Thomas E. Ackerman


Thomas Edward Ackerman is an American cinematographer.

Career in Higher Education (2008–present)

Between 2008 and 2009 Ackerman joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking. In the subsequent years, likely bolstered in some part by Ackerman’s influence, Michael Chapman, A.S.C. began teaching at the conservatory. Ackerman, drawing from his years of experience following modest beginnings, engages upper-level cinematography students through both hands on instruction and lectures. In 2015, Ackerman debuted an autobiographical course “ Pathways: A Career in Film” through lectures and screenings.
Ackerman succeeded cinematography department chair following Elkins’ retirement in 2019.

Filmography

Short film
YearTitleDirector
1984FrankenweenieTim Burton
2002CinéMagiqueJerry Rees

Feature film
YearTitleDirectorNotes
1980New Year's EvilEmmett AlstonCredited as "Edward Thomas"
1982Foxfire LightAllen Baron
1984Roadhouse 66John Mark Robinson
1985Girls Just Want to Have FunAlan Metter
1986Back to SchoolAlan Metter
1988BeetlejuiceTim Burton
1988MoonwalkerJerry Kramer
Colin Chilvers
With Robert E. Collins, Frederick Elmes,
John Hora and Crescenzo G.P. Notarile
1989National Lampoon's Christmas VacationJeremiah S. Chechik
1991True IdentityCharles Lane
1993Dennis the MenaceNick Castle
1994Baby's Day OutPatrick Read Johnson
1995JumanjiJoe Johnston
1997George of the JungleSam Weisman
1997The Eighteenth AngelWilliam Bindley
1999My Favorite MartianDonald Petrie
1999The MuseAlbert Brooks
2000Beautiful JoeStephen Metcalfe
2000The Adventures of Rocky and BullwinkleDes McAnuff
2001Rat RaceJerry Zucker
2002Snow DogsBrian Levant
2003The Battle of Shaker HeightsEfram Potelle
Kyle Rankin
2003Dickie Roberts: Former Child StarSam Weisman
2004Anchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyAdam McKay
2004Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost MovieAdam McKayDirect-to-video
2005Are We There Yet?Brian Levant
2005Looking for Comedy in the Muslim WorldAlbert Brooks
2006The BenchwarmersDennis Dugan
2006Scary Movie 4David Zucker
2007Balls of FuryRobert Ben Garant
2008Superhero MovieCraig Mazin
2009Fired Up!Will Gluck
2009InfestationKyle Rankin
2011Mardi Gras: Spring BreakPhil Dornfield
2011Alvin and the Chipmunks: ChipwreckedMike Mitchell
2015Night of the Living DebKyle Rankin