John Simmons, ASC

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John Simmons, ASC

John Simmons, ASC

John Simmons, ASC

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

John Simmons, ASC studied fine art at Fisk University and Cinematography at the University of California, USC. He has been a member of The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) since 2004. He presently serves as one of the ASC vice presidents. John has been behind the camera since the early seventies. He started in documentaries working with film director Carlton Moss who became his mentor in college. Later his career led him to shooting and directing commercials, music videos with a spectrum of artists: Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg and so many others.

John Simmons, ASC studied fine art at Fisk University and Cinematography at the University of California, USC. He has been a member of The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) since 2004. He presently serves as one of the ASC vice presidents. John has been behind the camera since the early seventies. He started in documentaries working with film director Carlton Moss who became his mentor in college. Later his career led him to shooting and directing commercials, music videos with a spectrum of artists: Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg and so many others. Simmons has been on the faculty at UCLA teaching cinematography and influencing and guiding the careers of students for more than twenty years.

His introduction to television began with movies of the week. The Killing Yard, The Ruby Bridges Story, Selma, Lord, Selma. He has shot number of documentaries for PBS, Showtime, and HBO.

His first multi-camera prime time show was The Hughleys.

This began a prominent career in multi-camera sitcoms. The Tracy Morgan Show, All of Us, The Jonas Brothers, Men at Work, A Dog With a Blog, as well as many pilots. Simmons has received three Primetime Emmy nominations, twice for the Disney series Pair of Kings - the first for a children's show in the cinematography category (2011 and 2012). In 2016 he won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for the show Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. John is currently shooting the 2017 Roseanne.

updated 12.13.17

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Awards & Nominations

4 Nominations | 1 Emmy
Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series - 2020
  • Nominee
  • John Simmons, ASC, Director of Photography
  • Family Reunion
  • "Remember Black Elvis?"
  • Netflix
  • Netflix
Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series - 2016
Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-camera Series - 2012
  • Nominee
  • John Simmons, ASC
  • Pair Of Kings
  • "The Evil King (Part 2)"
  • Disney XD
  • It's a Laugh Productions in association with Disney Studios
Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-camera Series - 2011
  • Nominee
  • John Simmons, ASC
  • Pair Of Kings
  • "Return Of The Kings"
  • Disney XD
  • It's a Laugh Productions in association with Disney Studios

The Television Academy database lists prime-time Emmy information. Click here to learn more

2021 Cinematography, Lighting, Camera & Technical Arts, Special Visual Effects and Picture Editing Nominee Celebration
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
John Simmons accepts an award at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys.
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2021 Cinematography, Lighting, Camera & Technical Arts, Special Visual Effects and Picture Editing Nominee Celebration
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Governors David Plakos, Michael Ruscio, Scott Boyd, and John Simmons attend the 73rd Emmy Awards Nominee Celebration honoring this year’s nominees for Outstanding Cinematography, Lighting, Camera & Technical Arts, Special Visual Effects and Picture Editing at the Television Academy on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 in North Hollywood, California.

Invision/AP
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
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Television Academy Governor John Simmons talks with guests at the 2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception at the Television Academy on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in North Hollywood, California.

Invision/AP
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
Camera

Television Academy Governors John Simmons and Greg Kupiec at the 2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception at the Television Academy on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in North Hollywood, California.

Invision/AP
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
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Television Academy Governor Gary Baum, Jakob Ihre and Television Academy Governor John Simmons at the 2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception at the Television Academy on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in North Hollywood, California.

Invision/AP
2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception
Camera

Television Academy Governor Gary Baum, Ava Berkofsky, and Television Academy Governor John Simmons at the 2019 Cinematography/Lighting, Camera, and Technical Arts Nominee Reception at the Television Academy on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in North Hollywood, California.

Invision/AP
John Simmons accepts an award at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys.
Camera

John Simmons accepts an award at the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys. 

Invision/AP
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