IN THE PICTURE Festival director Marek Żydowicz reveals why this year’s EnergaCAMERIMAGE will provide not only a celebration of the art of cinematography, but also a forum for reflection on the role of cinema in today’s world – a space where…
DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE If the hallmark of a great cinematographer is images that don’t shout louder than the story, then Remi Adefarasin OBE BSC is a master. Remi Adefarasin OBE BSC’s extraordinary body of work, built on over two decades at the BBC, includes a huge variety of film and TV including Band of Brothers and The…
BOOM AND GLOOM While the UK film and TV sector continues to recover from a prolonged slowdown, international blockbusters are helping sustain demand for studio space — fuelling growth even as domestic production works to regain its footing. The domestic…
LAIRY BIKER Nick Morris brings a restrained, emotionally precise visual style to Harry Lighton’s Pillion, balancing kink, tenderness and British grit through vintage lenses and composed camerawork. When Nick Morris was first contacted by writer-director Harry Lighton about shooting British comedy-drama Pillion, there was…
Strengthening governance, running workshops, connecting members, hosting events, sharing resources, celebrating achievements and honouring Tim Potter’s legacy, the GBCT thrived over the year. The GBCT has had a busy 2025, building on the foundations COO Lorraine Luke laid in her first year.…
GLAMOUR MEETS PRECARITY The results of the Behind the Lens study on living conditions and working conditions of camera crews in Europe are sobering. Kurt Brazda, chair of the IMAGO Working Conditions Committee, highlights the fundamental transformation of the labour market the study reveals. After one and a half years of intensive work, and…
As his time as BSC President draws to a close, Christopher Ross BSC reflects on a period of renewal as well as industry upheaval, highlighting why greater inclusion and a supportive creative community are essential for the future of cinematography. Coda /ˈkəʊdə/ noun By the…
TORTURED SOUL Ben Fordesman BSC reveled in collaboration and creative problem-solving with a kindred spirit when lensing Ronan Day-Lewis’ directorial debut and Daniel Day-Lewis’ welcome return to the screen. Ben Fordesman BSC was urged to “stop everything” when he was sent the script for Anemone by agent Grant Illes…
BURNING BRIGHT With Avatar: Fire and Ash, the Pandora saga continues, as cinematographer Russell Carpenter ASC details his work on the film, stereoscopic cinematography and a decades-long collaboration with James Cameron. With the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash – the third in the multi-billion dollar grossing sci-fi saga by director James Cameron, all set on the…
A MOVIE’S METAMORPHOSIS Led by powerhouse performances from leads Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn – with the pair scooping Best Joint Performance at the Tribeca Film Festival – Dragonfly explores an unusual friendship between two vastly different neighbours. Behind the camera, Girls on Film Awards nominee…
LETTING GO By stripping back gear and embracing an organic visual language, Łukasz Żal PSC immerses audiences in the raw, spiritual story of Hamnet, a production crafted by intuition, the natural world and the emotional impact of love and loss. Bringing Hamnet to the screen…
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH Amy Vincent ASC captures Song Sung Blue, a love story of two musicians inspired by a legendary American singer-songwriter, blending heartfelt performances, infectious musicand the joy of a truly collaborative set. “The film isn’t a Neil Diamond biopic…
FRAMED FOR ADVENTURE Cinematographer Caroline Bridges reimagines The Famous Five with nostalgic tungsten glow, cinematic depth and modern LED finesse, blending 1940s Hollywood craft with fresh BBC adventure. Four brave friends — and one loyal dog — set off on adventures that stirred imaginations.…
NOWHERE TO HIDE Edgar Wright’s 2025 The Running Man remakes the Schwarzenegger classic, embracing Stephen King’s darker vision with DP Chung-hoon Chung ASC’s rich cinematography, digital innovation and high-stakes dystopian action. In late 2025, The Running Man raced back to screens, reimagining Stephen King’s 1982 novel, written under…
GOING OFF THE GRID Bringing Light Cycles from the Grid to the real world in Tron: Ares was no small feat. Jeff Cronenweth ASC explains how he shot a sci-fi spectacular that’s the latest in a series with a storied visual legacy. …
FILMING WITH PURPOSE There are many powerful scenes in Iranian drama It Was Just an Accident. However, the penultimate sequence of the film – in which Ebrahim Azizi’s Eghbal is tied to a tree and interrogated by the film’s protagonists – is striking in…
SHAKE IT OFF Every scene in The Testament of Ann Lee, following the titular leader of the Shaker Movement, is unique, stylish and supporting of its story. Yet one particular sequence – as Ann and her followers head on a stormy voyage from the UK to the…
ANCIENT IDEAS FOR A MODERN WORLD In a sea of uncertainty and soul-sucking corporatisation, one company stands steadfast in offering cinematographers the tools, the time and the care to create art. In the history of filmmaking, periods of rapid expansion are often followed…
PAINTING WITH LED LIGHT Nestled in the heart of Soho, the V Studio at Film Soho is a space where creativity leads and the technology quietly enables the creation of gorgeous images by being able to control both the light…
A NEW ERA FOR VIRTUAL PRODUCTION AT GARDEN STUDIOS Garden Studios’ extensive hands-on virtual production experience has resulted in a volume stage designed to offer productions greater creative flexibility through smarter design, advanced LED technology and collaborative expertise. Garden Studios is one of the longest running virtual production facilities in the UK;…
TEUTONIC TALENT Cinematographer Erwin Hillier BSC shaped British cinema with inventive, poetic imagery, from A Canterbury Tale to The Dam Busters, blending artistry and technical mastery across decades of filmmaking. 1911 – 2005 BSC Founding Member Born in Berlin to English and German parents, Erwin Hillier BSC briefly…
THE ROAD TO RUIN Peter Deming ASC recounts working on David Lynch’s surreal LA noir Mulholland Drive. Peter Deming ASC was an established DP (Evil Dead II, My Cousin Vinny) before beginning his collaboration with David Lynch first on HBO…
FRAMING THE FUTURE OF FILM From tributes to David Lynch and groundbreaking cinematography to urgent discussions around AI and creative inspiration, Camerimage blended technical innovation in an evolving industry with a celebration of the craft of image-making. The birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus has a museum, planetarium and the…
MOVIE MAGIC IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Community, craft and the future of cinema were in the spotlight in Palma at the 14th edition of Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival. Set against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop, Evolution Mallorca International Festival celebrated not only cinema but the people who create it. With a continued emphasis on craft, collaboration and…
While cinematographers primarily focus on moving images, many are also skilled photographers, getting a lot out of working with stills – and sharing them with “photo buddies”. This includes Steven Poster ASC… I’ve known many people whose lives are dedicated to photography. I’ve been fortunate to say that from the time I was 12 years old. But of…
GUIDED BY THE LIGHT Filmography so far (project title, director, year released) Feature film- Here Lies (Dir. Duncan Ward, 2016) Best Cinematography winner Shorts – Mrs & Mr Chips (Dir. Lee Morgan, 2025); The Backway (Dir. Cherno Jagne 2024; Noble Bonds (Dir. Yennis Cheung, 2024); The Shepherd (Dir. Iain Softley, 2023) — second camera, DP John Mathieson BSC; The Last (Dir. Andrew Dobson,…
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Cinegirl began as a space to amplify women’s filmmaking voices; now, evolving into CineVoices, it embraces a broader, more inclusive community shaping the industry’s future together. When I was approached to write this comment piece, I confess, it came with…
BOOK SMART From creative classics to technical bibles, cinematographers share the timeless books that have shaped their image-making and storytelling and influenced how they see the world. New Cinematographers by Alexander Ballinger (chosen by Stephen Murphy BSC ISC) “New Cinematographers by Alexander Ballinger was first published in 2004 at a time when books on modern…
A still image has the power to tell an entire story, capturing a moment in time. Celebrating the connection between photography and the moving image, we hear from a group of DPs about their passion for photography and the impact it has…
LOVE AND LAVA Ollie Downey BSC recounts shooting The Fires in Iceland, navigating volcanic eruptions, extreme weather and a tiny crew to capture epic visuals on a modest budget. There aren’t too many more exciting calls to get as a cinematographer than to travel to Iceland…
TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY AND TALENT Recently appointed BSC President Oliver Stapleton BSC discusses the evolution of BSC Expo, emerging technologies shaping cinematography and why education, sustainability and global dialogue remain at the heart of the event. How does the event create a global…
POCKET CINEMA Cinematographers Ko-Chin Chen and Tzu-Hao Kao capture Taipei’s raw intimacy on iPhone, using stealth, natural light and minimal crews to deliver immediacy and emotional authenticity. Stripped back and raw, Left-Handed Girl (2025) marks Shih-Ching Tsou’s first solo feature after years…
CAPTIVE CURIOSITY Robbie Ryan BSC ISC reveals how he created tension—largely within the confines of a basement setting—and the VistaVision adventure he enjoyed, working with rare cameras to craft one of Yorgos Lanthimos’ most technically ambitious films. Spanning The Favourite,…
MEMORY IN MOTION From shooting in Nigeria to walking the red carpet at the Cannes premiere, Jermaine Edwards’ cinematographic journey with My Father’s Shadow—his first feature—saw him explore capturing the feeling of childhood memory on 16mm celluloid. A child’s-eye view…
A TERRIFYING TENANT The Man in My Basement sees down-on-his-luck Charles become even more unlucky when a strange man takes residence in his cellar. Using lights and, more importantly, the absence of them, Ula Pontikos BSC worked with director Nadia…
TAKING THE PLUNGE Cinematographer Steven Breckon reflects on lensing Charlie Polinger’s debut feature The Plague; part body horror, part coming-of-age psychological thriller. From the raw realities of adolescence through to powerful underwater scenes, the team captured a unique tale of…
ONE BATTLE, ONE VISION To craft Paul Thomas Anderson’s road movie with a difference, Michael Bauman set off on a multi-city shoot to capture the director’s wild and wonderful story of epic proportions almost entirely on VistaVision, taking the format…
MASTERING FILM WITH GIANTS From clapper boy to Oscar-winning cinematographer, Jack Hildyard BSC shaped British cinema, working with legends like Laurence Olivier and creating classics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai. 1908 – 1990 Founding member President 1965 –…
LONDON CALLING With big-name stars descending on Southbank for the London Film Festival, the BFI event is establishing itself as a major autumn pit stop in the awards season rush. Boasting over 200 titles from across the world, as well…
GLOBAL LENS ON CINEMATOGRAPHY IMAGO’s interview series spotlights global cinematographers, revealing how personal histories and cultural roots shape visual storytelling in a shared pursuit of artistic, emotional filmmaking excellence. IMAGO, the International Federation of Cinematographers, supports its mission to unite…
From commercials to IMAX epics, first assistant Ethan McDonald brings precision, trust and craft to every frame — earning the confidence of cinema’s top storytellers. Selected filmography: Sinners: 2025; first assistant camera A camera The Last Showgirl: 2024; first assistant…
A week at the Sundance Institute meant film camp for grown-ups — working with Robert Redford, Sally Field and future greats like James Mangold and Paul Thomas Anderson. One of the greatest honours of my career was to be invited…
FRAME OF MIND Filmography so far (project title, director, year released) Feature: Teleport (original title: Coyote) – Dustin Curtis Murphy, 2023 Selected Shorts: Imprint – Louis Akihito & Jordan Neill I Am the Prize – Sai Kalwan Tawar, 2024 The…
Film festivals, from Sundance to Camerimage, preserve cinema’s diversity, spotlight emerging voices and celebrate cinematography’s power to transform ordinary moments into profound, unforgettable images. Leitmotif /ˈlʌɪtməʊˌtiːf/ noun “There are two leitmotifs in his score marking the heroine and her Fairy…
GREEN SHOOTS Sustainability in film and TV production is no longer optional but essential—and technology, planning and mindset shifts are the keys to making it work without compromising creativity. Going green has become the mantra in recent decades—an essential talking…
AI, robotic cameras and digital shifts are redefining filmmaking. It’s time to explore whether all crews will adapt, survive or be sidelined in this bold new era of the media industry. This year’s Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS) featured…
TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS Recognised as one of the premier picture post-production companies in the world, The Look has already supported a wide range of high-profile projects – from experimental thrillers like Ballad of a Small Player to buzzy Prime…
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing ignites late-’90s Big Apple grit, with Austin Butler leading and cinematography from Matthew Libatique ASC LPS fuelling the chaos in this fast-paced crime thriller. Charlie Huston’s cult noir novel Caught Stealing gets the big screen…
RETURNING TO OZ Last year’s Wicked defied not only gravity but expectations, nominated for 10 Academy Awards and banking $750 million at the global box office, becoming the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time. Alice Brooks ASC explains…
THE LION’S DEN Family drama Father Mother Sister Brother claims the Golden Lion at Venice, beating the bookies’ favourite, a film that left critics in tears. The 82nd Venice Film Festival had many talking points, but the most wildly debated was surely…
Meet the organisations taking important steps towards a more sustainable film and television industry. Get Set Hire At Get Set Hire we have everything you could possibly need for your TV or film production: from Motorola radios to director’s chairs, from costume…
From epic blockbusters to intimate dramas, the leading post houses and labs power 2025’s most anticipated screen stories. Cinelab Film & Digital has recently supported a number of major productions with both film and digital services. The company provided digital…
PORTRAIT OF A FRACTURED MIND Reuniting with Lynne Ramsay, Seamus McGarvey ASC BSC ISC pushed visual boundaries when framing a tortured soul; finding the heartbreaking beauty along the way as the mental state of Die My Love’s central character gradually…
BRINGING A CLASSIC TO LIFE Very few stories are as well-known as Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror Frankenstein, but if any filmmaker can add a fresh twist to the tale, it’s Guillermo del Toro. Longtime collaborator Dan Laustsen ASC DFF explains…
BRILLIANCE IN THE BALKANS Bitola’s Manaki Brothers Film Festival dazzled with masterclasses, awards and global guests, celebrating cinematography’s artistry under new direction — a vibrant tribute to filmmaking’s enduring soul. For each visit to the ”Manaki Brothers” Film Festival, I…
PULLING UP TREES Following a logger in 1900s Washington, US, Train Dreams uses a grand canvas to tell a personal story – Adolpho Veloso ABC AIP explains how he and writer-director Clint Bentley crafted a period piece that feels relatable…
FEELING A MOMENT Timely tale A House of Dynamite is lensed in an authentic, intimate and honest way by Barry Ackroyd BSC, capturing the increasing threat and tension as the story is revealed from multiple perspectives. Viewing filmmaking as an…
The next era of filmmaking will not be defined by technology alone as remaining connected to our authentic creative voice continues to be at the heart of the cinematographic process, says Christopher Ross BSC. Creativity /kriːeɪˈtɪvɪti/ Noun the use of…
For the first time in its 106-year history, the ASC is led by a woman—the new president writes about her dedication to opportunity, inclusivity and supporting future storytellers. The American Society of Cinematographers is a 106-year-old organisation and my presidency…
As Hollywood weathers uncertainty and rapid changes, Steven Poster ASC reflects on past golden ages, digital disruption and the creative resilience needed for what’s next. It is such a difficult time around the globe right now. I have been thinking…
TAKING A PUNT Fresh off basketball drama Rez Ball, Kira Kelly ASC instantly turned her attention to another sport in Him. Yet, blending American football with surrealist horror, this shoot proved a very different experience for the filmmaker… “Unless a…
THE GLOBETROTTER Osmond Borradaile BSC, a pioneering cinematographer, captured epic moments across continents, from war zones to Hollywood, earning accolades and a legacy in film history. Osmond Borradaile BSC was born in 1898 in Winnipeg, Canada, the youngest child of…
HIGH STAKES Making Ballad of a Small Player meant striking a careful balance between atmosphere and restraint. Cinematographer James Friend ASC BSC reflects on the contrasting challenges of filming in Macau’s tightly controlled casinos and on the open waters of Lamma Bay. …
MASTERING MONOCHROME Black-and-white cinematography continues to inspire striking visual storytelling, with filmmakers embracing its expressive power through digital innovation, historic references and bold photographic techniques. Colour and monochrome cinematography was once considered so different that there were, for a long…
Industry insiders share their journeys to securing film funding—insider tips, lessons learnt, and the real stories behind making projects happen against all odds. When we watch something on screen — whether in the immersive darkness of a cinema or on…
CONNECTION TO THE CRAFT Filmography so far (project title, director, year released) Feature films: Finding The First South Asian Lioness (Dir. Abbey Monteiro, 2025) Demon (Dir. George Louis Bartlett, 2021) Short films: Rock, Paper, Scissors (Dir. Franz Böhm, 2024) The…
TUNNEL VISION Using high-speed Venice 2 photography, practical lighting and selective VFX, Outrageous evokes fractured memory, culminating in a stylised, slow-motion “Cathedral of Light” at Nuremberg. Outrageous is narrated by eldest sibling Nancy Mitford, who opens the show by describing…
LIGHTS, CAMERA, KRYPTON! That thing you saw in the sky this past summer may not have been a bird or a plane, but more likely Warner Bros’ newly lifted hopes for a rebooted DC film universe, thanks to the critical…
SPEED AND CONTROL IN A BULB From submarines to missile silos, Emmy-nominated cinematographer Jimmy Lindsey ASC harnesses compact, LED fixtures to move at the speed of a TV schedule without sacrificing cinematic scale — transforming the way he paints with…
SIGNS OF THE TIMES Ollie Downey BSC relied on Astera tubes with diffusion socks and HMIs outside windows to light Reunion, managing a tight schedule and high page count with a traditional yet effective lighting setup. The BBC drama miniseries Reunion is widely…
A TUNISIAN TALE Writer-director Erige Sehiri reunites with cinematographer Frida Marzouk AFC on Promised Sky, capturing intimate performances in Tunis with a naturalistic, handheld style and Panavision lenses. Telling the story of three women whose lives intersect in modern-day Tunis, Promised…
LIGHTING THE UNSEEN Uwe Greiner shares insight into how he used Aputure to shape the visual world of Nine Perfect Strangers. When Nine Perfect Strangers returned for a second season, the production left behind the eucalyptus forests of Australia and…
A REVOLUTIONARY ART Nouvelle Vague recounts the production of Jean-Luc Godard’s seminal debut Breathless in fascinating detail, marking a triumphant pairing between Richard Linklater and rising French cinematographer David Chambille. Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague (New Wave) spirits audiences to that…
MISFITS COME OF AGE Selecting tools and techniques to reflect the energy or intimacy of a scene were essential for Si Bell BSC, Kate Reid BSC and Neus Ollé BSC AEC when lensing the screen adaptation of the witty and…
SPACE ACE Jess Hall ASC BSC reinvents Marvel’s retro-future aesthetic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, blending 1960s inspiration with cutting-edge IMAX technology for a unique visual journey. The story of Marvel Comics began in 1939 with the founding of Timely Publications, which…
A LENS ON LIFE From spontaneous dance routines through to the end of the world, The Life of Chuck’s unique narrative commanded an equally distinctive filmmaking approach to translate Stephen King’s short story celebration of what it means to be…
A NEW FRAME FOR ARMENIAN CINEMA The Armenian Cinematographers Guild, in partnership with the Golden Apricot International Film Festival, IMAGO, Woods Center and GAIFF Pro, launched its first professional Master Class series in July. But this wasn’t just a string…
Scotland’s first GBCT Steadicam course gave trainees the chance to develop practical skills through hands-on training with top industry professionals. The GBCT and Tiffen ran Scotland’s first Steadicam workshop in January, supported by ScreenSkills and NoDrama’s James Jones. Tutors Gareth…
CAPTURING THE CHAOS OF THE ER Johanna Coelho reveals how she shot The Pitt’s 15-hour ER shift, using immersive 360-degree sets, handheld intimacy and inventive lighting to bring every moment to life. When I first read the scripts for The…
The newest cohort of Full and Associate members of the BSC have been revealed. Learn more about the accomplished cinematographers and camera operators who have been invited to join the society. Aaron Reid BSC Selected credits Supacell; The Walk-In; A…
STARS OF THE SOCIETY It was time to celebrate as well as reminisce as the BSC’s summer gathering brought the society’s charm and sparkle to Windsor. The annual BSC Summer Lunch was again held at the stunning De Vere Beaumont…
REFRAMING THE CONCERT FILM Erik Messerschmidt ASC takes us behind the scenes of monochrome music creation, Bono: Stories of Surrender, to explore the making of a bold, immersive and intimate concert film. The passion to ensure a project came to…
BRINGING TRUTH TO LIGHT Balazs Bolygo BSC HCA crafts a rigorous, multi-format reconstruction, using lighting to underscore emotional proximity, institutional detachment, and shifting perspectives in Jean Charles de Menezes’ tragic misidentification. The four-part Disney+ series Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles…
CREATIVE DRIVE The need for speed and authenticity was the driving force behind one of this year’s most highly anticipated cinematic events— F1: The Movie. Claudio Miranda ASC ACC details the method he and director Joseph Kosinski implemented when lensing…
CULINARY CONSISTENCY Lauded as one of this generation’s most beloved shows, Andrew Wehde fills us in on how he has cultivated The Bear’s distinct visual style over four seasons. As the FX juggernaut airs its fourth instalment, Andrew Wehde has…
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