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ACS South Australian Branch
[Kinemagraphe]
May 2023
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From the Pres
Beep & Mort - Tech Set Vist
National Awards - The Winners are?
Profile James Haskard
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From the Pres
Good luck to all our 2022 SA State Gold winners at the upcoming prestigious 2023 National ACS Awards for Cinematography being held in Sydney in early May. This promises to be a great night as well as do the fabulous satellite events over the weekend put on by the NSW branch.
Whilst we are talking about awards, the 2023 State Awards entry window opens August 1 and closes August 21 so time to start thinking about what you might enter this year.
If you are thinking of applying for Accreditation check out the ACS Website beforehand as the submission window for Accreditation opens September 1 and closes September 21 and it does take a bit of time to get a good submission together.
Vale Chris Herzfeld
Just before the end of April SA ACS member Chris Herzfeld passed away after being diagnosed with a very aggressive pancreatic cancer recently in February. Chris was a valuable member of our Society and the film & dance communities. He was not only a talented cinematographer but an excellent stills photographer which his many creative stills of dancers wonderfully demonstrated. Chris was also involved in helping many emerging cinematographers with education and guidance, he was a good man! Our thoughts are with Kyra and family, he has departed way to young. Please remember, live life to the fullest as Chris did, may he rest in peace.
Beep & Mort Tech Set Visit
Our ACS visit to the set of the filming of the 2nd season of Beep & Mort at the SAFC with cinematographer Aaron Gully ACS and some of his crew is on soon! Read more below.
Wrap Ups / Movie Tix
Read about our Meet the Cinematographer Night and our Watandar Screening & Q&A in the articles below. So this months question for reimbursement of up to $40 for the purchase of two movie tickets is... What does the word Watandar mean? If you were at the Q&A you should know the answer!
Reply via this link, the first correct answer will win and will need to send a scan of the tickets and their details for reimbursement to our treasurer Mylene.
ShotClass Courses
Don't forget the fabulous ShotClass Steadicam workshop being held by Louis Pulli over in Melbourne mid May, check out below for more info. Australian legendary Steadicam operator/DoP/Director Toby Phillips ACS will be also on hand for 1 full day of this course. Our friends in Melbourne running SotClass also have a Wheels course (both manual and remote head) coming up led by Warwick Field ACS, check out Wheels ShotClass here.
We happily promote these courses, even though they are over in Melbourne, as we don't have the resources, scale, or access to the facilities to run them in SA.
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Beep & Mort Technical Set Visit
 How good is this! Our SA ACS visit to the set of the 2nd season of Beep & Mort is on and being presented by our own Aaron Gully ACS & crew.After the success of season one, Beep & Mort is currently in production of 20 more episodes. Created and produced by Windmill Pictures, Beep & Mort is an endearing pre-school television program aired on the ABC and around the world.
Beep & Mort is a unique hybrid of live theatre and television production, with a cast of numerous warm and comical characters. Beep & Mort uses traditional puppetry on the hands of some incredibly talented actors, while some characters have motion-tracked post-animated facial expressions.
There are a huge amount of logistical complexities filming this production, with not only the extremely obvious issue of hiding the many puppeteers, but also having the camera’s ground level at 1.6m high, live lighting scene changes, motion trackers, blue-screen, post-paint- outs, countless monitors for the puppeteers and working with full scale puppets and scenery as well as miniature versions of both.
Come join us on-set in the very large, magical world of Mollyvale and hear Aaron Gully ACS talk through both the challenges and logistics, and on using the Sony Venice-2. Gaffer Richard Rees-Jones will speak on one of the most sophisticated lighting builds ever installed in Stage 1 at Adelaide Studios. John Smith will discuss gripping and rigging and Chris Daniels will explain his complex role as not only DIT but also managing a vast array of puppetry monitoring. 1st AC Sian Bates and 2nd AC Bec Taylor will be available to answer questions and show the camera kit in further detail.
The Sony Venice-2 & SIgma FF lenses used on Beep & Mort are supplied by VA Digital Hire thanks to Warren Day’s ongoing support of the South Australian film industry. It’s also looking likely that Nigel Gorham from VA will be flying over for the evening to speak on the Sony Venice-2 and answer any technical questions on it.
Don’t miss this unique and informative evening in Mollyvale, hearing all about the secret inner workings of the amazing world of Beep & Mort.
Where: SAFC Studio 1 - enter via door at the rear of the building. Click for Map
When: Thursday May 25
Time: 1900 - 2045 approx
Cost: Free - ACS Members only - #'s are limited.
Careful: This is a live set - do not touch anything unless asked to do so!
Refreshments: Provided
Bookings: Essential
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53rd National Awards for Cinematography Winners?
The 53rd National ACS Awards for Cinematography proudly sponsored by the National Platinum sponsor FUJINON FUJIFILM and to be MC'd by Ray Martin AM at the spectacular Crystal Ballroom at Luna Park on Milsons Point aren't on until Saturday May 6 so, sorry, we can't tell you who has won what until after the event.
We'll post all the winners on our SA FB page real soon.
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Meet a Cinematographer a Success
Our free "Meet a Cinematographer" night held recently at in.Studio + Cafe on Pirie St can only be considered a success with 8 SA member cinematographers of various genres having multiple discussions, one-on-one, about their careers with over 16 attendees.
Our cinematographers who made themselves available to discuss their careers and how they got there included: JoAnne Bouzianis Sellick, Brant Cumming, Grace Shuying, Malcolm Ludgate ACS, Michael Tessari, David Gregan, Maxx Corkindale & moi Ernie Clark ACS.
We did our best to answer the numerous questions from the participants and educate them about a career in cinematography. Hopefully many of them will join the SA ACS branch and become successful cinematographers/filmmakers in the future. Here's a picture of JoAnne pointing this young student in the right direction! Or is she doing the Praying Mantis from the Karate Kid?
Many thanks to our committee and all the participating cinematographers as well as the numerous students who really seemed to enjoy the experience, here's an appreciative comment from one of them:
"As a younger, emerging cinematographer, it was an immensely valuable and engaging experience, and really helped bridge the gap between individual creativity and connecting with new friends and potential mentors." JD
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Watandar Screening & Q&A
 At the Mercury Cinema on Sunday night April 30 we got to watch cinematographer Katrina Penning's first feature documentary Watandar - My Countryman and hear from her about her experiences shooting this wonderful yet poignant doco.
Katrina was very eloquent and forthright with her answers. It was really interesting to hear how she landed the gig and about her career to date. Thank you very much Katrina.
It was also a good chance to catch up with some of our ACS colleagues and friends.
There a few screenings coming up with the lead, Afghan refugee and photographer, Muzafar Ali (who's an inspiration) attending and I'd highly recommend this is a film worth going to see. Here's a SA few dates with Q&A's:
July 4th - 6:30PM Piccadilly, Adelaide [inc Q&A]
July 5th - 6:30PM Mitcham, Adelaide [inc Q&A]
July 6th - 6:30PM Mount Barker, SA [inc Q&A]
July 7th - 6:30PM Port Augusta, SA [inc Q&A]
July 9th - TBC Marree, SA [inc Q&A]
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Profile James Haskard
 How did you come to be interested in working in the film industry?
I always thought I would’ve pursued music after school, as I was there on a music scholarship, but after starting media it became apparent it was going to be more of a viable career choice for me. I’ve always loved film and TV and while I’m still a part of the music industry, the film industry still seems to be the most alluring.
Has anyone had an influence on your career?
As cliche as it sounds, my parents have had a great influence on my career. Not in a direct creative sense as neither of them have had anything to do with the film industry but purely from a supportive point of view. At first, I think it was nerve wracking for them for me to go to MAPS instead of Uni but they quickly realised it’s what I really wanted to do so they’ve always urged me to continue and pursue this line of work, whether it be in Australia or overseas.
What attracted you to working in our profession, what was your first job?
I think ever since seeing the original Lord Of The Rings films as a wee boy, it immediately struck an obsession with film and the arts in general. (I’m very thankful for the extended edition behind the scenes disks). My first job out of school and film school was as an in-house filmmaker at Showpony Advertising in Adelaide. In my four years there that job gave me a great opportunity to learn the real world applications of filmmaking in advertising as well as working on set with established professionals.
What have you done to further your career?
In 2019 I took quite a leap by moving to New Zealand (the pic is me shooting a doco in in the Matukituki Valley NZ), signing on to shoot/direct/edit a mini-doco series for production company The Beards (not the band) in Wanaka. I stayed there throughout the pandemic with no family and very little friends to hone my craft as a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. After 2.5 years of fun in New Zealand I moved back home to Australia in 2022 where I took another leap to further my career.
 Throughout being in NZ I was yearning to get into the long form world of working on set, so I managed to make my way onto Andy Robertson’s lighting team for Warwick Thornton’s feature ‘The New Boy’. It has been a highlight so far for me in my career as I was lucky enough to learn an enormous amount from some of the country's best in Andy and Best Boy Peter Guiliani. Pic on the set of New Boy.
What’s the best thing about working in our business?
My favourite part about the business is the sense of family and comradery created with the people you work with. It’s also the worst part about the job because when the job is done you may not see them again!
What’s your favourite film or TV show?
Films that I constantly circle back to as favourites are There Will Be Blood, Children Of Men, Her and LOTR: The Fellowship Of The Ring as a nostalgic shoe in. From the top of my head Severance is my current favourite TV show. From a cinematography standpoint its top tier. I highly recommend it!
 What piece of equipment or thing could you not do without on-set?
Anything that gets rid of dust! The pic is of me shooting a fashion brand film in "dusty" NZ.
Have you met any colourful characters along the way?
In New Zealand I shot a mini doco about a camping motorcycle rally that occurs in the middle of winter in Central Otago. Out of the 4000 motorcycle enthusiasts that attended there were certainly a few interesting characters there who were either very interested in or very weary of my camera.
What’s your next project?
Upon arriving back in Australia I’ve shot a number of music videos (some released, some not and some still upcoming) but for my next project I’ll be heading to the Northern Territory to shoot a mini doco for Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya. I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to go to Arnhem Land in both wet and dry seasons to film the amazing women there creating their art.
Where do you think your future lies?
I will absolutely be pursuing my career in camera and intend on continuing my work in both passion projects and professional, but I’m also very excited about working in the lighting department on larger jobs. That’s where I’m putting my focus at the moment.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Yes, I’m still a working drummer in a few bands! When I’m not shooting or working on set I’m usually rehearsing or on tour somewhere around the country playing music.
Thanks James, a really interesting career journey so far. So many of our members who have done well are alumni from MAPS.
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ShotClass Steadicam Course
A/B Camera operator, Steadicam owner operator & International Steadicam Instructor, Louis Pulli SOC, is running another 5 day Steadicam Workshop from the 15th of May through to the 19th. This workshop is the ONLY one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. It's held at fantastic location “The Abbotsford Convent” in Melbourne which is now an outstanding Arts precinct.
The 5 day course will cover everything from building and balancing to operating in different modes, configurations and scenarios. Supported by a camera and gripping crew and utilising various types of camera supports and vehicles, we will recreate a very realistic set-like environment. We will provide meals and drinks each day – and you’ll even get a complimentary T-Shirt on completion.
Applications are not required for this masterclass. Places are limited to 12 and it is first come, first served, so don’t delay. BOOK NOW!
Your lead instructor is Louis Puli SOC and he will be supported by 2 -3 other professional Steadicam operators to teach you all the tricks. Participants in the Steadicam masterclass will be treated to a special guest for a full day of the course. Renowned Cinematographer / Director / Steadicam Operator Toby Phillips ACS will attend the course and share his vast experience as a Steadicam operator, some tips and tricks and some anecdotal advice from his long career. Toby has been involved teaching in several of Garrett Brown's workshops and brings a wealth of knowledge. This is a unique opportunity only for those attending the masterclass, class size is small and there is plenty of gear and rigs so you will be kept busy every minute: learning, experimenting, practising and finessing.
I have used Louis as a Steadicam Op on many shoots over the years and I can tell you he really knows his stuff! EC ACS
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Prepare for the SA Emerging Cinematographer Award
If you are contemplating applying for the SA Emerging Cinematographer Award you should start preparing your submission soon as applications open on July 1 for only 2 weeks. This special Awward aims to recognise and support an emerging SA ACS member so they can pursue creative ideas and enhance their career in cinematography.
 The award is supported with a cash grant from the SA branch of $1,000 and sponsored by SA ACS Gold Sponsor Picture Hire with a generous camera package for up to three consecutive days to the value of $5,000 (T&C's apply). We anticipate this Award will give the recipient access to a better camera and lens package than they normally could afford.
The cash grant could be used to hire extra gear for the shoot, used to complete a course to further their education, or on something else to advance their career. Only financial SA ACS Active members of one year or more may apply. Submissions from applicants for this award will only be accepted from July 1 to July 14.
Some of the criteria we are looking for in your submissions include:
- a bio of their career including what education or training you may have had
- any mentors you may have had, or those who have been influential in your career
- how has your cinematography improved and why
- what awards, if any, have you won
- provide files or links to some of your best cinematography
- if known, what would you use the Camera package prize and the cash prize for?
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ACS Facebook Group
All current financial ACS members can join our Facebook group. Members can post their work, connect across states, link to events, ask for advice, and put up equipment for sale, etc. To join, simply follow the link below and request to join, and one of your local committee members will approve your request. Of course, if you're not a member please don't apply as rejection is not really in our DNA.
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Upcoming Dates
2023
May 1 - Committee Meeting
May 5 - Screening and Q&A of the Gray Man with Stephen F Windon ACS ASC in Sydney
May 6 - National ACS Awards in Sydney plus satellite events including Meet the Nominees
May 7 - National Executive meeting @ ACS HQ Sydney
May 25th - Beep and Mort Set Visit / Tech Night with DoP Aaron Gully ACS & crew
June 5 - Committee Meeting
June 30 - Membership fees due date
July 1 to 14 - SA Emerging Cinematographer Submissions window
July 3 - Committee Meeting
August 1 to 21 - Awards Entry Window
August 7 - Committee Meeting
September 1 to 21 - Accreditation Application window
September 1 to 3 - 43rd SA & WA ACS Awards for Cinematography Judging
September 4 - Committee Meeting
October 3 - Committee Meeting
October 13, 14 & 15 - Accreditation Assessments @ ACS HQ
October 27 - Special Screening & Q&A
October 28 - 43rd Annual SA & WA ACS Awards for Cinematography
November 6 - SA AGM
November 26 - National AGM via Zoom
December 4 - Committee Meeting
December 11 - Annual SA ACS Christmas Get Together
December 12 - SA Branch goes into hibernation.
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South Australia Gold Sponsors
South Australia Silver Sponsors
South Australia Bronze Sponsor
National Major Sponsor
National Diamond Sponsor
National Platinum Sponsors
National Gold Sponsors
National ACS CineKids Sponsor
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