The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), IATSE Local 600, continued its tradition of celebrating emerging talent in the cinematography world with the 2024 Emerging Cinematographer Awards (ECAs). This prestigious event, now in its 26th year, honored eight rising filmmakers at a gala held on September 29 at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. The ECAs hold a unique place in the industry, being the only award show dedicated specifically to up-and-coming cinematographers who are helping to shape the future of cinematography.
Founded in 1996 by Rob Kositchek Jr., an ICG Local 600 member, the awards were initially inspired by Kositchek’s experience at the University of Southern California Film Showcase, where he recognized the need for greater exposure for emerging cinematographers.
Co-chaired by cinematographers Jimmy Matlosz and Steven Poster, ASC, the ECAs continue to highlight new talent while also supporting the ICG’s Scholarship & Preservation Fund. “The ECAs foster talent from within the ranks of union professionals,” explained Matlosz. “It takes a lot to launch a career; in many cases, it can take more than a decade. Many factors play into someone’s success, and that is where the ECAs give our talented filmmakers a boost.”
The 2024 ICG ECA winners and ECA Co-Chair Steven Poster, ASC (middle). (Photo credit: IATSE Local 600 / Troy Harvey)
This year’s eight honorees were selected from a pool of 118 submissions, and each was recognized for their short films, all under 30 minutes in length. The 2024 awardees included Dominic Bartolone for Sweet Santa Barbara Brown, Adam Carboni for INCOMPLETE, Matthew Halla for The Unreachable Star, Jessica Hershatter for Pirandello on Broadway, Allen Ho for Iron Lung, Nick Mahar for Sands of Fate, Dylan Trivette for Bearing Witness: A Name & A Voice, and Andrew Trost for Bloom.
When discussing trends in this year’s submissions, Matlosz pointed out the broad range of styles and genres presented by the winners. However, he emphasized that regardless of how cinematography evolves, the core of great storytelling remains consistent. “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” he noted, “and yet in art, still evolve.”
Technological advancements in digital acquisition and LED lighting have opened new creative possibilities, but Matlosz highlighted that the biggest shifts are likely happening in post-production, where tools such as VFX and color grading have become more accessible, allowing filmmakers to produce high-quality work on a modest budget.
ECA winner Adam Carboni (DP for INCOMPLETE) with his GH7. (Photo credit: IATSE Local 600 / Troy Harvey)
Matlosz further emphasized the impact the awards have had over the years, noting that industry professionals pay attention to the ECA winners. “There have been many ECA alumni who garnered a lot more recognition after their win,” he said. “So, people in the industry are watching, and we are so glad they are.”
Panasonic LUMIX participated as a Silver Sponsor for the ECAs, and also contributed to the event by donating a LUMIX GH7 as an in-kind gift to one of the winners. Adam Carboni received the GH7, a camera that will hopefully assist in his future projects. According to Matlosz, the event’s growth was attributed in part to its sponsors, whose contributions extended beyond financial support. “Our sponsors respect the craft, and many of them offer support way beyond the event, not just to the honorees but to members in general.”
The Emerging Cinematographer Awards continue to be a key platform for discovering and supporting new talent, as well as offering a space for cinematographers to showcase their work and build important connections. As Matlosz said, "Ideally, all of these advancements allow for making a better film for a lot less out of pocket, allowing a larger group of filmmakers to be as creative and inspired as they want."
