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National E-News 1 July 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Greetings ACS colleagues, What a fantastic time its been of late, with the National Awards in Brisbane, Cine Gear, ACS HQ events, the Miller raffle presentation, ARRI presentation of the historic 435, various Branch events, to name but a few, among numerous highlights. Our Society is continuing our policy of giving members as many benefits as possible, and I think were achieving that and more. Please pay your part by letting me know if you feel there are more specific things we could be doing to improve overall. I welcome your input. State and Territory Awards entries will be open soon, so start thinking about your entries now. You will notice we now have a new Awards category, which reflects our policy to encourage the grass roots level of our industry our ACS CineKids, who will be able to enter their work for the first time this year. Should you wish your child to join as an ACS CineKid please click on the link for more information, or if you have any questions please contact me on 0413 264400. http://www.cinematographer.org.au/cms/page.asp?ID=20012
NEW ACS AWARDS CATEGORYCAT 1: CineKids Productions shot by ACS CineKids members who are 15 years old or under. Winners receive a Framed Certificate http://cinematographer.org.au/cms/page.asp?ID=20010 Please support this incredibly worthy initiative by promoting the concept of becoming an ACS CineKids member and then entering into the Awards. The long-term benefits for us all are self-evident. Until next time
Postcard from Geoffrey Simpson ACSGreetings from Shanghai! Weve just passed Shoot Day 106# on Chen Kaige's "A Monk in a Floating World" we hope we are past halfway. Its a story of a Monk who leaves his Mountain Temple to fend for himself in Hangzhou in the 1930's, a peak period of martial arts in China
so a Kung Fu movie with some humanity, some poetry, some beautiful images, stunning sets and landscapes, some goofy humour and some fighting
a huge amount of fighting actually. I have help from Gaffer; Michael Adcock, Adrien Seffrin First AC, Chris Reig DIT and we had Key Grip, Jay Munro from NZ with us until he retired from the field with stomach problems, we certainly wish him well. They are all good guys and hard workers, who normally work seven-day weeks. We are all a bit tired here as the week included a meeting the Yu Yao Mayor dinner, where there are several toasts where one has to skull a full glass of expensive French Red and show your empty glass on completion it was difficult to drink such good wine so quickly, but we managed. We then had a four am start for the three hour drive to Hangzhou for two days work then drive back to Yu Yao Resort last night where we are now. Eight days of night shooting starting tonight huge Kung Fu fight on a basketball court. This is such an amazing adventure I have been here since December 10, 2013 and we may well be here after September 2014 ..who knows. Cheers
Some of our Production team in the rear seats of the Gulfstream 450 owned by a mate of our Director Chen Kaige. L-R Dee Dee (stunt director/co ordinator - he did Matrix 2+3 so knows Sydney and has good English); Chen Kaige and Chen Hong, his wife and our Producer (she auditioned for one of his films, missed out but got the Director instead, a much bigger role).
CINE GEAR 2014 REPORT ACS & DELUXEEarly in June 2014, ACS National Vice President, Ernie Clark ACS and National Secretary, David Wakeley ACS travelled to Los Angeles to represent the ACS at the 2014 Cine Gear Expo.
This would not have been possible without the generous support we received from Alaric McAusland and Hayley Davis at Deluxe Australia, who became our Cine Gear Partners.
The purpose of the ACS attending Cine Gear, and having it's own stand, was to provide encouragement for our many LA based members, and to make the international cinematography industry more aware of the high standing of the innovative, multi genre approach of The Australian Cinematographers Society. Furthermore, it afforded us the opportunity to sell ACS merchandise in the form of T-shirts, Caps, Jackets and our own book The Shadowcatchers: a History of Cinematography in Australia, along with networking opportunities and membership possibilities. TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ACS AND DELUXE @ CINE GEAR 2014 CLICK ON THE LINK.
The Image Makers
This month will see the long awaited launch of our latest publication The Image Makers: A brief history of the Australian Cinematographers Society, written by Ron Windon ACS. This fantastic new 160 page A5 book will be available FREE to all members, upon membership renewal. The publishing has been made possible with the generous support from Panavision and Sony, and my thanks to both Paul Jackson and Nick Buchner. New member cards & a copy of The Image Makers: A Brief History of the ACS, currently at the printers, will be going out in the next couple of weeks to those members who have already paid their 14/15 subscriptions.
A Postcard from Mark Lapwood in Pakistan
Hi everyone, Just finished a three day shoot for Suzuki Pakistan (JWT Karachi), to launch their new compact car, the Wagon R. We shot exteriors in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Changa Manga (yep thats the real name), then did the studio shots in sleepy old Lahore. The beautifully charming pace of Lahore is very relaxing but tough work if you have a local crew chasing a sunset. Thank god for Karachi crew, they know how to move. My main man on focus Habib was awesome as always, and gaffer Nawab surpassed expectations. A young looking guy who surprised me with his wealth of experience, he handled our twelve light men with class. Walk slowly my prince hed say with a wry smile as a young trainee slowly approached with a very urgent c-stand. My legendary art department pulled off a miracle in Lahore custom building a turntable strong enough to hold the car, and it actually worked. I was told this has never been done before in Pakistan. The classic was turning up to the studio to find our hero car ten feet in the air on the local policemans fork lift! It was about to be plonked on the side of a potentially very lopsided turntable. Fortunately I managed to halt proceedings upon realising the turntable would tip over if they went ahead. Could have been a very awkward chat with the client. The funny stuff? On the reccie outside the shopping mall near Islamabad one day there was an almighty boom! We all ducked for split second wondering which way to run then we saw an F-18 roaring off in the distance, it must have just broken the sound barrier on a training exercise Phew!! A few minutes later another fighter jet flew over and I managed to catch a glimpse of its underbelly to notice the Pakistani flag clearly painted on it, four white stars and a sickle on dark green. My wonderful producer Ali gleefully told me yeah were not shy here, we paint our flag on them so they know whos coming to fk them! Ha Ha! I laughed with him and thought, shiesser! Classic. All in a days work in whats actually a wonderful country, filled with mostly really lovely welcoming, fun, well educated people shame about the insurgents! Cheers
ACS ACCREDITATION screenings will take place at the ACS HQ on September 12 & 13
Application is now open, but will close on August 30. So if you have been a Full member for 3 years, you are eligible to apply for Accreditation. Should you require any information please contact National President, Ron Johanson president@austcine.org.au or your Branch President.
MILLER 60th ANNIVERSARY
Join Miller Camera Support Equipment at ACS HQ for a Champagne Toast Celebrating MILLER'S 60th ANNIVERSARY. Guest of Honour will be renowned Oscar winning Cinematographer Russell Boyd ACS ASC. Date: Thursday, 31st July 2014 Also on the night... * Launch Announcement of Eric Miller - ACS Technical & Innovation Achievement Award RSVP is essential to marketing@miller.com.au before 20th July!
ARRI DONATE HISTORIC 435 TO THE HQ ARCHIVE
It was standing room only on Thursday, June 17 at the ACS HQ, for the presentation by ARRI Australia CEO, Stefan Sedlmeier of the ARRI 435 used by Andrew Lesnie ACS ASC on The Lord of the Rings. There were over 70 in attendance who were enthralled by an informal Q&A from Andrew, who put his memory to the test, and answered numerous questions relating to the film. Our thanks to Andrew for giving so generously of his time, and to Stefan and all at ARRI, both here in Australia and in Europe for their overwhelming generosity, enthusiasm and support. Now .to find a suitably prominent place in the HQ for the ARRI 435.
ACS HQ REPORTJune has been another busy month at the ACS National Headquarters.
Auto Desk Smoke Night Canon Workshop The Codex Onboard S digital recorder was in full use as was the Convergent Designs Odyssey 7Q recorder. Other new products on display were Canons very impressive DP-V3010 4K Reference Display Monitor and the Codex portable digital recorder The Vault. Canons Paul Stewart - Manager Motion Imaging and his team were on hand to answer all questions plus Team Lemac" led by Sue Greenshields, were available to demonstrate all the Canon products on display. Codex was represented by Kellie Hiatt and Brandon Hislip who had travelled from the USA. A very informative and enjoyable evening was had by all and was presented by Canon in conjunction with Lemac. Piet De Vries ACS - continues to hold his very successful PDV Digital Cinema Workshops at the headquarters PDV Website The Australian Production Designers Guild now holds their monthly meetings in the Boardroom on the last Monday of each month. APDG Website The ACS National Board has also held several meetings this month in the Boardroom. Support the Headquarters and the ACS at upcoming events and watch it grow. Remember the HQ is there for all members to use. For details contact:
Murray Forrest & Ron Windon ACS
Murray Forrest & Ron Windon ACS alongside the very Arri 2B that Murray sold to Ron many years ago
Murray observed Many Thanks David
What a great pic to have with my old mate, 50 years on and we are still going strong. Thanks again for a terrific night that I greatly enjoyed, I will be writing to Mark Clementson to express the MPIBS' appreciation for their great generosity. I will make sure I don't leave it so long to return to the ACS Headquarters.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: GEARHEAD
It gives me the greatest of pleasure in announcing Gear Heads continued support of the society and industry it represents by joining the National Platinum Sponsors list. We are a proud Australian owned and managed equipment rental facility offering Acquisition Exotica to the local Australian and international film industry. With our progressive and passionate approach in offering the very latest high-end acquisition equipment along with its world class support services, Gear Head has grown successfully over the past years. So we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, clients and friends. Not just for their past and ongoing support, but for allowing us to share and collaborate in their successes. We truly thank you. As an additional benefit to ACS members to experience our acquisition exotica, Gear Head will extend a minimum discount of 25% on all hires from our extensive inventory. We look forward to catching up with you all soon. Best personal regards, David Knight ACS
CANON - ACS National Equipment InitiativeApplications are now open for submissions from ACS members to apply to use, free of rental costs, specific equipment from CANON AUSTRALIA. This initiative was proposed by Paul Stewart from Canon, and driven by ACS NSW Branch member, Helen Barrow. Entries will only be accepted from financial ACS members, with preference given to emerging cinematographers. Student Members are welcome to apply, however student class projects are excluded from the program. For more information regarding the guidelines and an Application form, contact Initiative Co-Ordinator: Helen Barrow on 0409 300 040 E: helenbarrow@evershine.net.au.
A Postcard from Toby Oliver ACS in LA
Hi Ron
MOVIE REVIEW: The Rover (2014) by James Cunnigham
David Michôds pressure-filled follow up to Animal Kingdom (2010), The Rover (2014) conquers any narrative problems by delivering outstanding visual entertainment. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is quoted as saying that The Rover is a mesmerising, visionary achievement. Sharp, forward-thinking cinematography is provided by Argentinian Natasha Braier ADF, who shot the wonderful The Milk of Sorrow (2009) nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and short film Swimmer which won the 2013 BAFTA for Best Short Film. Produced in the sizzling South Australian outback, Braier delivers a unsympathetic visual backdrop where survival-of-the-fittest is the law of the land. It what would have been a a more expensive but ultimately wise choice, filmmakers chose to shoot The Rover on Super 35 film instead of digital and the decision sure pays off aesthetically. The economy of the The Rover is the economy of crafts; people are using minimal resources. Theres almost no water and the outside is hostile., says Braier on filmss visual styles, We overexposed the exteriors and made them brighter than usual, then when we go back outside you get an overwhelming sensation of brightness and heat. What the audience is left to experience is an intense and profound daydream into a crude, unfortunate world which fits David Michôd & Joel Edgertons story like a glove. Focusing on two ostensibly conflicted main characters (Guy Pearce & Robert Pattison), Director Michôd has crafted a film that awesomely conveys a blunt view of humanity on the edge of unconsciousness. The cinematography is striking, sound and score sets a splendid unsettling mood, while Pearces performance is outstanding. Shots of the Flinders Ranges, Birdsville Track and Simpson Desert make the setting of The Rover just as important an human character on screen. Premiering out of competition in the Midnight Screenings section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, The Rover is truly outstanding Australian film that our industry should be proud of four-stars. JAMES CUNNINGHAM
FOR SALE 3 x Canon FD telephoto lensesCan be sold separately or as a set, all in excellent condition: 1. Canon FD 300mm F2.8L Serial no.13849 Contact John Ogden ACS for further information including pricing. 0419 659 470 oggy@oggy.com.au
ANDREW LESNIE ACS ASC SENT THIS THROUGH TO ENJOYHi guys, The main camera was a Handycam (!!) operated by A.L. Chris Martin and the band are very happy with it. Handycams! Who woulda thought?
FLORIDA FOOTAGEWe also received the following from Florida based, Queensland member Tony Politis, showing the local fauna that he finds in his Florida backyard. Doesn't worry Tony too much as he worked a lot with Steve Irwin on the Crocodile Hunter series. Heres the link:
ACS supports BUS STOP FILMSOn 14th June the ACS hosted a lighting class at the HQ, by Bus Stop Films Producer, Genevieve Clay-Smith and partner, ACS member, Henry Smith, assisted by Marianne & David Wakeley ACS. Bus Stop Films holds film making classes every Saturday for a disabled group, with which they have made several short films where the group carry out various film making duties, mentored by all levels of film crew personnel. The ACS is very happy and very proud to support these inspirational people, who give their time freely to this cause, particularly Genevieve and Henry. by David Wakeley ACS Find out more about Bus Stop Films here: http://busstopfilms.ning.com/
LEND A HELPING HAND
Have you heard of the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Society? Its been providing financial and emotional support to members of the cinema industry for more than eighty years! It was founded in the years of the Great Depression by people in exhibition and distribution, to help colleagues who had fallen on hard times. More recently, the MPIBS has extended its support to the production and post-production sectors. Beneficiaries are young and old, working and retired. The MPIBS is a safety net, which enables our friends and colleagues to be cared for when they need it most. But the Society needs your help to continue its work. Please visit the MPIBS web page (or put MPIBS in your search engine) for information about how to donate. You could be helping one of your friends or colleagues. MPIBS Website THE ACS PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE MPIBS AND WE ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE ACS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS FANTASTIC CAUSE
.YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!
ACS MERCHANDISE - NEW T-SHIRT DESIGN AVAILABLE NOW!!
New ACS Design Ladies Tees available! LIMITED STOCK & SIZES - 10,12,14,16 Available from ACS HQ Manager: Prices stand at: PLUS ALL THE OTHER GREAT ACS MERCHANDISE:
CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT COURSES @ AFTRS OPEN
AFTRS Open has a range of short Cinematography courses in the coming months. September highlights include Camera Assistants Workshop with Erika Addis (only held once a year) and Modern Cinematography with Ellery Ryan. Details of these and other courses below: Camera & Sound Basics
Keep up to date with ACS news via Facebook
Level 2, 26 Ridge Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Ph: 02 8920 8535 HQ Manager: David Lewis ACS email UnsubscribeYou have received this correspondence because you are a member or affiliate of the ACS.
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