September 2025 American Cinematographer Reveals Behind-the-scenes of Blockbuster & Indie shoots, AI Discussions & Film Stock Updates
hollywood, CA – August 29, 2025 – the September issue of American Cinematographer drops today, offering an exclusive deep dive into the visual creation of several highly anticipated projects, from Marvel’s fantastic Four: First Steps to the Argentinian sci-fi epic The Eternaut. The issue also features a thorough report on the ASC AI Summit and significant advancements in Kodak’s Vision3 film stocks.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features within the September 2025 issue:
Blockbuster Visual Effects Breakdown: The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The magazine provides a detailed look at the in-camera and visual effects techniques employed on Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Cinematographer jess Hall, ASC, BSC (known for his work on The Batman and Tenet) shares insights into bringing the iconic characters and their powers to life. The article specifically highlights the challenges of realistically portraying the elasticity of Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, and the creation of the Thing’s rocky exterior. Production took place primarily at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, with extensive green screen work and motion capture.Fragmented narrative: Hundertdreizehn – A german/Austrian Six-Part Saga
Hundertdreizehn (“One Hundred and Thirteen”) is a six-episode series filmed across Austria and Germany. Cinematographer Ralph Kaechele, BVK (previously recognized for his work on Bad Banks) discusses his approach to the series’ unique narrative structure, described as “fragments of time.” Kaechele details how he and the team used distinct visual styles for each episode to represent different perspectives and timelines, employing a mix of Arri Alexa Mini LF cameras and vintage lenses to achieve a specific aesthetic. The series stars Robert Stadlober,Lia von Blarer,and Maeve Metelka.
Argentinian Sci-Fi: The Eternaut Blends VFX & Virtual Production
Bringing the classic Argentinian comic The Eternaut to the screen presented significant visual challenges. Cinematographer Gastón Girod details his innovative use of virtual production and VFX to create a believable and immersive sci-fi world. The article focuses on the techniques used to depict the alien invasion central to the story, and the integration of practical effects with digital enhancements. Filming took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, utilizing a 360-degree LED volume stage at Ludevid Studios.
ASC AI Summit: Navigating the Future of Visual Artistry
The american Society of Cinematographers (ASC) recently hosted the “visual Artistry in the Age of AI” summit, bringing together industry professionals to discuss the implications of generative AI. The article summarizes key discussions around the ethical considerations, potential benefits, and challenges posed by AI tools for cinematographers and visual effects artists. Speakers included representatives from companies like Adobe, Nvidia, and several independent AI developers. The summit highlighted concerns about copyright, artistic ownership, and the potential displacement of jobs.
Kodak Vision3 Film Stock Enhancements: A Commitment to Analog
Kodak has announced upgrades to its Vision3 film stocks, focusing on both technical improvements and environmental sustainability. The enhancements include reduced chemical usage in processing and improved emulsion stability. The company emphasizes its continued commitment to film as a vital medium for filmmakers,despite the increasing prevalence of digital cinematography. Specific improvements were made to the 5219 (500T) and 5207 (250D) stocks.
Documentary Filmmaking in Remote Azerbaijan: The Return of the Projectionist
The Return of the Projectionist, a documentary recently awarded at the Salem Film Fest in Massachusetts, faced unique logistical hurdles during production. Cinematographer Daniel Guliyev and director Orkhan Aghazadeh recount the challenges of filming in remote regions of Azerbaijan with limited resources. The film tells the story of Samid, a former film projectionist attempting to revive a forgotten cinema. The filmmakers relied heavily on available light and resourceful problem-solving to capture the film’s intimate and poignant narrative.
classic Influence: Night of the Living Dead Revisited
In the “Wrap Shot” section, Richard Crudo, ASC reflects on the enduring legacy of George A.Romero’s Night of the living Dead (1968). Crudo analyzes the film’s groundbreaking cinematography and its lasting impact on the horror genre, noting its innovative use of low-budget techniques to create a sense of dread and realism.
Key Angles for Further Coverage:
* AI’s Impact: A deeper