New Club on the Block: SCAD Cinematography Club
Written by Edith Manfred.
While it feels like every other person you meet at SCAD is a film major (and we love you all), it’s rare that you actually know what specifically within the film industry they do without inquiring further. The film industry requires a myriad of different roles beyond the obvious directing and acting, each with specific and independently crucial skills, one of which is the beautiful craft of cinematography. Four of SCAD’s passionate young film students have recently created the SCAD Cinematography Club as a new community for aspiring cinematographers.
When asked what inspired the creation of the Cinematography Club, Club President Nelli Safina said the main goal was to “establish a supportive community for all aspiring cinematography students who want to pursue their careers in the field of visual storytelling.” Placing an emphasis on opportunities for female cinematographers, the club will foster collaboration without competition with different styles and stories of film and cinematography, all while taking advantage of SCAD’s ample film resources. Through these SCAD resources and events set up by club leaders, this upcoming fall the club will offer masterclasses, workshops and meetings to connect students who could collaborate and create meaningful film projects together. The club will provide the opportunity for connections, critiques and feedback from peers and industry professionals.
The club’s first event launched April 16 to April 17 as a lecture and workshop series with 2023 Camera Operator of the Year Dave Chameides as he both taught and mentored club members. As advertised on the club’s Instagram promo post: “Dave Chameides is a distinguished American Steadicam operator with over 30 years of experience and two Emmy Awards for his outstanding work. He has served as a camera operator on notable films like From Dusk Till Dawn, St. Vincent, Donnie Darko, Shame, The Harder They Fall, and The Tragedy Of Macbeth, as well as on popular television shows including ER, The West Wing, and Ozark.” During the lecture and Q&A on April 16, Chamedies covered breaking down a scene, his practices on set, industry tips, and a demonstration of his past work. The following day, students could sit in during a podcast recording for Chameides’s podcast “The Op” between himself and the club’s supervisor, Professor Alan Caso. Chameides also offered portfolio reviews for film students after a workshop on how to shoot a scene.
The new SCAD Cinematography Club is an excellent way to connect with fellow cinematographers and film students. Their upcoming events in Fall 2024 will offer opportunities for all students passionate about film. For more information on joining the club or attending events, contact scadcinemaclub@gmail.com or @scadcineclub on Instagram.
Edith is a Documentary Photography major with a minor in Art History, as well as a part of Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Outside of writing and taking photos for District, you’ll probably find her running long distances on the streets of Savannah, updating her blog, or talking about that new podcast she just listened to… again.
