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AC Magazines
| | Editor: Lizz Vernon
In This Issue
- Message from the President
- NT 2015 ACS Cinematographer Awards Wrap
- VALE ~ Norma Feeney (1925-2015)
- MILLER -5 Day Sale
- 2016 Production Book ~ NOW ON SALE
- WIN the new PXW-FS5 with SONY's Short Film Competition
- Focus on Exposure Survey
- 20% Discount Extended to ACS Members for AFTRS Summer School
- ACS Online Shop
- AFTRS ~ Courses & Links
- ACS Sponsors
Message from the President
Greetings colleagues and friends,
September 18 has seen some significant events in world history take place, these are just a few: 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Costa Rica on his 4th & last voyage
1851 - New York Times starts publishing (2 cents a copy)
1881 - Chicago Tribune reports on a televideo experiment
1927 - The Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) goes on the air.
1957 - "Wagon Train" premieres
1964 - "The Addams Family", starring John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Ted Cassidy, and Jackie Coogan, premieres on ABC
1965 - "Get Smart" premieres
1967 - Intrepid (US) beats Dame Pattie (Aust) in 21st America's Cup
1986 - David Boon's 3rd Test cricket century, 122 v India at Madras
1997 - Ted Turner gives $1 billion to UN But a little closer to home September 18, 2015 saw the running of the 2nd NT Awards for Cinematography in Darwin! Starting at the ACS home away from home, the celubrious Darwin Sailing Club on the Thursday evening, the tone was set, with many cold beers, superb seafood and a stunning sunset across the Arafura.
But really, we were all here for the Awards, and on Friday 18, with everyone dressed in their NT formal rig, led beautifully by Joanne Bouzianis-Sellick. These Awards, like many others, just dont magically happen, and I want to particularly thank NT President, the unstoppable Andrew Hyde, along with the tireless team of Jennifer Richards, Ian Richards, Ian Redfearn, Stephen Cavanagh ACS, Alex Novak, Tim Wood, Sam Chen, Chris Tangey, Shane Mulcahy and Mitch Woolnough, for the incredible job theyve all done in bringing these NT Awards to fruition.
NT Awards host, the amazing and elegant Renee Brack announced the start of the presentation by saying: I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners, The Larrakia People, who are the traditional custodians of the land upon which we stand. I'd also like to acknowledge the powerful tradition of storytelling,so prominent in Larrikiia culture. Tonight we celebrate storytelling through filmaking and its significant contribution to the Territory."
..so it began, and while The NT Awards did not have entries in all categories, they certainly punched well above their weight, with some outstanding work being recognised.
NT President, Andrew Hyde was as eloquent as ever in his welcome speech, and he spoke with great warmth about the Territory and the need for the industry to progress and not simply remain a facilitator for other projects, as there does exist an experienced group of technicians ready to improve the overall standard of work in the Territory. This is no more evident, than the entries from the NT Branch members.
Politicians from the NT Government were in attendance; Hon Peter Styles MLA - Minister for Business among other portfolios and Hon Peter Chandler MLA who was representing the Arts minister. The NT Government were very generous supporters of the NT Awards this year, and much was mentioned about that support continuing next year. Once again there were many highlights, including Mitchell Woolnough and Graham Morrison receiving Gold plaques, along with Stephen Cavenagh ACS with 2 Golds and the perennial Robert Hill ACS with a Gold in Current Affairs, Simon Manzie a Gold in Advertising- Local/Regional and to cap the evening off, Allan Collins ACS won Gold in Short Films and was awarded the Judges Award for Best Entry with On Stage
It was my great privilege to present ACS Accreditation to the very popular and incredibly talented Stephen Cavanagh, who with his son Maxim Hussey almost stole the show! Cav is a very hard working member of the NT Branch and his Accreditation was reward for a career that has seen him progress to great heights as a cinematographer. Congratulations Cav!!
ACS Life Membership was presented to Dr David Curl and for those of you that dont know David is foremost a renowned zoologist of great note and ability, and a cinematographer who possesses the same outstanding capabilities. He is the first Northern Territory member to be awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Society. In 2005 David formed and was the founding President of the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Cinematographers Society, which gave the Society the distinction of being the only Screen guild with Branches in each State and Territory. Controversial, tireless & committed, Dr David Curl has been a critical figure in the development of the screen industry in the Northern Territory over more than two decades, and it was with great personal pleasure I welcomed him via a video connection from London as an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Cinematographers Society.
Our Keynote speaker and the Guest of Honour were two of our most esteemed cinematographers; Geoff Burton ACS and Don McAlpine ACS ASC.
Geoff Burton ACS is one of Australias most respected cinematographers with credits that include STORM BOY, THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE, SIRENS, THE SUM OF US and the television mini series VIETNAM AND BANGKOK HILTON. He is also also a wine producer and now lives part time in the Territory. For his NT AWARDS Geoff Burton ACS ADDRESS he spoke with great affection about the 60th Anniversary of the Australian film, Charles Chauvels JEDDA and how the film and its indigenous theme could well be perceived somewhat differently today. Geoff spoke about the work of cinematographer Carl Kayser ACS and his collaboration with Charles Chauvel. Geoff is not only a renowned cinematographer he is a film historian and a fine mentor. NT Awards Guest of Honour was the incomparable Don McAlpine ACS ASC who spoke about his life and his career as a cinematographer that had its beginnings on a school excursion in the late 1950s to ABC-TV Gore Hill, where Don discovered the News Office. There was a door with 'News Supervisor' on it, Don knocked on the door and said, "Look, I've got a 16mm camera. if I get the end of the world on film would you guys buy it?" They said, "Are you any good?" to which Don replied, "Who knows?" The News Supervisor gave Don a sheet of paper outlining how to shoot a news story and four one hundred foot loads of Eastman Kodak Plus-X.
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It was at Film Australia that Don started to learn that "there was far more to camera then just reporting. That there was some art in cinematography and some art in filmmaking." In a short time he was promoted to Chief Cameraman. A few of his short drama films caught first-time feature director Bruce Beresford's eyes, particularly the doco/drama No Roses for Michael (b/w 1970) directed by Chris McGill. This resulted in Beresford inviting him to shoot 'The Adventures of Barry McKenzie' in London. In 1974 he left Film Australia and became a freelance DOP. Don shared his thoughts on his extraordinary career, having shot over 50 feature films, in diverse genres and styles. He ranks as one of Australia's most outstanding cinematographers. Don revealed something important about being a cinematographer: "There is a point in every project where you and the director find your relationship and connection. At that time, you realize what the director needs from you and what you can get from him. From that point on, the movie is just hard work, but we love it."
..We most certainly do Don, and hearing your words of wisdom is enthralling.
Near the end of the presentation, as happened last year, from the darkness appeared indigenous musicians, the Mambali band, who entertained us with their special brand of indigenous fusion music and dance. National Secretary David Wakeley ACS observed: I think we were all moved by the extremely talented Mambali Band, the indigenous group all the way from Arnhem Land, by 4WD to Katherine and then bus to Darwin.....I do hope we can encourage more Branches to send delegates in the future. We can guarantee that if you add a couple of days to check out Kakadu &/or Litchfield you will be well rewarded.
The final Award; The Judges Award was presented to a son of the Territory, Allan Collins ACS for his beautiful work on the short film ON STAGE. Allan was a modest as always, but did re-inforce his desire to assist and mentor any up and coming Territorian cinematographers in any way possible, Dare I say that everyone was a winner with these very special NT Awards for Cinematography, and I for one am so looking forward to next year. Who knows, maybe down the track, we could see the National Awards in the Territory
sunset over Uluru
.you just never know! Until next time Ron Johanson OAM ACS
National President
VALE - Norma Feeney 1925 -2015
Norma, much loved wife and partner of Robert Feeney ACS died on 14th September, 48 hours after becoming quite ill. Although frail in body, Norma was mentally alert and spirited, but frustrated by her frailty. Norma was a staunch supporter of the ACS and loved receiving and reading the AC Magazine from cover to cover and also loved hearing of the progress the ACS has made since she and Robert (Bob) Feeney ACS became involved in the beginning of the Society. Bob was NSW Branch President for many years and Norma was always by his side. Sadly, Bob died in 2002 and Norma missed him terribly. A highlight for Norma was the opening of the ACS HQ in North Sydney on 3rd March 2011, when she, with Marion Leake, Nita Gardiner and Mary Wood officially unveiled the John Leake OAM ACS plaque. She was moved to see the Archive room named the Robert Feeney ACS Archive, a fitting tribute to Bob, who was the driving force behind the establishment of the archive. Norma met Bob when they both worked for TAA, in the 50s Norma as a flight attendant and Bob, who had a knee injury, took time off from his camera work to also work for TAA in the Public Relations Department. Norma will be much missed by her daughter Elizabeth, son Scott, daughter in law Catherine and grandchildren, Laura, Lachlan, Alex and great granddaughter Sapphire, and by those who knew and loved her. Norma died as she lived, peacefully and with dignity. The thoughts of all ACS members are with the Feeney family at this sad time.
MILLER ~ 5 Day SALE
ENDS MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH - DON'T MISS OUT
Sale includes the entire Miller Product Range. All Miller products come with a 3 year warranty. Excludes Spare Parts. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER
The 2016 Production Book is now on sale ~ CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!
PRE-Order your copy and go into the draw to WIN a 50 4k Ultra HD LED Viera Panasonic TV. The Production Book is the most comprehensive and reliable resource directory for the film, television, advertising and multimedia industries in Australia.
In our 25th Anniversary edition we bring you some great behind the scenes shots celebrating the people of the industry, plus we have also included listings for New Zealand to bring you an even more comprehensive resource to help with all your production needs.
The 2016 Production Book will be released during the first week of December and posted to you by mid-December 2015
SECURE YOUR COPY NOW!
SONY announces a Short Film Competition
Sony have announced a short film competition, where the grand prize is the brand new PXW-FS5 handheld 4K camcorder.
Could I please ask you to help spread the word and post the attached graphic to your respective ACS Facebook pages, with the words:
Sony have announced a global short film competition where you could win the fantastic new PXW-FS5 handheld 4K camcorder. Register for all the details on the link below:
Research on TV news camera-operators, sound recordists and reporters
Jasmine MacDonald, PhD candidate from Charles Sturt University, is seeking TV news reporters, camera-operators, and sound recordists to participate in an anonymous online survey assessing exposure to potentially traumatic or stressful situations, reactions to these experiences, and methods of coping. Participants will not be asked which organisation they work for. The survey is now also open to people from countries other than Australia. The survey can be accessed at: bit.ly/focus-on-exposure
CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT COURSES - AFTRS OPEN & AFTRS SUMMER SCHOOL
Check out all the opportunities and Links to learning.
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AFTRS SHORT COURSES » - For full details for AFTRS Short courses and Summer School Courses including special links check on the side column of this eNews. |
ACS online shop open
Visit our online ACS shop so you can buy all the ACS merchandise you could ever want. Check it out at www.acsshop.com.au You can order back issues of AC mag, copies of Shadowcatchers, replacement plaques (as long as you've won them!), ACS branded Hoodies, Spray Jackets, Ladies & Mens Tees - cool new design or the original, Caps & Beanies, Mugs, Pens or Notebooks.
| | AFTRS OPEN CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT COURSES
November course highlights include LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS with Louis Irving ACS in November plus an additional CAMERA ASSISTANTS WORKSHOP has been scheduled with expert DOP and AFTRS Cinematography lecturer Erika Addis ACS in November as the October course sold out fast!
A reminder ACS members receive a 10% discount on all AFTRS Open short courses, plus a special 20% Discount on SUMMER SCHOOL courses booked before 19 October. To view all AFTRS Open Cinematography courses visit the AFTRS Open website
Lighting Fundamentals with Louis Irving ACS
Learn basic lighting skills and how they apply to the visualisation of a story or concept with Louis Irving ACS. Youll learn about natural and artificial light, colour temperature, soft/hard light, the use of anti-fill, cutters & diffusion gels, dealing with reflections and much more! The course will be taught in AFTRS state-of-the-art studios examining artificial light sources, and on a location shoot studying the changeability of natural light in both exterior and interior locations. 9 - 13 November
Lighting Fundamentals with Louis Irving
Content Creation on your iPhone/iPad - Online
From the comfort of your keyboard, learn how to shoot quality videos with your iPhone or iPad and create stories on the go, in this five week online course. Filmmaker and cinematographer Gareth Tillson will lead this course featuring video tutorials, weekly assignments and a weekly online chat session, where you will get real time feedback from the tutor. Starts 12 November, online, 5 weeks
Content Creation on your iPhone/iPad - Online
Camera Assistants Workshop - Second Course Scheduled
This popular intensely practical course with AFTRS Cinematography lecturer and expert DOP Erika Addis, introduces you to the duties and professional requirements of the Camera Assistant in drama, documentary and commercials. Unique in Australia this course uses the latest equipment in AFTRS state-of-the-art studios. This course is usually held once a year! 12 - 16 October - SOLD OUT! 2nd COURSE DATES ANNOUNCED
23 - 27 November, AFTRS Sydney
Camera Assistants Workshop - Annual course
SUMMER SCHOOL
SUMMER SCHOOL: Videomaking 101: Shoot, Edit, Publish
Do you - or your staff - want to shoot, edit and upload your own short videos for your corporate website, social media marketing or just for your own interest? Then this course is for you. 23 - 27 November 2015
Videomaking 101: Shoot, Edit, Publish
SUMMER SCHOOL: TV Shooter Producer
Anyone entering the TV industry now needs to be able to do it all. Its essential to be able to use a camera competently and this five-day course will give you the confidence and skills to say I can do that. This is a five-day version of our popular TV Shooter/Producer course, and includes lighting tuition and more location practical. 30 November - 4 December 2015
TV Shooter Producer
SUMMER SCHOOL: The Three Week Film School
looking to fast track your filmmaking skills and get an opportunity to use professional equipment and studios? This is your chance to immerse yourself in all areas of film studies and filmmaking. 23 November - 11 December 2015
The Three Week Film School
SUMMER SCHOOL: The Six Week Film School
Thirty days of our biggest and most intensive filmmaking course, including documentary and short film screenwriting! Led by AFI and ADG Award nominee Lucy Gaffy, this course has been designed for new & emerging filmmakers who are looking to take the next step. Places are limited! 11 January - 19 February 2016
The Six Week Film School
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