WHAT THE BSC MEANS TO ME BSC members and significant industry figures share the significant role the society has played in their lives and the wider filmmaking world. – “Being a part of an established society like the BSC has always been a dream of mine but I never actually thought it would become a … Read more
WATCH THE SKIES Aerial cinematography is booming as filmmakers leverage advanced drone and helicopter technology to create dynamic, breathtaking visuals for major productions. Aerial cinematography took a dive last year, along with the rest of the industry, but the skies are getting busier, as filmmakers shooting from drones and helicopters take advantage of the latest … Read more
DECADES OF DECAY What does it take to create the futuristic, apocalyptic world of one of the most talked about shows on the planet? British Cinematographer caught up with Stephen James (VFX supervisor, DNEG) and Nick Marshall (DFX supervisor, DNEG) to find out the behind-the-scenes effort that went into constructing the Cordyceps-ridden landscape of HBO’s … Read more
Netflix’s German war epic All Quiet on the Western Front brought home four awards: international feature film, original score, production design and cinematography. James Friend ASC BSC took home the award for best cinematography, after also receiving the BAFTA earlier this year. Friend triumphed over Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS, Florian Hoffmeister BSC, Roger Deakins CBE … Read more
To round of 2022 the British Cinematographer team have gathered the 10 most viewed articles of the year for your viewing pleasure. Scroll down to see what our incredible audience were reading this year!
GUIDING LIGHT Bringing a tale of connection and community set in a fading cinema in a south coast seaside town to the screen saw director Sam Mendes once again collaborate with Sir Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC, entrusting him to masterfully encapsulate the heart of the poignant story in cinematographic form. “That little beam of … Read more
The screen version of the award-winning stage production, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival. The film, starring Emma Thompson and Stephen Graham, is one of 12 announced as playing at the festival that contributed to ScreenSkills’ Film Skills Fund. It joins Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light as a headline gala, alongside … Read more
THE ART OF OBSERVATION Sir Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC has published Byways, his first collection of photographs. The Oscar-winning cinematographer discusses his passion for capturing stills, the inspiration behind his photographic work, and the joy of exploration and observation that has spanned more than five decades. He’s captivated audiences with his cinematographic talent, now Sir Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC is sharing his still photography. Byways, his first book, features moments captured from the ‘70s … Read more
VIEW Conference has announced that Sir Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC, Oscar-Winning cinematographer of films including The Shawshank Redemption, Blade Runner 2049 and 1917, will receive this year’s coveted VIEW Visionary Award. Previous recipients of the award, presented for outstanding contribution to the visual arts, include pioneering visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren, animated feature director … Read more
Hollywood cinematographers have signed a letter urging the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to address “the hazards of unsafe working hours” that have plagued the industry for decades. Among the many signatories are Emmanuel Lubezki ASC AMC (Gravity), John Toll ASC (Braveheart), Sir Roger Deakins CBE BSC ASC (1917), and Erik Messerschmidt … Read more
MASTER OF MOTION Selected filmography (as camera operator, unless otherwise stated) Peaky Blinders (series six) (2021) 1917 (2019) What inspired you to become a camera operator? Did you always want to work in film? I grew up in a household where music was part of daily life. My mother was in the church choir, my … Read more
SOARING AMBITIONS The scale and originality of the concept for Pokerstars Epic Downtime commercial was an instant draw for cinematographer David Procter – notably director Iain Morris’ ambition to achieve it all in one continuous shot. “The extreme technical challenge was a real allure, moving from a downtown LA rooftop, through Manhattan streets, various backlot sets … Read more
For half a century the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has trained some of the world’s best filmmakers. To celebrate the School’s 50th anniversary, BFI Southbank will be showcasing work from some of their best-known alumni with a celebratory ‘NFTS at 50’ season running from 1 September – 5 October, featuring seminal films by alumnus followed by Q&As with the directors. … Read more
LEARNING BY DOING As the National Film and Television School celebrates its 50th anniversary, NFTS director Jon Wardle, reflects on the evolution of the School’s training offerings and the learning philosophy at its core. It’s been 50 years since the NFTS first opened its doors in Beaconsfield with our first intake of 23 students and … Read more
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is delighted to award multi-award-winning director, producer and screenwriter Sir Sam Mendes with an honorary fellowship. NFTS Chairman Patrick McKenna will present the fellowship, awarded each year to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry at the School’s annual graduation ceremony, due to take place at … Read more
CREATIVE FORCE If Sir Roger Deakins’ career was a screenplay, it would have all the thrills and wow factor of a sure-fire hit movie. Now a knighthood can be added into a narrative already infused with originality, ingenuity, and award-winning creations. The master craftsman shares his valuable insight and discusses filmmaking highlights, creative influences, and … Read more
FACT FILE Age: 58Born: Brooklyn, New YorkEducation: Newfield High School/ Buffalo State College/ on setHobbies: Art, music, allotment, travel, Bob Dylan SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY (as gaffer unless otherwise stated) The Score (2020)After Love (2019)The F1rst Team (TV series) (2019)The Reluctant Landlord (Series 2) (2019)Click & Collect (BBC comedy) (2019)Scarborough (2018)Famalam (TV series) (2018)Vogue/Victoria Beckham Nowness (Branded … Read more
We’re very excited to announce that the March 2021 issue of British Cinematographer is almost here! You can find out more about just some of the exclusive interviews and articles you can expect to find inside this incredibly special edition now by reading on… ON THE COVER… SIR ROGER DEAKINS CBE BSC ASC In our … Read more
I write this piece during the last days of 2020 with as much uncertainty about the future as when I wrote ten months ago when the pandemic was still an unsettling but curious event that few people knew much about. It crept up on us in plain sight if you recall and, according to some, … Read more
THE SHOW MUST GO ON While the filmmaking industry strived to overcome 2020’s obstacles to continue to create magic on screen, the event sector was also impacted by pandemic restrictions. Like many festival organisers, the dedicated team behind the 28th edition of EnergaCAMERIMAGE – the cherished event celebrating cinematography which attracts filmmakers and film enthusiasts … Read more