John Simmons, ASC

About John

• Adjunct Assist. Professor
• Phone: 323-856-6127

Biography

Official Site

John Simmons has worked in the film industry since 1973. He was born in Chicago and began his career as a newspaper still photographer for the “Chicago Daily Defender” at the age of sixteen. His photographs have been and are today exhibited all over the world. Even with his busy filming career John continues to take still photographs and inventive portraits today.

Simmons is a graduate of Fisk University with a degree in Fine Arts. He also has an degree in cinematography from USC. He teaches cinematography and has been a faculty member of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television since 1992.

His career as a cinematographer began when working as a camera assistant on African American biographical films for director Carlton Moss. Later these films and this relationship with Carlton would provide Simmons with his first opportunities to work as the cinematographer. It all blossomed from there.

Simmins is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and The Directors Guild of America (DGA). His extensive resume includes feature films, commercials, music videos, television shows and documentaries. His first feature film was “Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored,” directed by Tim Reid. John’s current project is the new Jonas Brothers show for The Disney Channel. There has been a whole lot in between!

(Photo credit: Alex Pitt)