December 2023 Issue of American Cinematographer

The December 2023 issue presents coverage of Killers of the Flower Moon, Saltburn, The Color Purple and The Zone of Interest — with a spotlight on the producer-cinematographer collaboration. Also featured are a look at AI in motion capture; a survey of indispensable books about cinematography; and a tribute to the late Pete Kozachik, ASC.

• President’s Desk: ASC President Shelly Johnson considers the importance of being adventurous with creative choices, especially in the digital era.

• Rodrigo Prieto, ASC, AMC details his creative strategy on the period drama Killers of the Flower Moon — and director Martin Scorsese discusses his evolving work with Prieto and why “every picture should be a challenge.”

• Linus Sandgren, ASC, FSF and director Emerald Fennell discuss the Gothic drama Saltburn, including why they strove to incorporate “a bit of ugliness” into the visual scheme — and producer Josey McNamara shares how the team approached shooting at a 14th-century estate.

• Dan Laustsen, ASC, DFF and director Blitz Bazawule illuminate their collaboration on the period musical The Color Purple — and producer Scott Sanders explains why Laustsen was a great fit for the project.

• Lukasz Zal, PSC discusses creating a clinical perspective for the World War II drama The Zone of Interest — and director Jonathan Glazer and producer James Wilson offer their perspectives on the production.  

• Shot Craft: Sixteen books that have much to teach about cinematography in particular and filmmaking in general.

• The Virtual World: A look at the advances in artificial intelligence that are enabling more efficient motion capture.

• Clubhouse News: The latest bulletins from the Society feature a showcase of members’ still photography; the winners of the 2023 ASC Student Heritage Awards; new members Gavin Kelly, ASC and Luc Montpellier, ASC, CSC; an ASC Film Heritage Series presentation; an ASC panel at NAB New York; and an in-person Clubhouse Conversation.

• In Memoriam: Pete Kozachik, ASC

• Wrap Shot: The Color Purple (1985), shot by Allen Daviau, ASC and directed by Steven Spielberg.