World renowned cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs (ASC) died in Los Angeles on 22 July at the age of 74. Some of Kovacs’ best known works include cult films such as “Easy Rider’, “Five Easy Pieces’, “Shampoo’, “Paper Moon’ and “New York, New York’.
James Mathers writes in the Digital Cinema Society newsletter: “Laszlo was without doubt one of the most beloved and active members of the American Society of Cinematographers. He headed the Education Committee and was a long time member of the Board. He would often volunteer to share with emerging cinematographers the wisdom and technique he acquired over his long career at programmes such as AFI and UCLA Extension.
“The Hungarian-born cinematographer escaped his homeland in 1957 with his lifelong friend Vilmos Zsigmond (ASC) during an uprising against the communist regime which they had documented on film. They smuggled thousands of feet of this film over the border and made their way to the US as political refugees. James Chressanthis (ASC) is currently in production of a documentary chronicling the remarkable lives and careers of these two great cinematographers.
“Laszlo will be greatly missed by the entire entertainment industry, especially those with a love and appreciation for great cinematography.’
