SOC -vs- ASC at DVinfo.net

Ken Tanaka · September 23rd, 2003, 03:53 PM

I've long wondered what the differences are between the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) and the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). One is more television-oriented and the other film? Is one more prestigious? Different dues and benefits?

Anyone know?

Charles Papert · September 23rd, 2003, 06:38 PM

C'mon Ken, you're baiting me! "Anyone know?"...like you haven't seen the letters after my name!

The ASC is a venerable, invitation-only guild for cinematographers, whereas the SOC is oriented around operators and easier to get into (you do need a referral, but not hard to get). The ASC is much more prestigious. I joined the SOC primarily to network when I moved to LA, and there is a good charity attached (we raise funds for sight-impaired children).

The benefit of being in the ASC is that you get higher rates, basically!

Robert Knecht Schmidt · September 23rd, 2003, 07:20 PM

Is there any particular accomplishment that tends to trigger ASC invitation, or is it more having to know somebody?

The ASC has one other perq that I know of. You get to look at the cool pictures of early 1900s Hollywood in the ASC house anytime you want.

Charles Papert · September 23rd, 2003, 08:20 PM

I believe that you have to have shot something like three studio pictures before you can be drummed in, and you need three signatures from ASC members. Or, there are honorary memberships bestowed upon certain individuals (equipment manufacturers, astronauts, that sort of thing)

Rob Belics · September 23rd, 2003, 09:00 PM

I'm a space cadet!

Ken Tanaka · September 23rd, 2003, 09:07 PM

Aww, yeah, I was hoping you'd respond, Charles. <g>

Thank you for commenting. It adds a new dimension to understanding the SOC and ASC designations.

Gee, anybody want to know the difference between a CFA and a CFP in the financial industry?

Rob Lohman · October 5th, 2003, 04:56 PM

Well, Charles, you've shot way more then three big studio
productions so that's no problem. Now how are we going to
get three signatures from ASC members... Hmmmm

An instant story idea popped into my head about maffia,
strip clubs and three ASC members....

Charles Papert · October 5th, 2003, 06:08 PM

hee hee!

Actually, Rob, strictly speaking I haven't shot any studio pictures. It's misleading, but use of the vernacular that seems casual is actually rather specific..."shot" means acted as the DP, not as the operator, in the same way that "cameraman" refers only to the DP. It's sort of Old Hollywood terminology. My DP credits are limited to 2nd unit or additional photography on studio pictures.

Rob Lohman · October 5th, 2003, 06:42 PM

Gotta give it to 'em... Even they mix up the words with the
meanings! <g>

Well, the title doesn't matter anyway. We've seen the work
and that's what counts!

Christopher Hughes · October 6th, 2003, 03:40 PM

I'd rather have BSC after my name than ASC....lol and not to be confused with BSE as in the Human form of Mad Cows desease....hahaha!

Charles Papert · October 6th, 2003, 05:26 PM

Better yet, to be in the company of luminaries like Roger Deakins and be both BSC and ASC!

September 23rd, 2003, 03:53 PM	#1
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	SOC -vs- ASC I've long wondered what the differences are between the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) and the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). One is more television-oriented and the other film? Is one more prestigious? Different dues and benefits? Anyone know? __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

September 23rd, 2003, 06:38 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	C'mon Ken, you're baiting me! "Anyone know?"...like you haven't seen the letters after my name! The ASC is a venerable, invitation-only guild for cinematographers, whereas the SOC is oriented around operators and easier to get into (you do need a referral, but not hard to get). The ASC is much more prestigious. I joined the SOC primarily to network when I moved to LA, and there is a good charity attached (we raise funds for sight-impaired children). The benefit of being in the ASC is that you get higher rates, basically! __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

September 23rd, 2003, 07:20 PM	#3
Robert Knecht Schmidt Wrangler Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,933	Is there any particular accomplishment that tends to trigger ASC invitation, or is it more having to know somebody? The ASC has one other perq that I know of. You get to look at the cool pictures of early 1900s Hollywood in the ASC house anytime you want. __________________ All the best, Robert K S Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

September 23rd, 2003, 08:20 PM	#4
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I believe that you have to have shot something like three studio pictures before you can be drummed in, and you need three signatures from ASC members. Or, there are honorary memberships bestowed upon certain individuals (equipment manufacturers, astronauts, that sort of thing) __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

September 23rd, 2003, 09:07 PM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Aww, yeah, I was hoping you'd respond, Charles. <g> Thank you for commenting. It adds a new dimension to understanding the SOC and ASC designations. Gee, anybody want to know the difference between a CFA and a CFP in the financial industry? __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

September 23rd, 2003, 09:00 PM	#5
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	I'm a space cadet!

October 5th, 2003, 04:56 PM	#7
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Well, Charles, you've shot way more then three big studio productions so that's no problem. Now how are we going to get three signatures from ASC members... Hmmmm An instant story idea popped into my head about maffia, strip clubs and three ASC members.... __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 5th, 2003, 06:08 PM	#8
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	hee hee! Actually, Rob, strictly speaking I haven't shot any studio pictures. It's misleading, but use of the vernacular that seems casual is actually rather specific..."shot" means acted as the DP, not as the operator, in the same way that "cameraman" refers only to the DP. It's sort of Old Hollywood terminology. My DP credits are limited to 2nd unit or additional photography on studio pictures. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

October 5th, 2003, 06:42 PM	#9
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Gotta give it to 'em... Even they mix up the words with the meanings! <g> Well, the title doesn't matter anyway. We've seen the work and that's what counts! __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 6th, 2003, 03:40 PM	#10
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	I'd rather have BSC after my name than ASC....lol and not to be confused with BSE as in the Human form of Mad Cows desease....hahaha!

October 6th, 2003, 05:26 PM	#11
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Better yet, to be in the company of luminaries like Roger Deakins and be both BSC and ASC! __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com