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 Paramount+ and Amazon Prime), 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 $1,200.
https://www.cined.com/sirui-ironstar-1-5x-t1-9-anamorphic-full-frame-cine-lens-announced/

23:00 – Cameras that stood out
Markus reacts to FUJIFILM’s upcoming GFX ETERNA cinema camera and its internal film emulation science.
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-2025-release-confirmed-new-technical-details-explained/

25:09 – FX2, rolling shutter, and global shutter tech
The pros and cons of older sensors, rolling shutter artifacts, and RED Komodo X’s global shutter advantage.

30:00 – Industry mood check: post-strike recovery
Markus sees improving energy in the industry, with more global shoots and cautious optimism.

31:58 – Long takes and storytelling rhythm
Thoughts on Apple’s The Studio, one-take shots, and why editing still matters emotionally.

34:30 – AI image generation and its limitations
Markus argues that real, human-captured moments can’t be replaced by AI dream-logic imagery.

37:02 – Final thoughts and sign-off
A warm Cine Gear 2025 wrap-up with hopes to reconnect at the same show next year — and a reminder to leave your comments below.

Thanks for watching/listening — if you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcasting platform, and let us know in the comments which topic resonated most with you. See you next time on CineD Focus Check!