Inside the August 2025 Issue of American Cinematographer
The August 2025 issue of American Cinematographer features a special focus on cinema cameras and lenses and optics, with coverage of F1: The Movie, Chief of War and Chef's Table, as well as a look at a pair of optical tools: the Freelensing Cine and the Raptor Scope. Also featured are our annual Rising Stars of Cinematography showcase and a primer on shooting plate photography.
Shooting High-Speed Racing for F1: The Movie
Claudio Miranda, ASC, ACC and director Joseph Kosinski unpack their collaboration on this adrenaline-fueled sports drama, detailing the custom camera solutions developed for the film’s demanding racing sequences.
Capturing Culinary Beauty for Chef’s Table
Adam Bricker, ASC shares his visual recipe for this long-running documentary series, including a discussion of how lens choice is "a good example of where we've strategically chosen to break our own rules."
Bringing Naturalism to the Period Epic Chief of War
Matthew Chuang, ACS, an AC Rising Stars alum, discusses the production of this immersive historical-epic series, which was shot on location across Hawaii and New Zealand to provide an authentic backdrop for its sweeping scope. The show called for lens modifications to create increased spherical aberrations and a painterly look.
Rising Stars of Cinematography 2025
AC proudly presents this year’s honorees: Mia Cioffi Henry, Olan Collardy, Tehillah De Castro, Shady Hanna, James Rhodes, John Rosario, Sarah Whelden and Joshua Zucker-Pluda — a new generation pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
President’s Desk
In her inaugural column, ASC President Mandy Walker reflects on the Society’s impact and priorities.
Shot Craft
Understanding the basics of plate capture is key to creating seamless illusions on the screen.
Tools of the Trade
The Freelensing Cine and the Raptor Scope offer optical solutions for specialized cinematography.
Clubhouse News
- Welcoming new members: Michael Liu, Gyula Pados, and Ken Seng.
- Coverage from Cine Gear L.A. Expo and the Society’s annual Summer Splash
- Highlights from the ASC summit "Visual Artistry in the Age of AI."
- An exclusive preview of the Fujifilm GFX Eterna.
- ASC Education & Outreach panels at J.L. Fisher and UNCSA.
- A Sony Master Class for Content Creators.
- 2025 Pierre Angénieux Tribute Honoree Dion Beebe, ASC, ACS.
- Telly Awards presented to ASC’s Clubhouse Conversations.
Wrap Shot
A look back at Grand Prix (1966), shot by Lionel Lindon, ASC and directed by John Frankenheimer — a landmark in racing cinematography that continues to influence the genre.
