The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has just published the much-anticipated 8th edition of the "ASC Film Manual." The manual is an authoritative source of technical information that is a widely used reference around the world.

"Our purpose is to provide a single source of information that current and future cinematographers and other filmmakers can rely on," says ASC President Steven Poster. " ASC published its first film manual in 1930 (then called "The Cinematographic Annual"). This is the first new edition since 1993. It contains updated and new information about the art and craft of cinematography that was written and reviewed by the world's leading experts."

There are 40 chapters and more than 100 tables and charts in the 929-page manual. Each chapter is authored by a renowned expert on the subject. The latest edition features new chapters covering such topics as high-definition telecine mastering and digital film post-production.

Topics include:

-Comparisons of film formats

-Advice on choosing lenses and filters

-Techniques for emulsion testing

-Detailed description of lab procedures

-Information about lighting

-Camera stabilization and movement

-Front projection

-Motion control and other visual effects techniques

-Computer graphics

-Aerial and underwater cinematography

-How to expose film in infrared and ultra-violet light

-Digital film mastering

ASC associate member Rob Hummel, a senior vice president at Warner Bros.Studios, edited the 8th edition of the "ASC Film Manual." Hummel is uniquely qualified to edit this book. He began his career working closely with cinematographers in production while a representative of Technicolor Laboratories. He has held positions in visual effects, post-production for Sony, Walt Disney Pictures, Imagineering's Theme Park Productions, Disney and DreamWorks Animation, International Post Production, among others. He is an active member of SMPTE, and serves on the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee of the Motion Picture Academy.

"Cinematography is an art form," says Hummel, "and as with any art form, the artist must understand the technology to realize his vision. The 'ASC Film Manual' has always been at the cinematographer's side in helping bridge the gap between the art of cinematography and its technical applications. The Manual helps the cinematographer master a complex and constantly evolving craft, which now crosses freely between film and digital boundaries. This edition has recaptured the best Manuals.'"

Two prominent cinematographers, Stephen Burum, ASC ("The Untouchables," "Hoffa," "Mission Impossible") and Richard Crudo, ASC("American Buffalo," "Outside Providence," "American Pie") collaborated with Hummel on the selection of content. "Everyone involved with this edition worked at ensuring the Manual accurately covered the broad scope of information required not only by the experienced cinematographer in the field, but for students of the craft as well," adds Hummel.

They also reviewed every article for accuracy and relevance. Burum contributed a chapter entitled, "A Jumpstart Guide for the Student Cinematographer." "This is the first reformatting of the manual in many years," says Burum. "It is the chronicle of our craft. As Gordon Willis (ASC) said, 'There is no art without craft.'"

Crudo adds, "This publication will be particularly useful for current and future cinematographers, however, we believe it is a also a relevant guide for anyone who is involved in any aspect of filmmaking."