Daryn Okada, ASC has been chosen by his peers to serve a third one-year term as president of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). The other officers are vice presidents Michael Goi, ASC, Owen Roizman, ASC, and Richard Crudo, ASC; Treasurer Victor J. Kemper, ASC; Secretary Isidore Mankofsky, ASC; and Sergeant At Arms John Hora, ASC. The board members include Curtis Clark, ASC, Caleb Deschanel, ASC, John C. Flinn, III, ASC, William A. Fraker, ASC, BSC, Stephen Lighthill, ASC, Robert Primes, ASC, Nancy Schreiber, ASC, Dante Spinotti, ASC, AIC, and Kees Van Oostrum, ASC.
“It still amazes me that 15 cinematographers met 90 years ago in Hollywood to organize the ASC as a forum where they could discuss ideas and advocate progress in the art and craft of visual storytelling,” says Okada. “The motion picture industry was still in its infancy, and this was the first organization of its type in the world. Our members have been true to that heritage by exploring and sharing the creative utilization of new technologies for the advancement of cinematography. I feel privileged to be a part of this extraordinary group of dedicated filmmakers.”
ASC membership is by invitation based upon the individual’s body of work. In 1934, the organization created an associate membership category for individuals in other sectors of the motion picture industry who have made notable contributions to advancing the art and craft of cinematography.
Okada was 21 years old when he earned his first narrative film credit as a cinematographer for Nomad Riders in 1981. A short list of his subsequent credits includes Anna Karenina, Lake Placid, My Father the Hero, Dr. Doolittle 2, Cradle 2 The Grave, Mean Girls, Stick It, Just Like Heaven, Baby Mama and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. The latter two films opened first and second at the box-office on the same weekend earlier this year. The Goods: The Don Ready Story and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past will be released later this year.
“We are looking forward to a banner year,” Okada says. “ASC has broken ground for the renovation of our historic Hollywood clubhouse, where our members and friends have met for 70 years. It contains a treasure trove of early film history and is a constant reminder of our mission. We are indebted to those who preceded us and we have an obligation to the next generation of filmmakers who will follow us.”
ASC has evolved into a global organization. There are 250 active members today who have national roots in some 20 countries. There are also 150 associate members.
