Clubhouse Conversations — HIM

In-depth coverage of cinematographer Kira Kelly, ASC's work on HIM is featured in American Cinematographer's October 2025 issue. Learn more here about how to subscribe to the industry's leading journal of motion-picture production techniques.

In this episode, cinematographer Kira Kelly, ASC is joined by interviewer Bradford Young, ASC to discuss her work on HIM — the sports-horror feature from director Justin Tipping that explores the sinister side of a football prodigy's big-league aspirations.

HIM tells the story of young quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a much-hyped NFL Draft prospect who harbors a lifelong dream to surpass his idol, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), as the sport's GOAT — Greatest of All Time. When Cameron lands an opportunity to train with Isaiah at the latter's desert compound, his dream turns to surreal nightmare as the celebrated vet's true nature is exposed.

Conversation Highlights

Kelly's conversation with Young explores a range of strategies, as well as the creative and practical challenges she encountered, including:

• Developing a visual language rooted in mythology, psychology and physical trauma
• How color theory and architectural lighting helped reflect the protagonist's dark journey
• Shooting thermal and helmet-cam footage to depict football's brutal impact on the body
• Crafting stylized exteriors under the harsh sunlight of New Mexico
• How her embrace of "less precious" lighting gave her greater creative freedom

Kira Kelly, ASC is a cinematographer whose credits include the features Skin in the Game, Mariachi Gringo and Were the World Mine, and the series Insecure, Queen Sugar and Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. She earned Emmy nominations for her work on both Insecure and the documentary feature 13th. In 2017, she was named one of American Cinematographer’s Rising Stars of Cinematography and one of Variety’s “10 Cinematographers to Watch,” and was included in ICG Magazine’s "GenNEXT" list.

Bradford Young, ASC is a cinematographer whose works include Arrival and TV miniseries When They See Us. For Arrival, he was nominated for an Academy Award.

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.

Images courtesy of Universal Pictures.