National eNews New Year Edition 2016

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Editor:

Lizz Vernon

In This Issue

Message from the President
Link to must read IF Magazine article
BSC Expo 2016
Postcard from Cairo
ASC Nominations for Best Feature Film
AACTA International Award for Best Film
Canon - New Gear
National Awards - Start Planning
AFTRS Survey
Sydney Film Festival ~ Entries now open
Mentoring - Don't miss out
AFTRS OPEN - Lastest Courses
ACS Shop Online

Message from the President

Greetings ACS colleagues and friends,

I trust your 2016 will be a safe and fruitful one, with endless possibilities in sight.

The year has well and truly begun begun and with it we have lost two of the greatest ever cinematographers; Haskell Wexler ASC (1922 - 2015) and in recent days Vilmos Zsigmond ASC HSC (1930 - 2016)

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with both, and found that the men of my childhood imagination, were the men with whom I spoke. They were both generous and willing to offer help and advice, and with Haskell this included many social and political issues close to his heart.

But above all, they were both revered, were incredibly genuine and possessed so much natural talent, that I’m certain in that great Camera Room in the sky they will be holding many Masterclasses with others who have gone before them.

They both were among the many who have guided and inspired generations of young wide eyed cinematographers wanting to make their way in the world, and have encouraged and contributed much to the broad canvass that is our industry today.

They will be sorely missed, but the legacy both Haskell and Vilmos have left is one that will last through the ages. As for me, I can still remember the first time I saw "McCabe and Mrs Miller" and was in awe of how Vilmos used available light, and the majestic vision he created in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. Then there was Haskell’s iconic personal, ground breaking documentary “Medium Cool”, and the way he used camera movement to emphasise drama and performance in “The Thomas Crown Affair”.

One of my favourite films of all time "The Secret of Roan Inish” was another gem of Haskell’s and a collaboration with Director, John Sayles.

Thanks to you both for leading the way and saying “It can be done!”

At the end of January I will be representing the ACS at the BSC Expo 2016 followed by the IMAGO Board meeting, my first as an official Imago Board member. These very exciting events will no doubt give me much to report when I return home around 3rd February.

As you know the ACS is one of our industry Guilds who are part of the Australian Screen Industry Group, and as part of a pro-active campaign, supported by all the Guilds we are sending a letter to the Federal Government regarding the unfair treatment of Screen Australia, which will see their budget cut by many millions, yet at the same time the Government supports financially large foreign productions to the detriment of Screen Australia and the local industry. I will keep you appraised of further developments…...

Ron Johanson OAM ACS
National President

IF Magazine article: Australian Screen Industry Unites to Condemn Government Budget Cuts »

BSC Expo 2016

29 - 30 January 2016 Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London UK

The BSC Expo showcases the latest products and services available to the film and tv production industry. Visitors to the BSC Expo will be able to meet with manufacturers and suppliers of the latest Camera Equipment, Grip & Support Services, Lighting Equipment, Location Services, Production Services & Facilities, Sound Equipment, Visual Effects and a variety of the new technologies coming to the market all under one roof.

The BSC Expo also hosts a complete seminar programme where manufacturers talk about new technologies and their impact on the industry, plus the British Society of Cinematographers present a series of panel discussions lead by leading Cinematographers and industry experts.

http://www.bscexpo.com »

POSTCARD from Cairo

2016 ASC AWARDS ANOUNCEMENT:

THE NOMINATIONS ARE……

The ASC have just announced the nominations in the Feature Category for the ASC Awards to be held in February.

The Revenant
- Emmanuel Lubezki AMC ASC

Carol
- Edward Lachman ASC

Bridge of Spies
- Janusz Kaminsky

Sicario
- Roger Deakins BSC ASC

Mad Max: Fury Road
- John Seale ACS ASC


The ACS congratulates each of the nominees for their amazing cinematography.

LOS ANGELES — The ASC has nominated Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC; Janusz Kaminski; Ed Lachman, ASC; Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC, and John Seale, ACS, ASC, for the ASC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in a Theatrical Release.

The nominated films are:

Sicario, Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC
Bridge of Spies, Janusz Kaminski
Carol, Ed Lachman, ASC
The Revenant, Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC
Mad Max: Fury Road, John Seale, ACS, ASC
The winner will be announced Feb. 14 at the 30th ASC Awards ceremony.

“Our members have spoken with a fabulous group of choices,” says ASC President Richard Crudo. “The quality of the work is astounding, and it’s great to see we’re once again at the forefront of giving recognition where it’s due.”

“Each of the nominated films represents a different genre and a masterfully distinct visual style,” notes ASC Awards Chairman Daryn Okada. “We look forward to celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of these nominees in February.”

This is Deakins’ 14th ASC nomination. He won for Skyfall, The Shawshank Redemption and The Man Who Wasn’t There, and was also nominated for Unbroken, Prisoners, True Grit, The Reader (shared with Chris Menges, ASC, BSC), Revolutionary Road, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, No Country for Old Men, Kundun, Fargo and O Brother, Where Art Thou?

This is Kaminski’s sixth ASC nomination, following Lincoln, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad and Schindler’s List.

Lachman has been nominated for ASC Awards twice previously, in the theatrical-release category for Far from Heaven and in the MOW/miniseries category for HBO’s Mildred Pierce.

Lubezki has won the ASC Award in this category four times, for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Gravity, The Tree of Life and Children of Men. He was also nominated for Sleepy Hollow.

This is Seale’s fifth ASC nomination. He won for The English Patient and received additional nominations for Cold Mountain, The Perfect Storm and Rain Man.

Read the Full ASC Article HERE »

AACTA International Award for Best Film

CAROL leads the way followed by THE BIG SHORT, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and THE REVENANT

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) today announced that 17 films have received nominations for the 5th AACTA International Awards, recognising excellence across seven categories:

Best Film,
Best Direction,
Best Screenplay,
Best Lead Actor,
Best Lead Actress,
Best Supporting Actor &
Best Supporting Actress.

Capturing lesbian love in 1950s New York, Todd Haynes’ CAROL leads the nominations with five nods. Nominated for Best Film, Best Direction & Best Screenplay, CAROL also sees Rooney Mara nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and Cate Blanchett nominated for Best Lead Actress, following SAG and Golden Globe award nods for both performers. CAROL marks the second collaboration between Haynes and Blanchett, with Blanchett receiving an Oscar nomination in 2008 for her role in Haynes’ unconventional journey into the life and times of Bob Dylan, I’M NOT THERE.

THE BIG SHORT - the story of four outsiders tackling the big banks in the wake of the mid-2000s housing bubble collapse - follows with four nominations, including Best Film and
Best Direction for Adam McKay.

Also competing alongside CAROL and THE BIG SHORT for Best Film and Best Direction are George Miller’s dystopian Road War MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (hot off the back of its wins in both categories at AACTA’s domestic Awards in Sydney last month), and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 1820s quest for survival on a fur trade expedition, THE REVENANT. Iñárritu won in both categories at the 4th AACTA International Awards for BIRDMAN.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and THE REVENANT received three nominations each, as did STEVE JOBS and THE MARTIAN, which rounds out the nominees for Best Direction with a nod for Ridley Scott.

SPOTLIGHT, the true story of The Boston Globe’s role in uncovering the massive scandal of child abuse and cover up by the Catholic Church, rounds out the five Best Film nominations CAROL, EX MACHINA, THE MARTIAN & STEVE JOBS.

The remaining nine films nominated for the 5th AACTA International Awards all received nominations in acting categories.


The ACS wish to congratulate this years Nominess for the 2016 AACTA International Award for Best Film:

~ THE BIG SHORT
~ CAROL
~ MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
~ THE REVENANT
~ SPOTLIGHT

Click to read more about the AFI/AACTA International Awards »

Canon’s new LEGRIA HF’s

offer complete creative control and a range of easy-to-use recording

Canon Australia has bolstered its consumer and enthusiast video camera range with two new models across its LEGRIA HF G and LEGRIA HF R series.

Complete creative control for enthusiasts – LEGRIA HF G40
is perfect for students who want a step-up in quality or professional videographers looking for a handheld secondary camera, it offers flexible shooting for a variety of professional applications.

Quality your memories deserve
Perfect for capturing unforgettable family moments in Full HD quality, the LEGRIA HF R706 makes it easy for every member of the family to shoot fun and creative videos. The LEGRIA HF G40 features built-in Wi-Fi functionality, giving you the freedom to enjoy remote shooting using smartphones or tablets, as well as sharing your cherished moments at the touch of a button.

Availability
The LEGRIA HF G40 and LEGRIA HF R706 will be available from late January 2016.

NATIONAL AWARDS 2016 - ADELAIDE

Plans are under way for the 2016 ACS National Awards for Cinematography, with the festivities commencing on Friday, 29 May with the SOUTHERN LIGHT EXPO 2, a special “MEET THE NOMINEES” panel discussion, an ACS MASTERCLASS, the RAY MARTIN PHOTO RETROSPECTIVE followed by the Awards presentation itself at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

It promises to be a fantastic 3 days, with more details in the coming weeks.

AFTRS is undertaking a comprehensive industry survey

This survey will provide insight into the training and talent development needs of the screen and broadcast sectors

“AFTRS is asking the industry to tell us what skills and talent are needed both today, and in the future. This could range from a particular skills gap that needs addressing immediately, to a demand for talented creatives who understand emerging formats and platforms,”

AFTRS, Australia’s national film, television and radio school, will undertake a comprehensive industry survey to provide insight into the training and talent development needs of the screen and broadcast sectors.
In the context of a constantly changing media landscape, AFTRS Skills Survey 2016 will identify immediate priorities as well as signpost future needs and trends.

“As the screen and broadcast industries continue to be disrupted by new technologies and distribution platforms, it is essential that the skills and talent needed to adapt are identified and addressed. AFTRS is well placed to conduct this research on behalf of the Australian industry. It is our intention to undertake this research every three years as the impact of new technologies continues to transform our industries,” said Neil Peplow, AFTRS CEO.

AFTRS’ Skills Survey 2016: Industrial Strength ~ www.aftrs.edu.au/survey » - The survey will remain active until 31 January 2016

@Sydney Film Festival is NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Entries are now open for the 63rd Sydney Film Festival for features, documentaries and short films (under 40 minutes). Submissions close on Friday February 26, 2016.

Go to http://www.filmfestivallife.com/sydney-film-festival for full eligibility criteria and submission details.

ACCESS@AIDC, EARLY CAREER MENTORSHIP
~ open until 19 January 2016

The Australian International Documentary Conference, in collaboration with award-winning international production company Pulse Films, is delighted to announcethe return of the ACCESS@AIDC Early Career Mentorship Programas part of AIDC 2016.

ACCESS@AIDC delivers a unique opportunity for early career filmmakers to enhance their passion for creating innovative screen content, further develop career pathways, and attend exclusive mentorship sessions during the conference, with established Australian and international industry professionals.

The six inspiring and influential Access Mentors for 2016 include Pulse Films (UK) Managing Director of Non-Scripted Television Roy Ackerman (20,000 Days on Earth, Bjork Meets Attenborough, Pineapple Dance Studios); Co-Founder and Chief Executive of The Garden (UK) Magnus Temple (The Family, One Born Every Minute, 24 Hours in A&E); alongside US Producer Marc Smerling from Hit The Ground Running (The Jinx, Catfish); New Zealand Arts Laureate and documentary filmmaker Leanne Pooley (The Topp Girls, Beyond The Edge, 25 April); Film Victoria’s Development & Investment Manager Jeni McMahon, former Executive Producer/Managing Director at Rebel Films; and Australian writer/director Maya Newell (Growing up Gayby, Gayby Baby).

One ACCESS applicant will be selected to participate in a four-week paid internship with Pulse Films in London, including return economy airfare and accommodation. Pulse Films is an independent production company encompassing the development, production, financing and distribution of cross-platform content for audiences worldwide, with headquarters in London and offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin.

"As a first-time delegate at the 2015 AIDC conference, the ACCESS program provided an invaluable introduction to some the industry's most influential practitioners. The experience generated genuine leads and practical outcomes that helped move my projects forward." James Cogswell (Cast From The Storm, 2015)

AIDC is seeking applications from highly motivated, early career creatives, with a commitment to advancing their career in the Australian and international factual screen industry. Applicants need to include a one-minute video convincing the selection committee to choose them. ACCESS applications are now open until 19 January 2016. Further details on how to apply:

www.aidc.com.au »

The premier event for the Asia-Pacific factual screen content sector, AIDC 2016 takes place at Melbourne’s ACMI from 28 February to 2 March 2016. With further local and international industry leaders and decision makersto be announced in coming weeks, the AIDC 2016 program is responding to the specific needs and interests of the factual screen content industry with provocative and innovative sessions, and a public documentary screening program presented in conjunction with ACMI.

AIDC 2016
28 February–2 March 2016, ACMI Melbourne, Australia
Registrations now open at www.aidc.com.au
#AIDC2016#TrueStories

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CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT COURSES - AFTRS OPEN

ACS members receive a 10% discount on all AFTRS Open short courses.

Upskill in the New Year. AFTRS Open has a range of great courses including ADVANCED LIGHTING SKILLS and SIX WEEK FILM SCHOOL. Plus ACS members receive a 10% discount on all AFTRS Open short courses. To view courses visit the : AFTRS Open website

To view all AFTRS Open Cinematography courses visit the AFTRS Open website:
AFTRS OPEN Cinematography Courses

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
The Six Week Film School


SUMMER SCHOOL: Filmmaking Intensive
Make a short film in just five days! In this filmmaking intensive you’ll get hands-on experience of directing, cinematography and post production and make a short film, all in 5 days!
18 - 22 January
Filmmaking Intensive

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.
2 - 6 February
VIDEOMAKING 101: SHOOT, EDIT, PUBLISH


ADVANCED LIGHTING SKILLS
This advanced lighting course with Louis Irving ACS, is for cinematographers wanting to expand their knowledge in lighting for film and television drama. This course gets outstanding feedback:
‘Not only the lecturer but the grip, gaffer, best boy & camera operator contributed enormously from their experience & knowledge. The other excellent feature was the two talented actors we worked with.’
3 - 6 February
ADVANCED LIGHTING SKILLS


CONTENT CREATION 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. Chat sessions will take place

Thursday evenings from 19:30 to 20:30 AEST.
Starts 3 March, 5 weeks
CONTENT CREATION IPHONE/IPAD: ONLINE


To view all AFTRS Open courses visit the AFTRS Open website:
AFTRS Short Courses



© 2019 Australian Cinematographers Society