This upcoming 3 events-in-one is an absolute ripper! Read on to find out what we are offering on May 18th
Hitmaker Studios and Facilities Tour and Introduction
ACS Members and guests are invited to tour the studios and facilities of HitMaker Studios at 8 Prohasky St, Port Melbourne. The complex is conveniently located near the many Film and TV industry services and close to the CBD. Truck and equipment loading access and on site parking is available with a large allocation of free parking in surrounding streets. HitMaker has 3 studios ranging from the large Studio A at 15.18m x 12.65m in size down to the handy Studio C Satellite Studio at 3.5m x 2.5m. The stages are sound treated and are very flexible to meet a variety of needs. The facility also offers Production Offices and Creative Suites to suit Production Companies, Graphic Designers, Audio Post or Editors. Click the link below to visit the HitMaker website to learn all about the facility, rates, specs and features. Don't miss this open-door opportunity the discover this studio if you haven't already been using it. We will have the chance to check out all the facilities while the Panasonic VariCam and Merkava 360 presentations take place in Studio A. You can simply move between any three of the activities as you choose. This ACS Event will run from 4pm to roughly 9pm on a walk-in basis. No booking or RSVP is required for this event. Bring along any colleague you think may be interested.
Panasonic presents the brand new VariCam LT and flagship VariCam 35, up close and in detail.
The Inside and Out of VARICAM
At ACS Victoria we like to offer our members special opportunities. When new products are released there are official launches which allow a basic introduction and description from the manufacturer and supplier. But often we don't get the chance to really learn the stuff we need to know as end users.
This is that opportunity!
Learn the Panasonic VariCam 35 and LT inside and out - take all the time you want - ask all the questions you like. Experts will be on hand to explain everything about this incredible new series from Panasonic so you can be using with confidence and with expertise on location. Whether you're a DP, Camera Assistant or Prep Tech DON"T MISS THIS!
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The cameras will be in the studio for you to explore. A selection of lenses will be available for comparison. We will be able to look at a model lit by candlelight and examine the lowlight capabilities on a large monitor. ACS and Panasonic greatly appreciate the wonderful support from LEMAC Melbourne who will supply much of the equipment required for this in depth demonstration.
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Candles, VariCam, wow factor
Panasonic is proudly one of the forerunners of Digital Cinematography with the original VariCam introduced more than 14 years ago. A groundbreaking camera, the original VariCam was the first high definition camera-recorder over crank and under crank while creating beautiful cinematic images with natural skin tones and a distinctive VariCam look.
Since the introduction of the original VariCam in 2002, Panasonics engineers have strived to bring innovative ideas to the production market. Now in its third generation, the VariCam arrived just over a year ago in two new variants, the VariCam 35, Super-35mm 4K camera and the VariCam HS, high speed 2/3 type camera. Featuring an industry first Dual Native ISO function the VariCam 35 revolutionised shooting flexibility in Film & Television production.
 The Varicam on Ali's Wedding with 1st AC Cameron Dunn |
The VariCam cameras first year met with many successes and saw many high profile productions utilize the new cameras. A few of the series and specials that used either the VariCam 35 or VariCam HS as their primary camera are:
Orange is the New Black Netflix
The Colour of Eden Indimax (screen on The Seven Network)
Amy Schumer Live at the Apollo HBO
 Don McAlpine ACS ASC on Ali's Wedding |
Kevin Hart: What Now Tour Universal Pictures
Shortland Street TVNZ
Catalyst ABC
Kitchen Cabinet ABC
Gardening Australia ABC
Doctor Foster BBC (Best New Drama 2016)
Master of None Netflix
Containment Eyeworks
Tartot ARD And Don McAlpine ACS ASC chose the VariCam to shoot the feature film Ali's Wedding in Melbourne late last year.
This month sees the release of the third VariCam in this latest series. The VariCam LT has a compact and lightweight magnesium body and offers same picture quality specifications as the larger VariCam 35 cinema camera. The super 35mm image sensor, which is the same imager as VariCam 35, features wide dynamic range, an expansive colour gamut, and high sensitivity for 4K and HD image acquisition. It has dual native ISO settings of 800 and 5000. The native 5000 ISO allows for clean shooting in very low light situations. Its size and design facilitate a wide array of shooting styles including comfortable ergonomic shoulder mounted operation or use on gimbals and drones.
Enter the amazing experience of shooting in 360 with Merkava Technologies
So you know how to shoot a film. But ever wanted to actually be inside your film?
Merkava Technologies is excited to introduce the ACS to the technology behind 360 Video and Photography. Working in an industry where we are constantly being exposed to new technology and new ways of viewing our surroundings, it is not often we are able to think about capturing visually in 360 degrees. At a rapid rate the technology and equipment available to both capture and view 360 motion images is improving and will continue to do so. Here is a chance to experience first hand the possibilities of working this way and how it may be of great value to your clients. In the Hitmaker Studio, Merkava will have equipment set up that will capture our surroundings and then in a short space of time play back a stitched version of the video. Of course as this process normally takes many hours to perfect, it will be for demonstrative purposes only but will give you an awesome experience as you look around in a Virtual sense. They will have viewers and demo videos for you to understand how it works. For some examples of what can be achieved in 360 check out Merkava's Youtube channel here. Merkava Technologies is Melbourne's leading end-to-end Virtual Reality services provider and 360 media experts.
WHERE and WHEN?
Come along and share in these 3 events-in-one.
When: Wednesday May 18th from 4pm - 9pm
Where: Hitmaker Studios, 8 Prohasky St, Port Melbourne VIC
Cost: FREE. No booking or RSVP required. Just come along. Bring a colleague.
"Downriver". Screening from DCP followed by Q&A with Grant Scicluna, Jannine Barnes and Laszlo Baranyai HSC ACS - Thursday April 21st
On Thursday April 21st immerse yourself in the intriguing "Downriver", directed by Grant Scicluna and filmed by ACS Victorian member Laszlo Baranyai HSC ACS which premiered in 2015 at Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). A tale of redemption and reconciliation, Downriver is the haunting and confronting feature debut from award-winning MIFF Accelerator alumnus, writer/director Grant Scicluna. Boasting a knock-out cast including Reef Ireland (Puberty Blues) and Kerry Fox (Intimacy), the MIFF Premiere Fund-supported Downriver walks in the footsteps of films such as The Boys and heralds the emergence of an exciting new voice in Australian filmmaking. SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the path to redemption is paved in sin. James, 18, has been released from juvenile detention after serving time for his involvement in the suspected drowning of a young boy in a river years earlier. Ravaged with uncertainty, dealing with an estranged family and forced to face the dead boys mother, James is set upon a journey of self discovery, shocking revelations and danger as questions surrounding the boys death brim to the surface. Old friendships are questioned, family ties are tested and lives are put on the line as James must find his path to the truth. Its a path that will lead him Downriver
Producer: Jannine Barnes
Director: Grant Scicluna
Cinematographer: Laszlo Baranyai HSC ACS
Writer: Grant Scicluna
Editor: Anthony Cox
Sound Designer: Emma Bortignon Come at 6.30pm and catch up with friends over a drink or snack before the film at the Backlot Bar. WHERE Backlot Studios, 65 Haig St Southbank. Parking in venue and surrounding streets
WHEN Thursday April 21st. Doors and Bar opens at 6.30pm. Screening starts 7pm. Followed by Q&A
COST: FREE Entry for financial ACS Members.
FREE Entry to the first 15 Screen Professionals Collective (SPC) (Vic) members who book a seat (One ONLY per SPC Member). This includes members of ADG, ASE, AWG, SPA, ASSG, AGSC & APDG. Once the allocation is full, SPC members can buy at Concession price.
Concession/Students $10
Non-Members $15 Book your seats using the link below.
Anamorphic Masterclass with Peter James ACS ASC presented by ACS Victoria - May 14 & 15 - FILLING FAST
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Cinematographers Society is very excited to announce it will be running a two day advanced Anamorphic Lenses Masterclass led by the extraordinarily talented Peter James ACS ASC on Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15, 2016 in Melbourne.
25% filled already - be quick This highly sought after course is limited to only 20 successful applicants. It is part of ACS Victoria's Cinematography Intensives Masterclass and Workshop series.
About Peter James ACS ASC
Peter is internationally renowned for his beautiful cinematography and stills photography. Multiple AFI Award Winner and an inductee into our ACS Hall of Fame, Peter is possibly best known for his films Black Robe, Driving Miss Daisy, Paradise Road, Alive, Meet The Parents, 27 Dresses and Maos Last Dancer to name only a few, and also his extensive career shooting high-end, award-winning commercials for cinema and television.
A prolific user of Anamorphic systems, Peter James ACS ASC is a true master of the craft and a passionate educator and sharer of his vast knowledge. Opportunities like this dont come along often.
Peters full credits can be viewed here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0416824/
About the ACS Victoria Cinematography Intensives Anamorphic Lenses Masterclass:
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The two-day weekend course will be conducted both Interior and Exterior utilising Arri Alexa 4:3 cameras with a complement of equipment and lenses from Panavision including Anamorphic zooms and prime lenses as well as Spherical zooms and prime lenses for comparative purposes.
Participants will first learn about the history and application of anamorphic filming from its beginnings to the modern day and how the transition from film to full frame 4:3 digital cameras has effectively allowed a rebirth of anamorphic into contemporary film making.
Hands-on practical demonstrations will take place over the two days where we will explore perspective variation, lens length decisions, the effect of how different contrast, texture and lighting influence the shot. Spherical and anamorphic focus and distortion will be examined and explained.
Several scenarios will be shot by the participants, and the results later screened and appraised on large monitors or screens. The mystery of anamorphic will be demystified by Peter.
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Armed with an educated knowledge from Peters experience, participants will be able to complete the course more fully prepared to shoot anamorphic with a new found confidence and informed understanding of the system, equipment and lenses available. The application of this knowledge gives you the opportunity to shoot images that stand out professionally and scenes that are shot with a clear vision of the outcome.
Participants who complete the course will be presented with a signed ACS Certificate of Completion.
Application and Costs
This advanced course suits only those with a solid understanding of the principals of cinematography. Camera Operators and Camera Assistants are welcome to apply.
Acceptance to the course is by Application and a Submission of your experience level in cinematography by way of CV, Resume or Bio is required. Contact ACS Victoria Events by email using the link below with Anamorphic Masterclass 2016 in the Subject Line if you wish to apply or have questions relating to your suitability. Cost excluding GST (payable upon acceptance to secure your place):
Financial ACS Members: $400
Students (current ID required): $470
Non-Members: $550 Where: Inner Melbourne, Victoria
When: Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15 2016
Disclaimer and Policy
The Australian Cinematographers Society (VIC) reserves the right to cancel any course for any reason at any time. If a course is cancelled, participants will receive a full refund of any fees paid.
Participants may withdraw from the course up to 28 days prior to commencement of the course and receive a full refund. Participants who withdraw between 28 days and 14 days of commencement of the course may do so for a forfeiture of 50% of the fee. No refund will be made to participants who withdraw within 14 days of the commencement of the course. In exceptional circumstances, ACS may exercise its option to refund on compassionate grounds.
Your place on this course is NOT TRANSFERABLE to anyone else without prior approval by ACS Victoria.
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