Zsigmond, Schwartzman @ 2005 Hungarian Masterclass

[Tim Tyler]

More than 40 next generation filmmakers

will participate in the 2005 Masterclass conducted here by the University of

Drama and Film in collaboration with the Hungarian Society of Cinematographers

(HSC) from August 21 through September 3. Kodak sponsors the Masterclass with

Panavision and CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinéma et

de Television), an international association of film schools.

 

The students will be mentored by Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC and John Schwartzman,

ASC, and supported by some of Hungary's leading filmmakers during the two-week

course.

 

Zsigmond is a native of Hungary and a graduate of the University. He was a

student of Gyorgy Illes, honorary president of the Masterclass. Zsigmond left

Hungary in 1956 in the wake of a failed revolt against the communist regime

and migrated to the United States, where he has had a distinguished career.

Zsigmond is the only cinematographer in history to earn both Oscar (Close

Encounters of the Third Kind) and Emmy (Stalin) Awards. There were other Oscar

nominations for The Deer Hunter and The River. He recently completed

production of The Black Dahlia.

 

Schwartzman is a native of Los Angeles who earned an Oscar nomination for

Seabiscuit. His credits include Benny & Joon, Conspiracy Theory, Armageddon

and Meet the Fockers.

 

"The Masterclass has attracted some of the world's most promising young

filmmakers," says Janos Xantus, one of Hungary's most prominent directors. "It

is a reaffirmation for them that filmmaking is a collaborative art form with a

universal visual language. This is a unique opportunity for these young people

to learn from and work with their talented peers from diverse backgrounds

under the guidance of some of the world's most gifted cinematographers."

 

Xantus has directed the Masterclass, which is conducted during alternate

summers, since 1999. He succeeded Gyorgy Karpati, a co-founder of the

Masterclass in 1989.

 

Participants were chosen by the Board of Professors of the University from

more than 90 worthy applicants based upon their portfolios. Most of the

participants are aspiring cinematographers, however occasionally young

directors and writers qualify hoping to gain insights into the collaborative

art and craft of visual storytelling.

 

Kodak sponsors 12 students from film schools around the world. This year's

students reign from Romania, Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, Czech Republic,

France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

 

"The Masterclass is a unique opportunity for young filmmakers from different

cultures to work together and openly discuss ideas," says Thierry Perronnet,

marketing director for Kodak's Entertainment Imaging Division covering Europe,

Middle East and Africa. "The hands-on, crew like approach provides valuable

experience. In the end, every one of them learns that cinematography is a

universal language."

 

Participants in the Masterclass are formed into teams that take turns filming

short exercises on sound stages at BK Filmstudio Ltd. using lighting equipment

provided by Sparks Ltd. Zsigmond and Schwartzman will offer guidance designed

to help them think about what they are doing and why. The next day, rushes are

screened and followed by an open discussion involving the entire class and

their instructors.

 

There will also be screenings of classic and contemporary films followed by

discussions with the prominent cinematographers who photographed them. In

addition, Kodak offers instructional programs and demonstrations on film and

hybrid motion imaging technologies. A closing ceremony will be highlighted by

the presentation of certificates of completion to the participants.

 

Kodak, through its worldwide education initiatives, has been a primary sponsor

of the Masterclass since its earliest days.

 

"We believe in these talented young filmmakers, and feel that it is our

obligation to provide a foundation for them at this formative stage of their

careers," says Colette Scott, worldwide education segment manager for Kodak's

Entertainment Imaging Division. "We will listen and learn about their

expectations, and assure them that we will be there for them in their future

endeavors."