The ASC has announced a new 11th edition of the American Cinematographer Manual, which is also titled “Filmmaker’s Bible”. The manual contains entirely new chapters and substantial rewrites of entries from the previous editions. This solid knowledge base can be utilized for on-set use. Read more about this “Must-have guide for cinematographers and other motion-imaging professionals”.
11th Edition of American Cinematographer Manual
As stated by the ASC: “The guide contains entirely new chapters and substantial rewrites of entries from the previous edition, this hardback book designed for on-set use is a must-have for cinematographers and other motion-imaging professionals”. Indeed, this “Filmmaker’s Bible” includes many fascinating topics dealing with modern methods and techniques, like large format cinematography, IMAX filmmaking, high-end cameras, sensors, color science, virtual productions, and of course, lenses, and much more.
Topics covered include:
- Evaluating digital cameras
- Take ownership of your sensor
- Measuring light
- The color science behind modern lighting instruments
- Virtual production/emissive screens
- Digital versions of day-for-night and infrared cinematography
- IMAX/large-format cinematography
- Specialty lenses
- Variable frame rates
- ASC Color-Decision List (ASC CDL)
- Academy Color Encoding System (ACES)
What has changed?
Well, almost nothing and everything. It’s pretty fascinating to explore the older guides. For instance, the topics in the seventh edition (published in 1993) were focused on 65mm and 35mm film cameras (ARRIFLEX 765, fries 865, Mitchell 65, Aaton cameras, and many more). This educational gem was composed of 450 pages meticulously contained valuable pieces of information: Film, lenses, filter, putting the image on film, lighting, accessories, special techniques, etc). You can still download it from Google. However, in the modern guide, you’ll find special emphasis on digital acquisition, new methodologies, and approaches written on more than 600 pages. Nevertheless, the art remains the same, and also the goal: Storytelling!
Price and availability
A limited run of 3,500 copies of this the11th edition of the American Cinematographer Manual will be exclusively available for pre-order from the ASC Store. Price: $100. Click here to purchase .
