Cinematographer Michael Goi, ASC, ISC, framing a shot on set.
I want to take a moment to honor cinematographer Michael Goi, ASC, ISC.
I first met Michael at an event at the American Society of Cinematographers Clubhouse in Hollywood, California. He was seated at a table out on the lawn in front of the Clubhouse, and students would come sit down with him and ask him their questions. What I remember most is how carefully he listened to each of them. He wanted to understand their concerns and their questions, and he answered each one with honest advice drawn from a wealth of professional experience, the kind of advice that helps a young filmmaker build a real career. That is who Michael is.
The American Society of Cinematographers Clubhouse in Hollywood, where I first met Michael.
Michael has spent his life in cinematography, ever since he got his first 8mm camera at age eight in Chicago. His cinematography on American Horror Story, Glee, My Name Is Earl and Scream Queens shows how much the right light, lens and camera angle can do to tell a story, whether a scene calls for shadows and suspense or bright, joyful color. He has earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his cinematography, including two for American Horror Story. He became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers in 2003, served as the Society's 49th President from 2009 to 2012, and in 2025 received the ASC Career Achievement in Television Award. He is also a director, with episodes of American Horror Story and the pilot of Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Michael first appeared in our pages in August 2006, when we covered a Hollywood lighting seminar where he told the audience, "There is no such thing as bad lighting." In September 2009 he was on our cover. Since then he has led our From Student to the Studio seminar, judged our video contests and mentored the winners, talked with us about AI and what film school leaves out, and taught what he has learned moving from director of photography to director.
Michael is an outstanding teacher, and he brings the same professional standard to his teaching that he brings to every set. He is a great communicator who speaks to students honestly and with real warmth, and he makes the craft of cinematography feel within reach for anyone willing to work hard and learn. He is a good-hearted person who is devoted to helping the next generation of filmmakers, and our community has learned so much from him.
Thank you, Michael. It is an honor to work with you.
Kim
Learn from Michael in his courses:
- Transitioning from DP to Director with Michael Goi, ASC, ISC
- From DP to Director with Patrick Cady, ASC, DGA and Michael Goi, ASC
- Exclusive Interview with Michael Goi, ASC
- Michael Goi, ASC on AI, Film School and Starting Your Career
- Michael Goi, ASC, ISC: Filming "Words on Bathroom Walls"
- 3 Pro Tips for Directing Actors with Michael Goi, ASC, ISC
- Michael Goi, ASC Seminar: "From Student to The Studio"
What has Michael taught you about cinematography? Share it below.
