Richard Crudo Named Kodak Cinematographer-In-Residence at UCLA

[Tim Tyler]

Kodak and UCLA have named Richard Crudo, ASC the 2011 Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence for the spring quarter at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT). The unique residency course, now in its 12th consecutive year, was inaugurated by Professor William McDonald with the support of Kodak to enhance the learning experience of students with insight from renowned cinematographers.

 

The mentorship program will begin with a free screening of one of Crudo's past works, American Buffalo, at the James Bridges Theater in Melnitz Hall on Monday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public, students, staff and faculty members. A Q&A discussion with Crudo, moderated by McDonald, will take place following the screening.

 

American Buffalo, based on a play by David Mamet, follows three small-time crooks who plot the robbery of a valuable coin collection. The film was directed by Michael Corrente, and stars Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Franz and Sean Nelson.

 

"Richard Crudo is an innovative filmmaker who has assembled an impressive, diverse list of credits," McDonald said "This program provides an unparalleled opportunity for our students to gain insight into the art and craft of visual storytelling from this uniquely talented cinematographer."

 

UCLA TFT is the only film school that offers a cinematography residency program such as this, where students can receive direct guidance from cinematographers through screenings, workshops and one-on-one sessions over the course of 10 weeks.

 

"Congratulations to Bill McDonald for taking this unique program to even greater levels of excellence," said Teri Schwartz, dean of the School. "Richard Crudo is a gifted artist and a worthy addition to an already highly distinguished list of outstanding professionals. At TFT we are committed to offering students unprecedented access to the master storytellers of the entertainment industry, and the Kodak Cinematographer in Residence program, now in its second decade, is a prime example of this approach."

 

Crudo's feature credits include Federal Hill, American Pie, Music From Another Room, Outside Providence, Down To Earth, Out Cold, Brooklyn Rules,It's Under My Skin, and Pistol Whipped. He also directed the feature film Against the Dark. crudo served three terms as president of the American Society of Cinematographers, and is currently a vice president of the organization.

 

"Richard is a talented artist who can offer great insight to young filmmakers as they prepare to enter a very competitive industry," said Lauren Lung, vice president and general manager of Kodak's motion picture business in North and South America. "Our dedication to supporting tomorrow's filmmakers is as steadfast as our commitment to further advancing the technology of film."

 

The revered program's past mentors include Allen Daviau, ASC; Conrad L. Hall, ASC; Owen Roizman, ASC; Dean Cundey, ASC; Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC; Laszlo Kovacs, ASC; Joan Churchill, ASC; Stephen Burum, ASC; Victor J. Kemper, ASC; Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC, and John Bailey, ASC.

 

For additional information about the April 18 screening of American Buffalo, visit www.tft.ucla.edu or call 310-206-8365. Admission is free. Parking is available in Lot 3. There is a $10 parking fee. A limited number of pay-by-the-hour parking spaces are also available in Lot 3.