Okada to Speak on Role of Cinematographer
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Kodak’s Director & Vice President of Public Affairs Stephen Ciccone, Vice President & General Manager of Motion Picture Distribution Products Bill Tompkins, American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Vice President Daryn Okada, ASC, and Kodak’s Sales & Marketing Manager for Entertainment Imaging US East John Johnston in Washington, D.C., February 23, 2005. Okada spoke with 25 congressional staff about the role that cinematographers play in this country’s culture and economy at an annual luncheon, which is designed to engage officials on Capitol Hill in discussions about the motion picture industry. |
“Government support of the art of filmmaking in this country is an important issue,” says Okada. “Our films are one of our country’s major exports. We work behind the scenes to author the images that tell the stories of our times. My goal is to inform the members of the group on the day-to-day issues facing filmmakers.”
In addition to his duties as ASC vice president, Okada chairs an ASC focus group of members and associate members in ancillary sectors of the industry that is researching the possibilities for the future of the art form. He is also a member of the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Okada, a Los Angeles native, was a Super 8 film hobbyist during his teens. He began his career by volunteering to work on camera crews for student and low-budget film projects. Okada earned his first credit in 1981. He has since shot such television projects as In A Child's Name (nominated for an ASC Outstanding Achievement Award) and Dawson’s Creek (pilot). His features include Black Sheep, Anna Karenina, Halloween H2O: 20 Years Later, Lake Placid, Texas Rangers, Dr. Dolittle 2, Joe Somebody, Mean Girls, Paparazzi and the upcoming Just Like Heaven.
Representatives from Kodak will also participate. “Around 1928, George Eastman and Thomas Edison became the first honorary members of ASC,” says Kodak’s John Johnston. “Kodak has maintained close ties to the organization throughout its history. There are some 270 members of ASC today who are responsible for creating images for the majority of content produced for motion picture and television screens. Their work is far reaching and an important topic for this congressional group. We are proud to have the opportunity to host Daryn Okada on Capitol Hill.”