The first feature from writer, producer, director, editor and composer David Lynch, ERASERHEAD (1977) was produced by the AFI Center for Advanced Studies (now known as the AFI Conservatory) – of which Lynch was a Fellow during production of the film. Lynch and cinematographer Frederick Elmes – also an AFI Conservatory Alum – have both...

Growing up on the Texas/Mexico border in the ‘80s, director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s (AFI Class of 1995) first introduction to the work of legendary cinematographer Frederick Elmes (AFI Class of 1972) was a worn-out VHS tape of BLUE VELVET. Describing Elmes’ filmmaking as “hypnotic,” Gomez-Rejon continued his initiation with other films shot by Elmes – ERASERHEAD,…

Celebrated cinematographer Frederick Elmes (AFI Class of 1972) will receive the 2017 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. This honor recognizes the extraordinary creative talents of an AFI alumnus or alumna who embodies the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television.