Cinematic Quantum: The Innovative Eye of a Cinematographer – Master Class to Be Held in July 2026

Master Class Tokyo January 2026

We are honored to welcome Amy Vincent (ASC) and Catherine Goldschmidt (ASC, BSC) as instructors, offering not only technical know-how but also the essential decision-making frameworks needed to succeed on the global stage—such as "on-set decision-making," "communication with directors and production teams," and "what is expected in international production environments." This is a rare opportunity to gain direct insights from two highly experienced cinematographers.

□ July 15 (Day 1) – July 16 (Day 2)

Master Class Instructors

Amy Vincent, ASC × Catherine Goldschmidt, ASC BSC

Amy Vincent, ASC
Director of Photography: Eve's Bayou / Hustle & Flow / Song Sung Blue
Taught visual storytelling at AFI, FSU, and LMU (Loyola Marymount University); currently Artist in Residence at LMU School of Film. Invited as the 6th female member of the ASC in 2002. Recipient of the 2024 ASC Presidents Award and current ASC Board member. Winner of the Sundance Film Festival Cinematography Award (Hustle & Flow). Her latest film, Song Sung Blue (2025), earned Kate Hudson an Academy Award nomination. This marks her fourth collaboration with director Craig Brewer.

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0898575/

Catherine Goldschmidt, ASC BSC
Director of Photography: The Last of Us / House of the Dragon / 3 Body Problem
Studied at AFI (American Film Institute). Served as cinematographer for HBO's House of the Dragon and The Last of Us Season 2, earning multiple Emmy, ASC, and BAFTA nominations. Dual member of ASC and BSC. Co-founder of illuminatrix, a UK-based collective of female cinematographers. Currently filming Season 2 of Netflix's 3 Body Problem.

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2428677/

◎ Target Participants
Professionals aiming for the next career stage.
Individuals seeking to expand their careers with international vision and confidence.
Those aspiring to work with international productions, or already involved and wishing to deepen their expertise.

□ July 17 (Day 3)

Academy Class – Separate Application

On July 17, an Academy Class for Assistant Camera (AC) operators will be led by Jamie Felz, 1st AC who has worked closely with both Amy and Catherine. This session, taught by a crew member personally selected by the cinematographers, offers a rare opportunity to learn real-world, on-set perspectives and international standards from an AC’s point of view.

※ The Academy Class requires a separate application from the Master Class. Further details will be announced later.

Jamie Felz

Has worked on numerous films and TV series including Kill Bill, There Will Be Blood, and The Aviator, specializing in action/second unit and camera rigging for vehicles and aircraft. Serves on the Training Committee of IATSE Local 600 (International Cinematographers Guild). Awarded Technician of the Year by SOC (The Society of Camera Operators) in 2025.

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0271686/

Event Overview

Dates: Master Class – July 15 (Wed), 16 (Thu)
Academy Class – July 17 (Fri)

Venue: SONY / Digital Media Production Center (DMPC) Japan

Organizers: Agency for Cultural Affairs / Japan Arts Council / Japanese Society of Cinematographers (JSC)

Application: Details to be announced in mid-June via the association’s website and other channels.

【About Cinematic Quantum】

Supported by the "Japan Creator Support Fund" (officially the "Fund for Strengthening the Foundation of Cultural and Artistic Activities"), established by the Japan Arts Council with funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This initiative supports the development of training programs that provide students and professionals with the skills needed for international careers, including hands-on experience in global settings. "Cinematic Quantum" is one such commissioned project, jointly developed and implemented over multiple years by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Arts Council, and JSC, aiming to nurture cinematographers capable of excelling in international film production.

Organized by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan; Japan Arts Council; Japanese Society of Cinematographers (JSC)
Secretariat: Japanese Society of Cinematographers (JSC)