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The American Film Institute believes in the power of filmmakers to shape culture through storytelling. As America’s leading filmmaker training program, the AFI Conservatory is committed to creating accessible pathways to career opportunities for emerging storytellers to thrive in visual storytelling.

The AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop (CIW) creates meaningful access to the cinematography industry and breaks down barriers that often prevent emerging artists from advancing their careers.

CIW is a tuition-free, four-day workshop that brings together 12-14 emerging cinematographers committed to their journey toward a professional career as cinematographers, who have some on-set experience working in the field and are looking for additional training to help them advance in their education, craft and career.

Core components of the program include hands-on master classes in the fundamentals of cinematography, exposure to professional tools and workflows, and critical analysis of work by established cinematographers. Participants gain practical skills and industry insight to support their continued professional growth, culminating in the production of a 1–2 minute narrative short film for their portfolio.

Stephen Lighthill, Cinematography Discipline Head, AFI; (Photo by: Michael Pessah, ASC)

The AFI Conservatory MFA program has propelled cinematographers to great success, including Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison (BLACK PANTHER, MUDBOUND), the first woman ever nominated for an Oscar® for Best Cinematography, as well as Emmy® nominee Ava Berkofsky, ASC (INSECURE), Carolina Costa (HIGH SCHOOL, HALA), Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC (BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER), Paula Huidobro (Academy Award® Best Picture winner CODA), two-time Grammy® Award winner Melina Matsoukas (Beyoncé’s “Formation,” INSECURE, as director), Polly Morgan, ASC, BSC (THE WOMAN KING) and Mimi Leder (THE MORNING SHOW, as director), among others.

Please contact CIW@AFI.edu with any questions about the program.

CIW is part of the AFI Conservatory’s Department of Innovative Programs, which also includes AFI DWW+. Through a range of learning opportunities, Innovative Programs serves a broad community of aspiring visual storytellers to cultivate cutting-edge technological and media-making skills, bridge access to professional networks and place participants on an upward career trajectory.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Open to all applicants that are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (with valid Permanent Resident Card) and must reside and work in the United States or its territories during the workshop period.
  • All participants are required to maintain up-to-date health insurance through the course of the program
  • Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in lighting/camera department or cinematography in narrative or documentary
  • Open to applicants facing challenges to access opportunities in Hollywood.
  • Full time commitment to attend all workshops for on the AFI Campus in Los Angeles – [insert dates]
  • Applicants are responsible for their own housing and transportation. AFI does not provide housing or transportation.

Application fee – $50, utilized to support our rigorous admissions process.
Please contact CIW@AFI.edu with questions.

Professional Materials

  • Cinematographer Intro Video (2 minutes maximum) – Create up to a two-minute video telling us who you are, why you are a good candidate for CIW and your motivation for joining the program.
  • Bio — a brief overview of your educational and/or professional background (200-word limit).
  • Narrative Questions — see above
  • Résumé – a CV detailing your related professional work and education (no more than two pages).
  • Letter of Recommendation: Only one letter is required. Letter must be dated within six months of the application. Additional letters will not be considered.

Creative Materials

  • Work Sample(s) – Applicants must submit at least one sample — and are welcome to submit two — Please submit at least one sample material of which you are credited as the cinematographer. This is your opportunity to show us your point of view as a visual storyteller and to present a sample that demonstrates individual talent, ability and potential. You may submit a link to a completed project or a clip.

If you have any questions regarding your application, or if you are having technical issues with the application portal, please email CIW@AFI.edu.

AFI Innovative Programs uses SlideRoom to process applications.  If you do not have a SlideRoom account you will be prompted to create a one-time login. For technical issues related to account setup or the application contact SlideRoom customer service at support@slideroom.com.

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