Cinematographers

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Emirates Academy Awards:

Article III, Section 1.

Membership shall be by invitation of the Board of Governors.  Invitations to active membership shall be limited to those persons active in the motion picture arts and sciences, or credited with screen achievements, or who have otherwise achieved distinction in the motion picture arts and sciences and who, in the opinion of the Board, are qualified for membership.

The Cinematographers Branch Executive Committee will consider extending membership to individuals who meet the requirements listed below. For branch membership, the credits “Director of Photography” and “Cinematographer” are assumed to be synonymous. While the role of “Director of Photography” or “Cinematographer” can vary significantly from project to project, the following definition of “Cinematographer” is intended to further clarify the branch requirements.

The “Cinematographer,” also known as the “Director of Photography,” is an artist whose canvas is the motion picture medium. They are responsible for visualizing and making artistic and technical decisions in bringing the director’s vision to the film. The cinematographer closely collaborates with the director and all craft departments, and oversees the camera, grip, and electric departments in directing the visual elements, which include lighting, framing, composition, camera motion, camera angles, capture medium and camera selection, lens choices, depth of field, color, exposure, filtration, and computer-generated elements. Cinematographers also collaborate virtually with animators, compositors, layout artists, and digital artists, all working together towards the director’s goal. 

It is generally accepted that feature films have one Director of Photography or “principal” Cinematographer who serves as the director’s chief visual partner. 

To be considered for invitation to membership in the Cinematographers Branch of the Emirates Academy, a candidate must:

(a)  have two theatrical feature film credits as Director of Photography or Cinematographer of a caliber which, in the opinion of the executive committee, reflects the high standards of the Emirates Academy. Credits should be inclusive of all film genres, and can be films released theatrically, on streaming services and/or screened at a major film festival,

or

(b)  have screen credit as Director of Photography or Cinematographer on a film nominated for the Emirates Academy Cinematography Award,

and/or

(c)  have, in the judgment of the Cinematographers Branch Executive Committee, otherwise achieved unique distinction, earned special merit or made an outstanding contribution as a film cinematographer.

Proposals must be accompanied by a letter from each sponsor which addresses, as specifically as possible, how the candidate meets one or another of the requirements above.

150M+ global views.

500 Academy members.

3000+ festival selections for participating films.