How did you come into our industry? 
Throughout my childhood I have always had a keen interest in photography and visual arts. I vividly remember Dads’ new compact Sony in 2004 coming out of its box. We stood in the kitchen as he told me to put the wrist strap on, seconds later I walked out the back door and accidently dropped it onto concrete tiles. No wrist strap on, my 4-year-old self completely oblivious to the fact I’d destroyed it, and the start of my love for cameras – I’m better now I promise!
In my very simple year 12 mind I saw it as Photography + Visual Arts = Filmmaker. The best of both worlds. 
 
Where do you think your future lies?
Definitely within the camera department. At the moment camera assisting, I still have a long way to go but each day brings something new on set. Whether it’s carrying 15 C-stands up Mount Osmond or shooting 16mm in pouring rain, I always come home happy, exhausted and with something new up my sleeve.
 
Who have been your biggest influences?
I was extremely lucky to be surrounded by a small team of amazing lecturers at university. These people have seen it all! They’ve witnessed my perseverance and creativity at its best but also seen many difficulties and ways that we’ve problem solved to get around it.

 A huge thank you to Helen Carter and Tom Young throughout these years and Cole Larsen for our brief but always entertaining classes. Cinematographer wise, I always come back to the movie Breath (2018) with cinematographers Marden Dean ACS and Rick Rifici. I remember sitting in the cinema by myself just in awe. It’s constantly pushed me to look into underwater filming as well as experimenting with older lenses. The picture is of DoP Helen Carter and I 1st AC'ing.
 
What keeps you motivated?
The people you meet, the creativity, and always managing to find the craziest ways to make something happen when all seems pear-shaped.
 
What’s your proudest moment so far?
I always stood my ground as a camerawoman throughout my time at university. It can be easy to be overshadowed but I never backed down in times where I felt less confident to do something or that somebody else may be able to do it better, it just came as a learning opportunity and I am where I am now because of that. By the end it was just common knowledge that I would be the one with the camera in my hands.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
Label. Your. Tape.
 
What did you do when you decided to further your career?
Currently, it is applying for grants, work experience and finding short courses that will educate me even further in specific areas. It is also saying yes to opportunities to meet new people and work on something different or out of my comfort zone.
 
What piece of equipment or thing could you not do without on-set?
A wooden wedge in the AC kit. As much as you don’t think you’ll need one, you will.
 
If you could change anything in this industry, what would it be?
I often don’t get to work with female DOP’s or other female camera assistants. It’s always wonderful seeing female crew, especially within the camera department. We don’t bite!
 
What do you want to try next within film?
My super 8mm cameras have been staring at me from their dusty shelf for a while. I have plenty of half ideas floating around that need to be processed into realistic ideas and budgets.  I have also had my eye on learning how to dive and being able to film underwater as another approach to film. I love the idea of being able to try new things and learn a whole other technique but still be related to camerawork.

Ella framing a shot on a beautiful, old school 16mm Aaton.

When you're not on set, where are you?
When I’m not on set I spend time shooting all sorts of things with 35mm cameras. I find all kinds of expired cheap film in second-hand stores and often try to develop it myself in the bathroom – with some success. I also used to camp and hike a fair bit and love finding places to explore as well as chatting to the locals in the small towns, they always have interesting stories.

Thanks Ella, I wish you all the best with your career in the Camera Department. I can vouch that females in the Camera Dept don't bite,  I had a female Clapper Loader back in the 80's, she was great and on my last 2nd unit gig my 1st & 2nd AC's were both females who I could not fault!