American Cinematographer Manual

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has just published the much-anticipated 8th edition of the "ASC Film Manual." The manual is an authoritative source of technical information that is a widely used reference around the world.

"Our purpose is to provide a single source of information that current and future cinematographers and other filmmakers can rely on," says ASC President Steven Poster. " ASC published its first film manual in 1930 (then called "The Cinematographic Annual"). This is the first new edition since 1993. It contains updated and new information about the art and craft of cinematography that was written and reviewed by the world's leading experts."

There are 40 chapters and more than 100 tables and charts in the 929-page manual. Each chapter is authored by a renowned expert on the subject. The latest edition features new chapters covering such topics as high-definition telecine mastering and digital film post-production.

Topics include:

-Comparisons of film formats
-Advice on choosing lenses and filters
-Techniques for emulsion testing
-Detailed description of lab procedures
-Information about lighting
-Camera stabilization and movement
-Front projection
-Motion control and other visual effects techniques
-Computer graphics
-Aerial and underwater cinematography
-How to expose film in infrared and ultra-violet light
-Digital film mastering