2026 Schedule

Legendary Cinematographer Ed Lachman ASC in Conversation with Nancy Schreiber ASC

Nancy Schreiber ASC goes behind the scenes with the four-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer to discuss his filmmaking roots, a peek at the Lachman archives, B+W favorites, and building Color with the EL Zone System.

Panelists: Ed Lachman, ASC | Nancy Schreiber, ASC

The Director's Guide to Everything

An intimate look at the world of the film director and how they can better communicate with all those around them. What makes a good director and what makes a good collaborator? 40-year industry veteran and active director, Jay Holben, discusses topics from his new book "The Director's Guide to Everything," and offers tips and advice for attendees as well as open conversation about the director's role and interplay with each department.

Panelists: Jay Holben

Improving Production with Clean Power

This conversation convenes crew from recent Netflix productions to discuss the evolving landscape of on-set power and the technologies, workflows, and collaborations shaping today’s production environment.

Moderator: Shannon Bart, Senior Manager, Production Sustainability Execution, Netflix

Panelists: Phillip Barnette, Line Producer, Nemesis Season 1 (Netflix) | Kris Eber, Line Producer, The Hawk Season 1 (Netflix)

Focus On Cine Lenses From the Buyer’s POV

DCS will once again hold our popular examination of the Cinema Lens market at Cine Gear Expo with an eye towards investing. See what’s new from top lens manufacturers as they discuss the latest trends in Cine Optics and see what the right lens is for you. Participants include (in alphabetical order): Angénieux, ARRI, Canon,, Fujinon, Leitz, Sigma, and ZEISS.

Creating Narrative and Documentary with the Canon EOS C400 featuring DP and Canon Explorer of Light Shana Hagan, ASC and DP Sarah Whelden

Join DP and Canon Explorer of Light Shana Hagan, ASC and DP Sarah Whelden as they discuss two different projects that used the Canon EOS C400. One is a short documentary-style project called “Visual - Little City Farm,” and the other is a Narrative Feature Film called “Their Town,” which premiered at the 2026 SXSW film festival. Read More.

Panelists: DP Shana Hagan, ASC | DP Sarah Whelden (View Bios)

Shoot to Create: The Craft of Independent Filmmaking

Independent cinema thrives on ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a relentless commitment to story. Shoot to Create will break down how filmmakers shape visual language through intentional framing, lighting, and movement; how they collaborate with small but mighty crews...Read More

ASC Clubhouse Conversations | Spider-Noir

Acclaimed cinematographer Darran Tiernan, ISC and master colorist Pankaj Bajpai (Picture Shop) join moderator Shelly Johnson, ASC for a deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and technical innovation that shaped Amazon MGM Studios visually stunning black-and-white series Spider-Noir...Read More.

Moderator: Shelly Johnson, ASC

Panelists: Darran Tiernan, ISC - DP | Pankaj Bajpai - Colorist

Introducing ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic

ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic is a new set of full frame 2x anamorphic lenses that comes with a fully motorized and integrated lens architecture. ZEISS specialists Sundeep Reddy and David Warner will give you an overview of what these new lenses can do and how they seamlessly integrate into existing workflows.

How Cinematic & Immersive Technologies Are Redefining Live Events

Live events are being reimagined. From global music festivals to major sporting events, cinema‑grade cameras and immersive technologies are transforming how audiences experience entertainment—whether in‑venue or worldwide. Featuring leaders in live production, immersive media and event cinematography...Read More

REFLECTIONS: A Conversation with Team Deakins

Moderator: Adam Bricker, ASC

Panelists: Sir Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC | James Deakins

Shooting Feature Films with the URSA Cine 12K LF

How do you make a low-budget thriller look cinematic, ambitious, and expensive — on an impossible schedule? Cinematographer John Sweeney takes audiences behind the scenes of a Lifetime feature shot in just 12 days using the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. The film tested the camera system in almost every way...Read More

Panelists: Cinematographer John Sweeney

Breaking Old Silos with Virtualized Prep

Traditional approaches to prep have changed little since The Great Train Robbery in 1903. Today, tools developed for VFX and Virtual Production are opening the door for productions of all types to reimagine their approach to prep and realize substantial efficiencies by merging the once separate steps of creative and technical planning...Read More.

Moderator: Michael Chambliss, ICG IATSE Local 600 Asst. Western Region Director/ Production Tech Specialist

Panelists: Click here to view panelists

Earth Friendly Filmmaking for All

Creative endeavors are all about impact.This panel hosted by Act Local (actlocalfest.org) will discuss how to weave earth-friendly themes and practices into filmmaking, and ensure the lasting impact from your film is positive. From multimillion dollar productions to no budget productions we will discuss practical tools for making your production help make a better world.

The Next Camera Revolution with the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K: How New Tools Unleash the Modern Filmmaker

Fourteen years ago, we smuggled a DSLR onto a Navy SEAL base for Act of Valor and shattered Hollywood’s monopoly on storytelling. The equipment changed, but more importantly, the barrier to entry vanished. Today, that same disruptive DNA is engineered into Blackmagic’s URSA Cine and PYXIS 12K...Read More

Panelist: Shane Hurlbut, ASC

Beyond Coverage: Directors and DPs Building Visual Language Together

A craft-focused conversation about how directors and cinematographers collaborate to create intentional visual storytelling, from prep and shot design to lighting, movement, and performance. Featuring AWD Icon Directors in conversation with cinematographers.

Moderator: Kylie Eaton, AWD Executive Director

Panelists: Valentina Caniglia, ASC | Aisha Tyler (actor, director)

Dialogue with ASC Cinematographers

Join George Mooradian, ASC, as he moderates this panel discussion filled with formal and informal conversations and questions from the audience. Read More.

Introduction: Shelly Johnson, ASC President

Moderator: George Mooradian, ASC

Panelists: Click here to view panelists

Craft, Career Paths, and AI with Stephen Lighthill, ASC

As the filmmaking landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the next generation of storytellers must navigate a rapidly shifting intersection of craft, technology, and career opportunities. Hosted by the AFI Conservatory, this timely panel brings together acclaimed cinematographer and AFI Cinematography Discipline Head Stephen Lighthill, ASC, and AFI Faculty Valentina Martinico, Michael Pessah and Maryn McGaw, to explore what the future of filmmaking looks like today and where it’s headed next.

Got Agent? Got Publicist?

Back by popular demand, Cine Gear Expo 2026 presents a panel of top industry agents and publicists ready to share expertise on getting the best filmmaking career representation amid the current fast-changing environment and beyond. The panel of experts will discuss “must-have ways to stand out against the competition...Read More.

Behind the Look: Live with M. David Mullen, ASC

Multi‑Emmy and ASC Award–winning cinematographer M. David Mullen, ASC, is known for his visually distinctive work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Étoile,” “Smash,” “Big Love,” “United States of Tara” and the upcoming “Eloise.” His feature credits include “Twin Falls Idaho,” “Northfork,” “The Astronaut Farmer,” “Akeelah and the Bee” and “Jennifer’s Body.” Drawing on film history, evolving technology and a deeply collaborative approach, Mullen will discuss crafting emotionally resonant, visually driven stories. Moderated by RED’s Naida Albright.

Panelist: David Mullen, ASC

Panasonic Presents: The New Talk Show

Video podcasts have become the modern television talk show, blending cinematic lighting, multi-camera production, and broadcast-quality audio with the freedom of creator-driven media. This panel features Matthew Alvarez of Sound Shed Studios, who has built premium studios for Joe Rogan, Chris Williamson, and Tom Segura using Panasonic UB10 and UB50 cameras, alongside Michael Valinsky, founder and host of The Making Of, a leading film industry podcast. Together, they explore how cinematic tools are reshaping podcasting into next-generation talk shows.

DOOMSDAY! What's the real scoop behind AI?

Director/Producer Jay Holben (ASC associate member and American Cinematographer magazine contributing technical editor) brings a panel of ASC cinematographers and top filmmakers to look at the look at the practicalities, concerns and mythbusting in the state of generative artificial intelligence in the film business. Where is the tech actually right now, what are the expectations in the near future, what are the consequences for today's filmmakers and crew?

Panelist: Jay Holben

The New Indie Blueprint: Modern Filmmaking with SONY & KONDOR BLUE

A filmmaker panel exploring the making of feature film, Father Son Time - from Sony FX6/FX2 production workflows and KONDOR BLUE rigging to creator-driven marketing, fundraising, and AI-powered preproduction tools. Panelists will include: David Manning, iphonedo, Brittney Janae, Brandon Talbot, Michael Tobin, Josh Long, and Antonio Cisneros.