Visible Spectrum Awards

SASC wishes to recognize the highest levels of excellence in Cinematography currently active in our industry.  We also remember and pay tribute to all those excellent film technicians who have gone before us who played a pivotal role in the growth of our industry.

The SASC Visible Spectrum Awards – VSA are dedicated to the vision of the founder members of the SASC and to the current South African cinematographers who are carving a name for themselves both locally and abroad.

We celebrate and salute our filmmakers, past present and future.

We fervently support the steadfast professionals who ensure a commitment to producing the highest quality images and look forward to the work of all the young up and coming Cinematographers who are making names for themselves in this highly competitive industry, the brave talent meeting the challenges of ever changing technology, demanding creative energy and the constantly shifting “cutting-edge” cinematography.

The SASC salutes you all and is committed to forging into the future as a stable and solid support platform, encouraging the highest quality of work, promoting the needs of the Cinematographer and celebrating the excellence that shines through.

These awards celebrate and acknowledge the very best work produced by South African Cinematographers.

This is an opportunity for Cinematographers to show off their craft, innovation and personalized styles, and to see how these rates with their peers.  A chance to promote talent with the decision-makers of the South African Film and Television industry.

Recognition by and membership of the SASC is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a South African cinematographer, a mark of prestige and distinction.

Visible Spectrum – VSA Categories

BEST STUDENT AWARD – CERTIFICATE AWARD

This category is for best cinematography submitted by a student.

The Student that receive the highest score obtains the certificate.

BEST SASO PRODUCTION – CERTIFICATE AWARD

‘South African Society of Operators – SASO’

SASO membership is open to camera operators and specialist cinematographers who have undertaken work that does not fit the full SASC membership criteria.

This category is for best cinematography by a specialist camera operator, whether by Steadicam, Drone, Under-water, Aerial or any other system of camera not listed below.

The Production that receives the highest score obtains the certificate

SASC ALTERNATIVE – CERTIFICATE AWARD

Magazine, Art and special interest productions. This category is for cinematography on projects that fall into any area that is not reflected in the categories below.

MUSIC VIDEO – VISIBLE SPECTRUM AWARD

This category is for cinematography on music videos.

DOCUMENTARY/SHORT FORM – VISIBLE SPECTRUM AWARD

This category is for cinematography on corporate market or other general documentaries, the top scorer in this category is the Winner, whether by a Bronze, Silver or Gold score. There are 3 nominees.

WILDLIFE DOCUMENTARY – VISIBLE SPECTRUM AWARD

This category is for cinematography on all programmes where the primary subject is wildlife, there is only one award winner this year.

TV DRAMA/SHORT FILM VISIBLE SPECTRUM AWARD

This category is for cinematography on any TV Drama series or a one-off programme.  In the case of a series the entrant may only enter one episode.

COMMERCIAL ‘Commercial Product’ AWARD VISIBLE SPECTRUM

This category is for cinematography on any of the above productions advertising a product.

COMMERCIAL ‘Commercial Corporate’ AWARD VISIBLE SPECTRUM

This category is for cinematography on any of the above productions advertising a corporation or a business.

FEATURE – VISIBLE SPECTRUM AWARD

This category is for cinematography on a feature film by a South African cinematographer whether by birth or permanent residency.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER AWARD

The winner of this category has recorded the highest score by the judges in all of the categories. The highest score must be achieved in any category.

THE STEWART FARNELL AWARD

This is a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This award is to be given to a senior Cinematographer who has excelled in his or her craft during the course of years.  Has been publicly recognised for their professional skill and has been a leader in extending their skills to help develop the skills and careers of others in the industry. This award is only open to members in the field of Cinematography .