Academy Award®-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, ASC (whose credits include Silence, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Argo, Biutiful, Babel, Brokeback Mountain), has been named the 2016-17 Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (UCLA TFT).
This is the 17th year of the residency program, which is sponsored by the Eastman Kodak Company. Prieto joins a distinguished group of cinematographers who have received this honor including John Bailey, ASC (American Gigolo, In The Line Of Fire); Dean Cundey, ASC (Back To The Future, Jurassic Park); Roger Deakins, BSC, ASC (No Country For Old Men, Skyfall); Guillermo Navarro ASC, AMC (From Dusk To Dawn, Pan’s Labyrinth) and Dante Spinotti, ASC, AIC (Hercules, Tower Heist, Public Enemies).
“As cinematographers, we manipulate light and utilize composition, texture, color and movement in an attempt to capture the essence of something very elusive: emotional truth,” Prieto said. “Even with fictional characters in make-believe costumes and sets, our goal is to transport the viewer into emotional states that feel authentic and palpable. Film negative is an essential tool for cinematographers to reproduce the subtle nuances of feelings on actor’s faces, as well as to create visual environments to embody these emotions. I am deeply honored and very grateful to the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and Kodak for naming me Cinematographer-in-Residence. I hope to continue the exploration of the expressive nature of cinematography along with the students and faculty at UCLA TFT.”
The Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence Program was established in 2000 by UCLA TFT professor William McDonald to bring together the worlds of professional and academic cinematography, exposing theater, film and television students to critically acclaimed industry veterans who have attained the highest levels of achievement within the filmmaking industry. Students study with these experts for an entire academic year through a series of workshops and screenings.
“The excellence of Rodrigo’s work speaks for itself and we couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Cinematographer-in-Residence this year,” McDonald said. “It is inevitable that our students will learn immensely from his vast expertise and expert guidance. We are truly appreciative of his efforts on their behalf.”
Steve Bellamy, president of Motion Picture and Entertainment, Eastman Kodak Company, said: “The Kodak Cinematographer-in-Residence Program is a very important part of our company’s ethos and history and we’re honored to continue to support it. Rodrigo Prieto is an amazing talent and a wonderful person whose masterful 35mm film photography on works of art such as Brokeback Mountain, Argo, The Wolf Of Wall Street and upcoming Silence, will stand the test of time like the greatest paintings and statues. Rodrigo joins an esteemed list of cinematographers generous enough to pass on their incredible knowledge and insight to the next generation.”
The residency begins in December with hands-on student workshops and continues for the remainder of the 2016-17 academic year.
The residency launches on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 with one of Prieto’s earlier projects, a screening of Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution. It starts at 8PM at the Darren Star Screening Room at UCLA TFT followed by a Q & A with Prieto. Tickets are free but space is limited. Click here to RSVP.
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