Introducing the May/June 2025 edition of British Cinematographer
The days are longer, the light is golden and creativity is in full flourish – and so is this issue! As the industry heats up for summer, the May/June edition of British Cinematographer radiates with the energy and innovation driving our craft forward. This issue brims with fresh perspectives, showcasing the latest trends, groundbreaking techniques and illuminating stories from the world of cinematography. Join us as we celebrate the season of growth and the achievements shaping 2025. Here’s a glimpse of what’s lighting up these pages:
CAMERA CREATIVE: AUTUMN DURALD ARKAPAW ASC ON SINNERS
Ryan Coogler and Autumn Durald Arkapaw ASC revitalise the vampire genre with Sinners—a haunting, history-soaked, IMAX-lensed odyssey of music, memory and blood.
KSENIA SEREDA AND CATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT ASC BSC ON THE LAST OF US
The female cinematography team modified Cooke lenses to deliver a refreshed visual approach for the post-apocalyptic drama’s return.
JESSICA LEE GAGNÉ, SUZIE LAVELLE BSC ISC AND DAVID LANZENBERG ASC ON SEVERANCE
Filming the surreal world of Severance season two of the Apple TV+ hit saw the lead cinematographer strengthen ties with the VFX team and bring in two industry heavyweights to help expand the distinctive visual style first crafted with director Ben Stiller in season one.
CHECCO VARESE ASC-AMPAS ON G20
Chilean cinematographer reveals how he leaned on creativity over budget to shoot this old-school, high-octane action thriller on location in South Africa.
SI BELL BSC ON MISS AUSTEN
The cinematographer explains the use of simple yet powerful lighting to create a naturalistic, intimate style that brings writer Gil Hornby’s story to life with emotional depth and period authenticity.
MASTERCLASS: STEPHAN PEHRSSON BSC ON BLACK MIRROR
After the success of a standout sci-fi episode, the cinematographer returned to expand the visual world, creating new planets and filming characters alongside their digital clones .
MASTERCLASS: SHELDON CHAU ON POOJA, SIR
Challenges creatively faced and ultimately overcome while lensing the socially-rooted police procedural, Pooja Sir .
MASTERCLASS: MARTIN RUHE ASC ON THE AMATEUR
A CIA cryptographer’s solo mission drives a high-stakes thriller blending multiple locations, intense visuals and daring stunts.
MASTERCLASS: BOJANA ANDRIĆ SAS ON FOLLOW ME
The techniques used to capture an eerie villa’s psychological tension, crafting an intimate and unsettling atmosphere.
MUSIC IN MOTION: HANS ZIMMER & FRIENDS: DIAMOND IN THE DESERT
The German composer’s live performances come vividly alive through stunning visuals and intimate conversations, capturing the emotional depth and cinematic scope of his iconic scores, all filmed in Dubai by director Paul Dugdale and cinematographer Brett Turnbull.
TRAIN TO GAIN: FUTURES IN FILM
A bold new initiative is breaking barriers into UK film and HETV, fusing cutting-edge tech, immersive training, and inclusion to empower underrepresented talent for life on set .
MEET THE NEW WAVE
Jia Lang transforms the scars of military trauma into fearless, emotionally raw cinematography—turning the battlefield into a powerful canvas for healing, truth and artistic defiance.
SPECIAL FEATURE: VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
Discover how virtual production is revolutionising car chases and space scenes—giving filmmakers unprecedented control, cinematic freedom and adrenaline-pumping realism through cutting-edge immersive technology.
POINT OF VIEW: SUSTAINABILITY
VMI’s Barry Bassett calls on the industry to lead with action—championing innovation, lifestyle shifts and bold solutions to drive a truly sustainable, eco-conscious future.
HERE’S WHAT ELSE YOU’LL FIND IN THE LATEST ISSUE…
LETTER FROM AMERICA
Steven Poster ASC reflects on the trade events that shaped his journey—and anticipates the creative energy and connection of Cine Gear Expo.
GBCT NEWS
Honouring the late Ed Ratcliffe, this year’s BSC Awards paid tribute to legacy, resilience and the lasting influence of one visionary’s spirit on camera crews worldwide .
IMAGO NEWS
Kurt Brazda, chair of IMAGO’s Working Conditions Committee, reveals early survey insights—pushing for better support, fairer treatment and lasting change across the global industry .
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Christopher Ross BSC warns that as global politics shift and tariffs loom, the UK film industry must defend creative freedom amid a volatile new era of cinematic economics.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
The biggest stories shaking up film and television—spanning innovation, production, policy, and the people redefining the screen industries.
SHOOTING SUMMARY
Who’s behind the lens, shooting where, when and why? Stay on top of the latest productions and creatives making headlines.
IN THE FRAME
From the BRIT School to Black Doves, Kat Spencer Assoc. ACO reflects on resilience, precision and the passion that drives her behind the camera.
VISIONARY
For 25 years, Steven Soderbergh has shot his own films in secret—melding auteur clarity with stealth-like precision on a handheld rig few ever suspected.
BAFTA TV CRAFT AWARDS REVIEW
Explore standout moments and major winners from this year’s BAFTA TV Craft Awards—honouring excellence behind the scenes.
CINE GEAR PREVIEW
Cine Gear Expo returns to Universal Studios. CEO Juliane Grosso reveals what’s new, what’s next—and why this year’s show is set to stand out .
THE BIGGER PICTURE: AGENTS FOR CHANGE 2025
Our annual Agents for Change spotlight returns—amplifying the people and projects driving equity, safety and sustainability across screen industries .
THE CRAFT: LOCATION SCOUTING
Creative guide. Tactical fixer. Diplomatic negotiator. Location managers unlock cinematic worlds—balancing vision with budget, access and environmental responsibility.
Digital and Print & Digital Subscribers can read our 129th edition now by clicking here.
Print subscribers* will receive their copies in the post within the next fortnight.
Not a subscriber yet? Don’t worry – you can get your annual subscription now from just £30 ($39) by clicking here.
*Issue 129 will only be received in printed format by those with an active ‘Print’ or ‘Print & Digital’ subscription purchased before 23rd May 2025. Any new ‘Print’ or ‘Print & Digital’ subscription purchases made from 23rd May 2025 onwards will NOT receive this issue in print as part of their purchase.
