August 2024 Issue of American Cinematographer

The August 2024 issue presents a special focus on camera systems, including coverage of the features Fallout and MaXXXine and a look at flange-depth specifications in the digital age; a spotlight on the 2024 Rising Stars of Cinematography; a special report on an industry panel on artificial intelligence convened by the ASC; and a Texas Chain Saw Massacre retrospective.

·       ASC President Shelly Johnson considers the importance of a cinematographer’s formative professional experiences.

·       Director of photography Stuart Dryburgh, ASC, NZCS; executive producer/director Jonathan Nolan; and production designer Howard Cummings detail their work on the adaptation of the video game Fallout — including the importance of a moving camera, shooting on film and combining in-camera visual effects with set builds and practical effects.

·       Cinematographer Eliot Rockett, director/writer Ti West and key crew discuss their approach to MaXXXine, including a spotlight on camera techniques and rigging.

·       AC presents the 2024 Rising Stars of Cinematography: Bill Kirstein, Ava Benjamin Shorr, Paul Yee, Jo Jo Lam, Xiaolong Liu and Eric Yue.  

·       A special report on AI and its implications for filmmakers, the subject of a recent panel hosted by the ASC — featuring Society members Michael Goi, Rob Legato and Mandy Walker; director James Cameron; director/photographer Ellenor Argyropoulos; and attorney Angela L. Dunning, a specialist in trademark and copyright law.

·       Daniel Pearl, ASC recalls his work on Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and Marcus Nispel’s 2003 remake of the horror classic.

·       Shot Craft: A look at the ASC Motion Imaging Technology Council’s ongoing investigation of flange-depth specifications in the digital age.

·       The VFX Perspective: Executive producer/director Jonathan Nolan and visual-effects supervisor Jay Worth discuss creating Fallout’s Wasteland, Gulper and Ghoul.

·       Clubhouse News: The latest bulletins from the Society feature new member Mátyás Erdély; the appointment of Delphine Figueras as ASC general manager; Cine Gear Expo 2024; the Society’s “Summer Splash”; Education & Outreach with San Diego State University and the University of Southern California; and an in-person Clubhouse Conversation hosted by Apple.

·       Wrap Shot: On the Beach (1959), shot by Giuseppe Rotunno, ASC, AIC and directed by Stanley Kramer.

·       President’s Desk: ASC President Shelly Johnson recalls the valuable lessons learned and relationships formed during his early work on television projects.

·       Robert Elswit, ASC and director Steven Zaillian discuss their work on the black-and-white limited series Ripley. 

·       Cinematographers Alexander Dynan, Adam Scarth and Frank Lamm break down their naturalist strategies for the 17th-century series Mary & George.

·       Executive producer/producing director/cinematographer Michael Goi, ASC, ISC and cinematographers Michael Balfry, CSC and Stewart Whelan, ISC discuss the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and executive producer/director/visual-effects supervisor Jabbar Raisani offers a look at some of the VFX challenges.

·       Eric Steelberg, ASC and Quyen Tran, ASC share their perspectives on shooting the Star Wars series Ahsoka.

·       Picture Partners: Dana Gonzales, ASC and Pete Konczal, ASC detail their collaboration on the series Fargo, notably episodes that Gonzales directed and Konczal shot.

·       Filmmakers’ Forum: Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, ASC offers a first-person account of filming the series One Piece in South Africa.

·       Clubhouse News: The latest bulletins from the Society feature the election of ASC leadership for 2024-’25; an ASC Master Class in Toronto; AFI Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal recipient Matthew Libatique, ASC, LPS; and Pierre Angénieux Tribute Award honoree Santosh Sivan, ASC, ISC. 

·       Wrap Shot: The American Friend, shot by Robby Müller, NSC, BVK and directed by Wim Wenders.

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