ep68 - Cine Gear 2025 Wrap-Up with Markus Förderer, ASC: Lenses, Metadata & The Human Touch - CineD Focus Check Ep68

In this Cine Gear 2025 wrap-up episode of CineD Focus Check, Johnnie is joined by acclaimed cinematographer Markus Förderer, ASC (Red Notice, I Origins, Stowaway) for a rich and thoughtful conversation. Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Universal Studios lot, the two dive deep into the current state of lens technology, digital cinematography, and the importance of preserving the emotional core of storytelling amidst rapid technological change, and the state of the filmmaking industry in general.

This Cine Gear 2025 wrap-up episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check out this week's educational One-Minute Tip from them at (08:40)!

Markus joined us once before over a year ago in a prior episode of the Focus Check podcast, talking about his project CineFlares after it launched, and his work on Constellation. Check it out here if you missed that episode.

From discussing metadata integration in modern lenses and the rise of affordable anamorphic glass, to reflecting on the potential and limitations of AI-generated visuals, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring perspective from one of Hollywood’s most thoughtful DPs. Markus also shares insights on his lens test platform CineFlares, custom LUT workflows, and how he chooses optics based on narrative needs, not specs. If you’re passionate about the intersection of story, gear, and artistry — this one’s for you.

Chapters & Show Notes:

(00:00) - Intro and Cine Gear impressions Johnnie and Markus open the episode from Cine Gear LA 2025 at Universal Studios and share first impressions of the show.

(01:04) - Markus Förderer on his career and latest work From Germany to Hollywood — Markus talks about September 5 (available on Apple TV), Red Notice, and Independence Day: Resurgence.

(02:08) - CineFlares: Lens testing reimagined Markus introduces CineFlares.com, a motion-control-based lens test platform with over 100 lens sets and 1,500+ clips.

(03:56) - What impressed Markus at Cine Gear He discusses new smart lens tech, metadata tracking, and RED/Nikon’s collaboration with Preston.

(04:40) - Lens metadata and autofocus on large productions Why autofocus still can’t replace a good focus puller — and how hybrid systems are evolving.

(07:40) - Small AF rigs for solo shoots Markus shares a jungle shoot story using PDMovie’s compact autofocus motor system. https://www.cined.com/pdmovie-live-air-2s-worlds-smallest-wireless-follow-focus-handwheel/

(09:40) - Favorite new lenses at Cine Gear Iron Glass, Zero Optik chip mounts for metadata, and the new Xelmus Apollo “Aura” lenses.

(11:28) - Sigma’s AIZU full-frame High-Speed Prime line A look at Sigma’s new AIZU 1.3 T-stop cine primes and their unique three-dimensional character. https://www.cined.com/sigma-aizu-cinema-prime-lenses-a-talk-with-kazuto-yamaki-san/

(14:10) - What makes a lens cinematic? Markus discusses personality, bokeh, barrel distortion, and why clean ≠ compelling.

(18:24) - Flare behavior and subconscious texture How internal lens reflections subtly shape the emotional feel of an image.

(19:22) - Affordable anamorphics: SIRUI IronStar A hands-on look at SIRUI's 1.5x squeeze lens series, priced around $