On August 25, the Asian American Committee’s (AAC) meeting featured the panel discussion, Telling Stories with Images — Top Cinematographers discuss their collaborations with Directors and ADs.

In a conversation moderated by AAC Co-Chair Michael Goi, Cinematographers Larry Fong, ASC and Patti Lee, ASC, spoke about their influences and experiences as Asian-American cinematographers, working with Directors and various problem-solving situations.

Fong spoke at length about working with Director Zach Snyder on the features, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 300, and Watchmen; and using IMAX cameras. Lee talked about convincing studios to be open to a different visual look than what is expected in multi-cam shows such as Mad About You and Bob Hearts Abishola. Goi, who is also a cinematographer with over 70 narrative credits, four Emmy Award nominations and four ASC Award nominations, also added the knowledge he has gained from his work both as a Director and a DP.

Following the moderated portion of the event, the panelists took questions from the online audience.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Larry Fong, ASC In addition to his multiple collaborations with Director Zach Snyder, Fong’s Director of Photography credits include features such as Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ Kong: Skull Island, J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 and recently completed principal photography on Chris McKay’s The Tomorrow War. He was nominated for American Society of Cinematographers award for his work on Abrams’ pilot episode of the series Lost.

Patti Lee, ASC In addition to her work in episodic television series such as The Bernie Mac Show, See Dad Run, Sean Saves the World and Fam, Lee’s Director of Photography credits also include Jennifer Arnold’s feature Fat Camp and movies for television such as Mark Cendrowski's Pandas in New York and Andy Ackerman's The 46 Percenters. She also received Emmy Award nominations for her cinematography on Bob Hearts Abishola and Superior Donuts.

AAC Co-Chair Michael Goi (moderator) A DGA member since 2014, Goi currently serves as a co-chair of both the DGA’s Asian American Committee, and the DGA Diversity Task Force and as an alternate on the Western Directors Council. Goi’s directing credits include the feature films Megan Is Missing and Voyeur; and episodes of the television series Sexy Urban Legends, Pretty Little Liars, and American Horror Story. He is also known as an acclaimed cinematographer with over 70 narrative credits and earned Emmy nominations for his cinematography work on Glee, American Horror Story and My Name Is Earl.

About the Asian American Committee:

The Asian American Committee (AAC) was created as a networking group to provide a forum for interests and issues that concern Asian-American Guild members. Through outreach efforts in the entertainment industry that emphasize career development and skills enhancement, the committee provides a variety of networking opportunities as well as screenings, seminars and discussions with industry professionals. The current AAC Co-Chairs are Directors Cellin Gluck, Michael Goi and Lily Mariye.

• For more information about the Asian American Committee, click here to visit their webpage.