Given the chance to shoot the 18th century action-drama Bedlam, Cinematographer James Butler crafted a daring project that merged medium-format photography with cutting-edge digital cinema on a customised Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65.
James Butler’s professional journey has a cinematic energy all of its own. His early career saw him serve as a Cameraman for CBS News in conflict zones, including Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, after which he moved into the slightly slower-paced world of documentary productions. Projects such as Chain of Command for National Geographic followed, the scale and scope of which whetted his appetite for longer-form features.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can read the rest of this article.
Behind the scenes: Eurovision Song Contest 2026
What began as a technical experiment in 1956 is now a global cultural institution reaching approximately 170 million viewers on TV across three live shows and generating billions of views on digital platforms. IBC365 gets a tour backstage in Vienna.
Behind the scenes: Rooster
When Cinematographer Blake McClure signed on to shoot HBO’s new comedy Rooster, he wasn’t looking to reinvent the sitcom; he was looking for a way to stretch the visual language of comedy to integrate the intimacy of large format.
Behind the scenes: Undertone
While looking after his dying parents, VR Filmmaker Ian Tuason became obsessed with demonic possession stories, which planted the seed for the uniquely creepy sound design of his first feature.
Crafting suspense: “We wanted to raise the bar again”
Nella Mente di Narciso’s Director of Photography, Gianluca Braccieri, reveals the digital film cameras, custom lighting setup, and end-to-end post-production software the team leveraged to achieve the tension and mystery of the Italian crime documentary series’ highly anticipated third season.
Behind the Scenes: Marty Supreme
The creative team behind Uncut Gems brings its characteristic brash beauty and adrenaline to 1950’s New York City in a screwball drama.
.jpg)
