DECEMBER 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, is there hope on the horizon for the production industry? From promising tax reliefs and Pinewood’s new indie film hub to big UK investments from Amazon and Disney, there are signs of green shoots, as we find in our new issue. We also round up the seminal cinematography of the year, chat with the VFX team that brought The Substance’s glorious gore to life, explore the striking visuals of Joker: Folie à Deux, discover what’s in store for EnergaCAMERIMAGE, examine how location scouting is evolving with VP and lots more. Enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2024

In this issue, music supervisor Lucy Bright (The Iron Claw, Aftersun, Tár) reveals the secrets behind achieving a perfect needle-drop moment, we reflect on key innovations from the IBC Show, and revisit the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. Our cover feature explores the transformation of Wicked into a cinematic spectacle, plus, there are behind-the-scenes looks at Horizon: An American Saga and Time Bandits and more

OCTOBER 2024

Step inside the wacky world of Beetlejuice as we catch up with the sequel’s cinematographer, Haris Zambarloukos, for insights on collaborating with Tim Burton, crafting imaginative practical effects and evolving the visual language of the original film. There’s also a look at the new season of Slow Horses with DOP Danny Cohen, plus we explore how ad agencies are leveraging the power of virtual production, chat with legendary sound designer Ben Burtt and lots more!

SEPTEMBER 2024

We sit down with DOP Vanja Cernjul to learn about the tricks and tools at play on the new season of House of the Dragon, as well as venturing to a galaxy far, far away with Chris Teague, DOP on Star Wars prequel The Acolyte. We also explore the UK’s most sustainable studios, offer advice for navigating equipment rental and loads more. Enjoy!

AUGUST 2024

Magnopus take us inside Fallout’s bleeding edge virtual production, three of the world’s top aerial DOPs share insights, and technicians take us through the process of rehousing vintage cinema lenses. Plus Baby Reindeer DOP Krzysztof Trojnar takes us through his approach to lighting and lensing the show, Bridgerton’s costume designers reveal how they brought the show’s sumptuous aesthetic to life and lots more.

JULY 2024

From an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Mad Max: Furiosa to tips on crafting flawless driving scenes with virtual production, there’s loads to explore inside our July issue – have a read here!

JUNE 2024

This month we sit down with the legendary Robert Elswit, ASC, to find out what went into crafting Ripley’s stunning, noir-inspired cinematography, plus get the lowdown on sci-fi smash 3 Body Problem. We also throw it back to one of 2023’s biggest TV events, The Last of Us, hearing how pandemic restrictions necessitated new ways of working – with impressive results. Elsewhere, we explore the latest in lighting technology, pick the brains (and kitbags) of four top gaffers, get the lowdown on Cine Gear LA Expo, report on our favourite finds from NAB Show and discover how #GALSNGEAR has been driving change in the industry.

MAY 2024

Inside our May issue, we sit down with Dune: Part Two’s Oscar-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser, head behind the scenes on Love Lies Bleeding, and catch up with Adriano Goldman, DOP across the entirety of The Crown’s six seasons. We also look at the promise and challenges of running sets on zero-emissions energy, put the Sony BURANO through its paces, take a look at how we can strengthen on-set safety and loads more! Enjoy.

Definition – The Virtual Frontier

Providing an ever-growing arsenal of tools and limitless creative opportunities, VP is far more than just a flashy trend – it’s reshaping the very fabric of our industry. In recognition of this, we’re thrilled to present Definition: The Virtual Frontier, a special supplement exploring the impact and potential of VP, as well as celebrating the individuals and companies at the vanguard.

APRIL 2024

Inside our April issue, we’re thrilled to present Definition: The Virtual Frontier, a special supplement delving into the impact and potential of virtual production. As well as the bleeding edge, we’re exploring the history of cinema – and how to restore it to its former glory – with a look at the technical and creative nuances of 4K film restoration. Laurie Rose, BSC advises on navigating life as a DOP at any level, while Warwick Thornton discusses his experience of stepping into the daunting triple role of writer, director and cinematographer on The New Boy. We also immerse ourselves in the gritty glamour of Griselda with DOP Armando Salas, ASC, plus hear how Alejandro Mejía, AMC captured the vision for Sundance Grand Jury winner In The Summers. Enjoy!

MARCH 2024

We’re seeing in the arrival of spring with a fresh new issue featuring cinematography secrets from Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, All of Us Strangers, Echo, Silverback and Godzilla x Kong. As always, we’ve also got the buzz on all the latest kit, news and industry views.

FEBRUARY 2024

Inside our February issue, we dive into George Clooney’s latest directorial marvel, The Boys in the Boat, explore the dreamlike aesthetics of Priscilla with cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd and colourist Damien Van Der Cruyssen, and discover insights from DOP Cristina Dunlap on the genre-blurring in American Fiction. Plus, we’ve got all the latest industry news and views to keep you ahead of the curve. 

JANUARY 2024

The January issue of Definition is out now! Inside, find captivating conversations with filmmakers, discussions on the tech that will shape the industry in the year to come, plus news on all the latest events and gear releases to keep you ahead of the curve in 2024.

DECEMBER 2023

Rounding off the year, we’ve got a bumper crop of amazing production stories to share. First up, we dive into the dystopian universe of The Hunger Games – one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. We also enjoy some close encounters of a cinematic kind, sitting down with the DOP on a new docuseries about extraterrestrial visitations. We also go behind the scenes on Indian thriller Kohrra, heist caper Culprits, plus had the pleasure of chatting to the makers of 26.2 to Life. Elsewhere in the issue, there’s a round table on AI, the Def Guide to renting gear and a conversation with Jean-Clément Soret.

NOVEMBER 2023

This month, we dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of adventure filmmaking, discover what’s in store at events including EnergaCAMERIMAGE, bring insights into filters and virtual production, plus sit down with such luminaries as Lawrence Sher ASC. We also go behind the scenes on the most exciting productions hitting our screens!

OCTOBER 2023

Our October issue deep dives into the world of virtual production, looking at the opportunities and challenges the technology brings, and what the future might hold. Productions in the spotlight include The Creator, Sex Education, Great Expectations and Songs of Earth, plus we sit down with viral VFX sensation Brandon B, get the lowdown on upcoming industry events and lots more.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Our September issue sees us welcome new editor in chief Nicola Foley, as well as unveiling a fresh look and some exciting content. We give the low-down on this year’s IBC, turn the spotlight on Oppenheimer, Gran Turismo, The Deepest Breath and other groundbreaking productions, introduce a sustainability collab with BAFTA albert, offer a cybersecurity survival guide, reveal the latest and greatest gear – and loads more.

AUGUST 2023

Welcome to our August edition, where we defy the notion of the “silly season” in the media. Despite the vacation fervour, this issue bursts with industry news from the Tribeca Festival, the Euro Cine Expo and with production features covering animation, cringe comedy and climate change.

JULY 2023

We’re past the halfway mark in 2023, which means expos and film festivals are making the headlines. Read about what was hot at Cannes, who did what at Cine Gear Expo LA and what to expect when Euro Cine Expo returns to Munich for its second outing!

JUNE 2023

Technology abounds in the June edition! There are in-depth features on optical trickery and monitors, as well as a production focus on the latest iteration of The Invisible Man – made with three robots. A round-up of the newest and most popular kit on display at NAB Show also awaits. Get reading!

MAY 2023

May’s issue sees us climbing Everest for a moving production feature about the making of Disney+ documentary Finding Michael, plus a round table on a truly hot tech topic – the metaverse. Also, find out who’s showcasing what at the upcoming Media Production & Technology Show in May.

APRIL 2023

The April issue of Definition has an exclusive interview with Jane Seymour, talking light and sound in the hit series, Harry Wild. We spoke to The Last of Us DOP on achieving the show’s naturalistic look and Happy Valley‘s production team on shooting the finale. We also offer an in-depth preview of NAB, which marks its 100^th birthday in the party capital of Las Vegas.

MARCH 2023

The March edition of Definition salutes the niche operators of the cinematic world. We speak with the colourist on box office juggernaut, Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as the person charged with enhancing the sci-fi technique of cloaking for the Amazon Prime Video series The Peripheral. Plus, we cover the Oscar nominees for Best Cinematography, prep for Cine Gear Expo, weigh the benefits of renting kit and much, much more.

FEBRUARY 2023

It’s a studio focus in this month’s issue. Along with updates on growth plans for Netflix, Garden Studios, Milk VFX and Space, we also check in on Shinfield Studios – and chat to the brains behind this huge project. Director of ITVX series Litvinenko drops by to reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets, plus we delve into the shows and awards on the horizon. Read all about it!

JANUARY 2023

Feast your eyes on the new issue! Drama dominates this edition, with a focus on big-budget and critically acclaimed series. We speak with the VFX brains behind Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, as well as gritty British horror Red Rose. Veteran Doctor Who and Torchwood director Colin Teague also explains how he brought demons to life in Egypt.

DECEMBER 2022

The December edition of Definition celebrates documentaries, non-fiction filmmakers and all the kit they rely upon. With advice from award-winning Adam Wishart and Peter Beard, plus the tale of how a David Attenborough film was put together during lockdown, this issue is essential reading for both budding and established documentary makers.

NOVEMBER 2022

This issue takes a walk down memory lane, covering both Bond – which celebrated its 60^th anniversary – and Blonde, a fictionalised account of Marilyn Monroe’s personal and public lives. We review new gear, from Red’s V-Raptor to PTZs, and list the top videocams currently on the market. Plus, catch the latest from CAMERIMAGE, the future of the cloud, sci-fi filmmaking on a budget, and more.

OCTOBER 2022

It’s spooky season and we’ve got the just content for the occasion! Covered in this issue: IBC’s monster return for 2022 in Amsterdam, a Round Table featuring a panel of audio experts and some important gear questions. How are drones changing the filmmaking world? And can LEDs ever replace HMIs for large-scale productions?

On the production side, we see how the Comanche Nation was brought to life in Prey, how seamless VFX were achieved on Only Murders in the Building, and Winnie the Pooh goes to the dark side in Blood and Honey. Plus, we chat to Danny Vecchione about Down with the King.

SEPTEMBER 2022

When we all left IBC in 2019, it was unfathomable to think that the live event wouldn’t continue year in, year out. So, it’s genuinely exciting to see Amsterdam back on the roster, and a quick glance at the show’s floor plan confirms that many of the key players will be attending. In other event news, we’ve gone through the headline Emmys nominations and suggested which shows should win, based on camerawork alone. See if you agree with our verdicts.

There’s much more to enjoy in this issue, with glimpses into the future of LED lighting and the production pipeline. Plus, inside stories on some of the latest shows and movies. Enjoy!

AUGUST 2022

Summer has arrived – and with quite a vengeance, we might add. The heat has been turned up, but the stuff we’ve got for you is cool as ever.

On top of their game, Emmy-nominated DOPs are revealed, plus Danny Cohen on defining the London look in Slow Horses. A brave new world is set to transform the way you work with the Metaverse, and find out why Blackmagic’s 6K cinema cam is a pocket rocket!

We’ve also got the latest documentary kit for travelling light with the Fujifilm X-H2S on test, Euro Cine Expo show highlights from Munich, and read how seamless VFX remodelled the action in Bosch: Legacy.

Enjoy!

JULY 2022

In this month’s exciting round table, which key industry figures explain the metaverse’s potential. We’ve got the detail on the Alexa 35, Arri’s first camera launch in three years, plus a fascinating insight into Netflix mega-franchise that is Stranger Things. Not only did DOP Caleb Heymann have to deal with the pressure of working on one of the world’s biggest shows… he had the added spice of shooting as productions emerged from Covid-enforced lockdowns.

JUNE 2022

Some sad news to start this issue – Chelsea Fearnley has departed the Definition crew, so we’ve got Roger at the helm for now. In this issue we speak to Cine Gear about the upcoming event; ScreenSkills and the UK production industry. We get given an impromptu history lesson from Season 2 of Netflix’s Russian Doll, things get floaty when zero gravity takes over, and power is the answer with the latest battery tech from key players. We hope you enjoy.

MAY 2022

It feels like everything is *finally* starting to get back to normal – well, as normal as they can be. In this issue, we take the returning success of the BSC Expo after its COVID-enforced two-year hiatus, and run into a season of festivities. We have a jam-packed diary filled with major upcoming events including NAB and Cine Gear Expo, as well as the UK-based MPTS. There is fascinating insight into the latest challenges plaguing the industry, with news, equipment guides and tests. We look at the latest instalment of Fantastic Beasts, Pam & Tommy, and Severance – find it all inside.

APRIL 2022

A celebratory issue this month, as our Deputy Editor Chelsea commemorates her first two shows! Only fitting, this issue is a bumper 100-page edition, covering everything from tech, behind-the-scenes, unique production, and track the ongoing evolution of the industry landscape – with even more diversity than before. Catch The Batman, This Is Going To Hurt, the exposé of Hugh Hefner, and the digital magic behind this year’s blockbusters. There is plenty more on offer – check it out!

MARCH 2022

An issue about issues being swept under the rug; see: Boris Johnson advising those with Coronavirus to no longer isolate. Climate change also fits this description, as little is being done to address it’s causes and disastrous effects. Film and TV produce an enormous amount of CO2 – and as an industry magazine, we believe it is vital for us to do our part to consider the effects.  We also take a look at mind-bending VFX, We Are Lady Parts, K-Dramas, and the latest developments in the industry. For gear, we look at cutting-edge LED and aerial innovations.

Welcome to the climate issue. Enjoy.

FEBRUARY 2022

If you caught our January issue, we just know you’ll be eager to pick up on part two of our virtual production round table. It’s here in our February issue, but that’s not all! We also examine the lenses that captured 2021’s most iconic looks, explore remote working in post-pandemic life and take a deep dive into the coming together of cinema and broadcast.

On the production side, we speak with Philipp Blaubach about the veritably steamed-up glass and lush period lighting choices on Bridgerton. Subtlety was the word of the day when Andy McDonnell took on BBC drama, You Don’t Know Me and he shares his insight right here.

JANUARY 2022

2022 is officially upon us and we’ve got a fun-packed issue to help get you through the post-Christmas slump. The usual two production stories become three as we pick apart the cinematography in House of Gucci, You and Squid Game. Plus, we toast to the future as experts discuss just how far virtual production technology can be pushed. We also get mathematical about codecs, and untangle sets, with the latest wireless gear. Don’t miss out!

DECEMBER 2021

Get a preview of what’s on display at this year’s IBC Show and discover how advances to cloud and 5G technology are transforming the future of production and post-production in our December issue. Also, don’t miss the inside scoop on the makings of Pablo Larrain’s Spencer and Adam’s Randall’s Night Teeth – and read honest truths from filmmakers on the thorny relationship between ethics and documentary storytelling.

NOVEMBER 2021

From the studio boom to post-production in the cloud, this November issue of Definition is jam-packed with all the latest industry buzz. We’ve got production stories on Clickbait and The Many Saints of Newark – plus, we talk to some of the many talented women behind the camera. We also shine a light on the evolution of LED quality. Don’t miss out!

OCTOBER 2021

It’s an Emmy special! Ted Lasso graces the cover with a staggering 20 nominations. In our Production section, we hear from no less than four DOPs also up for awards. This month’s shoot story is a deep dive with Matt Gray into his work on submarine thriller, Vigil.

Elsewhere, we speak with Adrian Wootton of Film London and the British Film Commission about international productions in the UK, re-examine the landscape of ultra high-resolution cameras, get our head in the clouds with virtual workstations, cover kit including monitors and the Kinefinity Mavo Edge 8K, and more!

SEPTEMBER 2021

AUGUST 2021

We have a frightful issue for you this month, in the best possible way. Hear from DOPs Michael Burgess and Annika Summerson and get the inside scoop on their respective films, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do it and Censor.

There’s also some professional insight into the UK’s crew shortages, considered opinions on high frame rate controversy, a look into camera movement innovations and more!

JULY 2021

This month, we’re focusing on positive change. We cover The Underground Railroad with James Laxton, as he discusses the responsibility felt when creating these powerful images and the huge scale of the production. You can also get insight into Grey’s Anatomy with Alicia Robbins – a season that dramatised Covid-19 in the midst of the real-world pandemic.

Elsewhere, hear from sustainability consortium, Albert, about how film can reduce its immense carbon footprint. On the gear front, dive into modern cranes and jibs, as well as the growing trend of medium format.

JUNE 2021

We’ve got a jam-packed issue this month, with no fewer than three shoot stories. Read about Cruella‘s double-sensor delights with DOP Nicolas Karakatsanis, the deep naturalism and action-heavy moments of A Quiet Place Part II with cinematographer Polly Morgan, as well as the challenging wartime sound design of Greyhound with mixer David Wyman.

You can also look ahead to Cine Gear with Juliane Grosso, get the lowdown on the aerial arrays capturing 360º images and the portable LEDs lighting challenging spaces, and find out how the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro performed on test. So, what are you waiting for?

MAY 2021

Dive into double shoot stories this month, as we hear about genre-bending Behind Her Eyes and gorgeous documentary Gunda from respective DOPs, Felix Wiedemann and Egil Håskjold Larsen. Elsewhere, we look at the VFX capture tools bringing post-production to sets, explore rehoused vintage glass and ask how lenses are shaping the look of films.

There’s also the green shoots of spring, with cinemas beginning to emerge from lockdown. We speak with senior box office analyst, Delphine Lievens, to gauge what may be ahead.

APRIL 2021

MARCH 2021

Our March issue is certainly a beauty, borrowing some scenic delights from Nomadland. The film has been given the Oscar nod in a number of categories, but we’re focusing on its intimate cinematography in an interview with DOP, Joshua James Richards. There’s Oscar buzz elsewhere, too, as we speak to four cinematographers lined up for potential glory.

We also look at the ACES workflow as HDR sweeps sets, take a deep dive into remote heads with remote working an ongoing essential, unearth the battery innovations powering our industry and celebrate the astounding 12K resolution of Blackmagic’s Ursa Mini Pro.

FEBRUARY 2021

This month, our shoot stories take a trip down memory lane, as we cover Rebecca and Mank; set early in the 20th century, their production value is anything but old-fashioned. Meanwhile, we return to childlike comforts with a feature on the brand-new Tom & Jerry, brought to life by animators working across two continents. Ah, the benefits of a completely digital workflow!

We also compare the best stabilisation supports and review Sony’s FX6 camera and Samsung’s EVO 870 SSD. Plus, the acclaimed Julian White, who lit Netflix’s hit sci-fi epic, The Midnight Sky, takes over gaffer’s corner.

JANUARY 2021

As we ring in a new year, we’re looking ahead and asking the big questions. We hear from the leading rental companies as they debate the future of filmmaking, we talk to experts in every step of production to learn how HDR is shaping the creative process and we question whether LEDs may be the death of the green screen.

Now in its fourth season, we speak to The Crown’s Adriano Goldman as he covers the show’s visual evolution. Red’s new 6K Komodo is also on test, but what’s the verdict?

DECEMBER 2020

In our final issue of the year, we hear from DOP, Lol Crawley, about his painterly approach to The Devil All the Time, plus we hear from the film’s gaffer, Jerad Molkenthin. Our other shoot story covers the use of large format in The Trial of the Chicago 7.

There’s plenty of gear coverage to enjoy, with the tech enabling 6K and 8K capture, the latest and greatest lighting trends, and reviews.

We also end on some good news, courtesy of Adrian Wootton of the British Film Commission, who outlines big developments to come.

NOVEMBER 2020

In our November issue, we consider Hitchcockian colour theory and POV shots in the season finale of Ratched and hear about shooting from the hip to get child-sized framing in Cuties.

Our annual aerial special includes plenty of innovation, while our lens feature asks if the age of the fast zoom is upon us. All this and more inside.

SEPTEMBER 2020

The IBC Show goes virtual and we have a four-page special on the event. Also, we look at the ingenuity behind the camera during the shoot of Killing Eve series 3 and explore the scaled-down world of Netflix’s triumph, Tiny Creatures.

With the world returning from hibernation, productions are tentatively starting up once more, but how are they faring? We find out more. Elsewhere, we’ve got an in-depth round-up of the gear released over the lockdown period.

JUNE 2020

Lockdown continues, but so does our resilient industry. Inside the June issue, we talk to a number of post-production studios as they continue work in isolation.

We also look at the dark creation of Pinocchio, The Last Kingdom’s obscure tech and the unusual combination of 16mm film and 8K digital on Damien Chazelle’s new Netflix episodic. Finally, we review the impressive Canon EOS C300 Mk III.

MAY 2020

As these unprecedented times continue, 2020’s NAB Show cannot go ahead, but we’re still here to bring you the exciting new gear launches! We also talk to Helicopter Film Services’ Jeremy Braben about business in isolation.

Remote working is also more important than ever, so we take a look at the latest remote head and gimbal tech from all the big names. Also inside, a look at Christopher Blauvelt’s work on Emma.

APRIL 2020

Inside the April issue, we look at some of the technology to be featured at this year’s NAB Show. There’s more exciting kit coverage with a look at the hot new lenses producing flares and Cineo’s new liquid-cooled light.

On the production side, we follow last issue by sinking our teeth even further into the VFX and sound design of Dracula, we talk to Guns Akimbo DOP, Stefan Cuipek, and we weigh up the live action remake of Mulan.

MARCH 2020

Our March issue is packed with production coverage: a breakdown of BBC/Netflix’s Dracula, 8K cinematography on The Aeronauts and the shoot story behind comedic The Personal History of David Copperfield.

Fresh from 2020’s BSC Expo, we look at new lights with all new features. We also shine some light on the women working hard at the forefront of VFX.

FEBRUARY 2020

In our February issue, we cover all things capture surrounding The Irishman and take a deep dive into gorgeous docu-series, Seven Worlds, One Planet.

Elsewhere, we explore new roles in the UK’s production industry, cover new storage options for those on set and offer a preview of the upcoming BSC Expo.

JANUARY 2020

As we welcome a new year and a new century, we look at Sky’s huge new production hub, look ahead to BSC Expo with an equipment preview and take a look at the UK’s ongoing production boom.

On the production front, we cover the larger-than-life sets of Cats and angsty teen drama, The End of the F***ing World.