his collaboration with Robert Altman on classics “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” and “The Long Goodbye.” In addition to his work on Michael Cimino’s classic “The Deer Hunter,” for which he earned an Oscar nomination, Zsigmond also worked with Brian De Palma on a number of films including “Blow Out.”
Zsigmond won the Oscar for Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
Zsigmond was also active in commercials as a DP and director. In the latter capacity he was at one point partnered in commercial production company Cinematic Directions with another renowned cinematographer, Haskell Wexler, who also passed away last week (SHOOTonline, 12/27/150) at the age of 93.
Steven Poster ASC, president of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600), issued a statement on Zsigmond’s passing.
“The cinematography world lost a great talent today,” stated Poster. “Vilmos’ genius was not only in his images, but in his sense of duty to honest storytelling. As one of our most esteemed members, Vilmos was an inspiration and mentor to many of us in the International Cinematographers Guild. In 2003, our members voted him one of the top 10 influential cinematographers of all time. I was privileged to work as his 2nd unit DP on three of his movies. We all knew what a giant he was as an artist at the time. But working up close with him, I also learned about perseverance and an obligation to the story from the master.
“There is not a member at the International Cinematographers Guild who has not been impacted by his brilliant photography and his personal story,” continued Poster. “His brave beginnings providing footage from the Hungarian revolution will always be an important part of his legacy and to future generations of cinematographers and film students. He made a difference. He will continue to be an inspiration to cinematographers everywhere.”
Droga5 Appoints Emma Montgomery As Global Chief Strategy Officer
Creative agency network Droga5 has appointed Emma Montgomery as global chief strategy officer. She is the third global appointment for the agency this year, with Pelle Sjoenell named worldwide chief creative officer this past March, and global CEO Mark Green recently appointed this fall. Montgomery will be responsible for connecting and supercharging Droga5’s strategy and creative offerings globally. She will be based in its headquarters in New York City.
“Emma is a world-class strategic leader and authority that I’ve long admired and dreamt of being partners-in-crime with,” said Sjoenell. “Her work inspires the creativity that connects people and brands in ways that move business and culture forward, so I’m excited to finally be able to work with her alongside Mark, and to see her lead and further strengthen our leadership and strategy teams around the world.”
Montgomery joins Droga5 after serving as CEO of DDB Chicago. She’s been in the industry for over 20 years, and has served in several high-level leadership positions throughout her career, including as president and CSO of Leo Burnett Chicago, global CSO of TBWA, and CEO of Leo Burnett Australia. She’s also worked across a breadth of categories and multiple global clients such as Kraft, Aldi, Diageo and Molson Coors, among many others, including challenger brands and startups.
“I’m excited to join Droga5 and have the opportunity to help carve out a new path for the brand globally, building on its tremendous legacy of creative leadership,” said Montgomery. “The potential of Droga5, combined with the possibilities of Accenture Song, was too exciting to pass up. No other agency has what they have, and as marketing shifts, the chance to make creativity a genuine... Read More