Oscar Winning Cinematographer Wally Pfister to Join Ringling's Film Program

"We value the support and recognition of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and we're thrilled to have Wally Pfister, one of the world's most renowned cinematographers, working directly with our students in master classes on Cinematography & Production Design, Directing, Anatomy of a Scene and Lighting," said Bradley Battersby, Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Program Head. "Our regional film community is also excited about the sound-down screening of 'Inception' on Thursday, October 18th – which is free and open to the public at Riverview High School - during which Wally will provide commentary on technique and vision and answer questions."

The first grant to Ringling College from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was used to bring legendary Costume Designer Anne Roth in last year to teach and lecture.

Wally Pfister has joined the ranks of the top Hollywood cinematographers, earning 3 Academy Award nominations in addition to his one win. The first nomination was for "Batman Begins," for which he was also honored with an American Society of Cinematographers Award nomination. The following year he was nominated for "The Prestige," and in 2009, for Christopher Nolan's record-breaking blockbuster, "The Dark Knight." He won his Oscar in 2010 for "Inception" also directed by Nolan. He was also nominated for 2 BAFTA awards, in addition to countless critics' awards. Other work includes the thriller, "Insomnia," for Nolan, "The Italian Job," directed by F. Gary Gray, as well as "Laurel Canyon," and "Moneyball". Films that Pfister has photographed have a cumulative box office gross of over three-billion dollars worldwide. Between feature films, he works as Director/Cameraman on Commercials. Currently, he is in pre-production on his feature film directorial debut, which is due to begin filming in early 2013.