The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) has announced that it will honor Emmy-nominated cinematographer Patti Lee, ASC (Bob Hearts Abishola, Superior Donuts) with the ASC Mentor Award at the 2022 Annual Emerging Cinematographer Awards (ECA), which spotlight promising cinematographers and provide crucial exposure to others in the industry.
The Mentor Award and a showcase of the 10 final selected short films will be presented at the ECA event on Oct. 2 at the Wolf Theatre in the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center, followed by a cocktail reception.
After graduating from UCLA film school, Lee began her career lighting feature films, commercials, music videos, and television shows, working first as a set lighting technician before becoming a gaffer. All during that time, she continued to sharpen her skills as a cinematographer on independent projects, including the Independent Spirit Award nominee Bunny.
Lee got her first big break as Director of Photography on The Bernie Mac Show, and since then, she has been busy shooting both single and multi-camera television, having received Emmy nominations for her work on Bob Hearts Abishola, Call Me Kat, and Superior Donuts.
In addition to her work as a DP, Lee produced the Emmy-nominated feature documentary A Small Act, which premiered at Sundance and aired on HBO. Roger Ebert called it one of the best documentaries of 2010.
Meanwhile, the winning shorts filmmakers were selected from 108 submissions nationwide, and they include Andrew Aiello, Green Cobra; Austin Scott Ahlborg, Lotus; Jac Cheairs, KENOBI: A Star Wars Fan Film; Morgan Gardiner, Molly Robber; Gregor Tavenner, Pleasant Canyon; Jason Chau, Sting; Michael Tedford, The Elder Scrolls Legends; Leonard P. Walsh, Kingsnake; Eric M. Hurt, Singularity; and Allie Schultz, Your Monster.
ICG’s Emerging Cinematographer Awards gives Local 600 members an opportunity to present themselves as directors of photography by submitting a short film with a running time of 30 minutes or less for consideration. The awards are open to any member of the guild who is not already classified as a DP. The films are then selected by a panel of ICG members from across the country. Click here for more information about the ECAs or contact MaryAnne MacDougall at [email protected].
ICG represents approximately 9,000 members, and in addition to its work organizing, bargaining, and enforcing contracts, advocating for legislation that serves working families, training, and mentorship, the guild’s ongoing events include the Emerging Cinematographer Awards and the Publicists Awards Luncheon, which is always a highlight of the awards calendar.
