THE CHAIRMAN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

Last year I wrote about the rewards of volunteering your time to an organization or cause.  For the last 17 years, I have donated my time and effort to the Emerging Cinematographers Awards, taking over from my friend and mentor, Rob Kositchek. I am happy to say that Rob has always expressed gratitude and appreciation for how we continued to raise his baby into a must attend event.  Through the years it has been so much fun, seeing the new films, the breadth of work and watching a handful of our honorees rise to greater heights.  Through this process I learned a lot, a lot about short films and their purpose, how to make a better short film and why you make a short film. The experience informed my own decisions to make a few of my own both as a Cinematographer for others and Writer/Director of my own projects.

After 17 years and an estimated 170 honorees I have decided to step down and forge a path of new adventures. Moving forward I will be focusing on my own goals and gains, If anyone has read these Newsletters then you know of my continued passion as a cinematographer, but also my goals and aspirations to bring my career full circle as a Writer/Director and Filmmaker as well as inventor. 

Of course, because I am who I am, I will probably find something else to volunteer for or god forbid actually get paid as a consultant for this knowledge and noise bouncing around in my head. 

And so it is (Ok that line has been bouncing around in my head for days, I had to write it to exorcise it out) I bid the ECA’s farewell with a wish of immense future success.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

This note is to  formally announce my resignation as Chairman of the Emerging Cinematographers Awards, a volunteer role I have been honored to hold for the past 17 years.

Serving in this capacity has been an incredibly fulfilling experiences, allowing me to celebrate the artistry, innovation, and commitment of our union's up-and-coming cinematographers. Together, we have shined a spotlight on nearly 170 gifted individuals, championing their creative achievements and paving the way for the next generation of visual storytellers. Witnessing their growth and success has been nothing short of inspiring.

The Emerging Cinematographers Awards represents the heart of our industry—a space where passion meets opportunity and creativity is nurtured. It has been a privilege to work alongside Maryanne MacDougall and Steven Poster ASC, as well as the staff at Local 600 who share a commitment to honoring our craft and ensuring its bright future.

I have since spoken to Maryanne, Steven and Baird regarding my resignation and my focus on future endeavors where I hope to make as big of an impact,  I Step down with immense gratitude and pride in all we have accomplished together. I trust that this program will continue to evolve and thrive under new leadership, inspiring and empowering emerging cinematographers for many years to come.  I have great hopes for the next Chair, whomever that should be and hope they carry the torch even further and shine a brighter light on the ECA’s moving forward.

Thank you for the camaraderie and trust you have shown me during this extraordinary journey. Though my tenure as Chairman comes to an end, my passion for the art and dedication to our community remain steadfast.

With warm regards and best wishes for the continued success of the Emerging Cinematographers Awards.

JIMMY