My ASC Master Class: Suelen Romani 

Program participants discuss the impact of attending this intensive five-day program in the art and science of cinematography.

Photos by Nick Mahar

“I’ve always had a big, big passion for movies and have been a big fan of old movies and storytelling. I’ve been following the American Society of Cinematographers because my biggest way of learning is through cinematographers and the way they tell stories. And all of my mentors — through cinema and image storytelling and lighting and the sensibility of the art of the storytelling — come from the ASC. I decided to join the ASC Master Class because I had the feeling that it would be very warm and engaging and about the journey of the art and the process of creating and telling stories and moving people.

“I think the most surprising thing that I’ve learned this week is that a lot of the ASC members are not so different from who I am. Most of them are always still pushing themselves to learn what is new, and a lot of them even shared how lucky they were to get their first job. As humans, they also go through the fear, insecurity, anxiety, and pressure. But because of who they are and their passion, they can create beautiful environments where things can be made. I find that to be very motivating, and I love that.

“I think that my biggest takeaway was being truthful to myself and to the work that I want portrayed and what my values are in terms of being an artist and being a student of life and of storytelling. And also seeking and pursuing people who I can learn from, who are respectful, and who want, really, to make the world a better place. Because this is what I felt here — that I’ve been with people who want to make a difference. And I find that to be quite inspiring.” — Suelen Romani

You’ll find Romani’s personal site here. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Click here for complete course details for the ASC Master Class sessions coming up on September 17–21 and October 22–26. Register now here.