It is organized every second year a master class in cinematography in Budapest . The organization belongs to the Hungarian University of Drama, Film and Television and the Hungarian Society of Cinematographers (HSC).


The workshop this year drew 92 applications from CILECT -affiliated (Centre International de Liaison des Écoles de Cinéma et de Télévision) film schools across the globe (compared to 70 applications in 2003 and 50 in 2001). Sixteen BCM Scholars were selected on the basis of their portfolio by the Board of Professors of the University. They were joined by 28 Participants, 12 of whom delegated by Kodak , the main sponsor of the Masterclass along with Panavision.

Students got organized themselves into teams that filmed short exercises on a sound stage at BK Film Studios using the latest Panavision 35mm cameras under the expert supervision of the Masters Vilmos Zsigmond ASC and John Schwartzman ASC.

The demanding 12-hour day hands-on schedule included analysis of the rushes, screenings of Participants' films, and classic and contemporary movies photographed by Zsigmond and Schwartzman.There were additional screenings of Hungarian films followed by lively discussion with their cinematographers until late at night.

Benjamin Bergery gave a talk on the he Millennium XL cameras and Primo lenses and in order to answer the many questions of the young cinematographers present, Benjamin kindly stayed on for a few days. Kodak Bus ines s Unit Manager Peter Szakacs hosted an instructive visit to Kodak Cinelabs Hungary and Focus Fox Studio. On the 'Kodak Day' Clive Ogden (Technical Manager, Entertainment Imaging) gave an overview on currently available film stocks, introduced the Kodak Look Manager System and led an interesting discussion on Kodak's strategy in the 'digital age'.

This year there were Faculty Observers from South Africa , Hong-Kong , Serbia - Montenegro and the USA who intend to found their own Cinematography Masterclasses. We discussed the issues involved and developed a framework for future collaboration.

During the closing ceremony students received a certificate while Kodak Cinematography Award was given to the Masters.

Students from very different cultural backgrounds found themselves able to work together and many formed close friendships. Their inspirational teachers, the tireless and probing Vilmos and the enthusiastic and passionate John, were critical but respectful of the students' different approaches, and they were willing to engage in open debate.

The Masterclass showed to some of the world's most talented young cinematographers that cinematography is a global language and a creative collaboration with directors as story-tellers. As György Illés, Honorary President of Masterclass, said during his visit to the sound stage: 'Cinematographers are creative partners of directors'.

Kodak's press release about the Masterclass can be found at www.kodak.com/go/student. Kulturhaz , a public television daily cultural programme, included the Masterclass in four separate broadcasts. Blow Up. a radio programme, broadcast interviews with Zsigmond and Schwartzman. The political/economic weekly HVG featured interviews with Schwartzman and the organizers. The Hungarian film site at www.hungariaanfilm.com reviewed the Masterclass. Further press coverage is in preparation.

The main sponsors of the Masterclass were Kodak, Panavision and CILECT. Further support was provided by Hungarian Motion Picture Foundation, the National Cultural Fund and the Budapest Office of Tourism.


Lighting equipment was provided by Sparks Lighting Ltd.

The enthuisasm and skill of the Director of Cinemafilm Kft., Gábor Garami, and his crew, ensured that the Masterclass was well-organized.

The Ninth Masterclass is scheduled for Summer 2007. For further info rmation visit www.filmacademy.hu/dop.htm