Inside the April 2026 Issue of American Cinematographer
The April 2026 issue of American Cinematographer presents coverage of Project Hail Mary; Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die; The Bride!; Wuthering Heights; and Amrum — as well as a report on a recent performance-capture demo that James Cameron led for delegates from the ASC.
President’s Desk
Mandy Walker, ASC, ACS reflects on the role that problem-solving plays in the art of cinematography.
Inside the Making of Project Hail Mary
Cinematographer Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS; co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller; visual-effects supervisor Paul Lambert; and colorist and ASC associate member Dave Cole illuminate their collaboration on the complex sci-fi production, which Fraser calls "the most technically challenging film I've ever done."
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die — Depicting an AI Apocalypse
James Whitaker, ASC and director Gore Verbinski detail their approach to the dystopian satire, whose story, Whitaker says, "was so out there that Gore and I started using the term 'bats--- crazy.'"
The Bride! — Bringing the Madcap Creature Feature to Life
Director of photography Lawrence Sher, ASC and writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal share their perspectives on their reinvention of Bride of Frankenstein, which called for exacting lens and format choices and a visual language defined by its riotous energy.
Wuthering Heights — Technical Choices Motivated By an Emotional Story
Cinematographer Linus Sandgren, ASC, FSF breaks down his strategy for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the Emily Brontë classic, which infuses the tale of doomed romance with the headstrong emotions of a young adult.
Amrum — Dramatizing a Boy's World War II Dilemma
Karl-Walter Lindenlaub, ASC, BVK sheds light on his approach to the German period drama, directed by Fatih Akin.
James Cameron Demos Avatar Performance-Capture Tech
AC recaps a demonstration of production technologies used on the Avatar films The Way of Water and Fire and Ash, which filmmaker James Cameron recently led for a delegation of ASC members.
In Memoriam
Remembering Henner Hofmann, ASC, AMC, who was instrumental in founding the Mexican Society of Cinematographers and devoted his career to shaping generations of filmmakers.
Clubhouse News
The latest bulletins from the Society feature new members Jarin Blaschke, Jomo Fray and Zoë White; AC-Canon events at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival; ASC Night at Picture Shop; and the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival ASC Award for Cinematography.
Wrap Shot — 12 Monkeys
A look back at the making of 12 Monkeys, shot by Roger Pratt, BSC and directed by Terry Gilliam.
