Why did you decided to work in our industry?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the Arts. After looking at various other avenues I ended up choosing filmmaking for three reasons. I believe that film is the most effective art form that can tell a story, as it is a combination of other art forms (Photography, theatre, writing, etc), and because I wanted to work with lots of people. Above all I chose filmmaking because I enjoy it.

I grew up in a hippie-like community where film was viewed as a taboo subject, therefore I was quite isolated from other filmmakers until I entered university. Since then I have met some amazing people in film, they have helped me grow as a filmmaker and further enhanced my decision in pursing a career in this industry. This year I was able to do some voluntary work with channel 44. I am now completing my honours degree in Screen at Flinders University and work as a freelancer.

Why did you join the ACS?

My lecturer (and cinematographer) Helen Carter advised me to join the ACS for a chance to interact with fellow cinematographers, getting my work out there for other members to see, and to gain more knowledge about the craft. It’s a great chance to find a community and see what’s happening in the local film scene.

Pic: Shooting motion capture with cinematographer / lecturer Helen Carter and AC Ella Burton.

What’s your proudest moment so far?

I don’t know if I could point out a singular moment, as every set and project offers different experiences. Last year I worked on much bigger projects than I ever had before, such as learning how to shoot on 16mm cameras. I think so far the 16mm shoot was the most difficult, yet most rewarding film I have made. I plan to submit this piece into the next ACS awards. Pic: Emily framing on a 16mm Aaton.

What’s the best thing about working in our business?

The best thing about working in film is going to different places and meeting so many interesting people! I get to do something different every time, and each project you learn something new. I’ve filmed interviews of people I’d probably never meet if I worked in a 9-5 office job. I’m constantly learning and improving upon my craft.

What’s your favourite film or TV show?

I love the classics such as Stanley Kubrick and Francis Ford Coppola, but I have to give love to the current Indie filmmakers such as Andrea Arnold, Yorgos Lanthimos, P. T. Anderson and Park Chan-wook to name a few. I love films, documentaries and TV shows that tell unconventional and innovative stories, take risks, tell character driven stories and have a much more personal perspective with their story-telling.   

What’s your next project?

Currently I am working on a larger format documentary about endometriosis through my honours degree. This doco will be about spreading awareness about the condition and will serve as a platform for people who live with endo to tell their stories. I am in the midst of researching more about the condition and conducting test shoots before we begin production. I’m very exited to get started on it! Pic: Emily operating the Aaton.

Thanks Emily, it’s great to have up and comers in our Society, over the years I have been privileged to see many become top professionals. I look forward to seeing your next project on endometriosis, it is much more prevalent than many realise.