Panavision partners with ACE, Collider Films, Finch, Revolver and Good Oil to launch Assistant Camera training program aimed at First Nations + culturally & linguistically diverse communities
As part of a debut new initiative titled Screen Trades, that is being piloted across New South Wales and aims to address the shortages in key below-the-line jobs in the local screen industry, the Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE), Screenrights Cultural Fund and Screen NSW have set an introductory Assistant Camera workshop with Panavision on November 14 that will offer a unique opportunity to communities that are historically underrepresented in the industry. Four award winning production TVC companies, FINCH, Good Oil, Revolver and Collider, have come on board to take select participants as attachments on set to provide a deserved group of early-career filmmakers their first professional, paid experience within the industry.
Through the pilot program, Nicolas Godoy, national TVC marketing manager for Panavision Australia, will provide training and masterclasses for up to 15 early career screen practitioners from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities. The workshop will provide industry-focused craft development, leading to professional employment pathways for one of the key skills shortages in below-the-line jobs in the industry and real industry engagement through crucial on-the-job placements brokered by Panavision.
Panavision, the international leader in the field of camera equipment and lenses, will host the first workshop on November 14 at their Sydney Office in Lane Cove using the extensive resources at-hand at Panavision’s Asia-Pacific headquarters. The workshops build on ACE’s successful partnership with Panavision, to provide industry-focused training which has included sponsorship packages for filmmakers.
A follow up session with a guest speaker and experienced first assistant camera operator will elaborate on specific industry skills involved working as 1st camera assistant, 2nd camera assistant and camera attachment for TV, feature films and TVCs.
During this training the program will coordinate on-the-job placements for a number of participants as early career Assistant Camera Operators shadowing industry professionals on set.
Says Barry Gamba, screen cultures producer at ACE: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Panavision through an Assistant Camera Masterclass and help provide professional work settings with some of Australia’s top TVC companies or broadcasters.”
Says Olivia Hantken, executive producer from Collider Films: “We are thrilled to see such a great initiative from Nic, Panavision and ACE. As an industry we have a great opportunity to work together to build better communities and celebrate our diversity. This program has genuine capability to create change and offer career defining moments for participants. The more diverse voices we hear at every stage of production the stronger we all become. We look forward to hosting the ACE candidates alongside our other industry leaders Finch, Revolver and Good Oil.”
Says Godoy: “It’s an honor to collaborate with ACE for this Assistant Camera Masterclass. Panavision shares ACE’s commitment to supporting and empowering underrepresented communities by providing education and opportunities for career development. We’re thrilled that we can provide access to our equipment and resources for this group of aspiring camera assistants from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. I can’t wait to meet and work with the participants.”
Interested people should apply for the SCREEN TRADES: Assistant Camera workshop at
https://ice.org.au/2022/09/screen-trades/
People from First Nations and CaLD communities are encouraged to apply. Applications close 9 November 2022.
What: Panavision Assistant Camera (AC) Workshop
When: Monday, 14 November 2022
Where: Panavision Sydney, Unit B2/16 Mars Rd, Lane Cove North NSW 2066
The Screen Trades initiative for Assistant Camera is a partnership between Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE), TAFE NSW and leading industry partner Panavision and is supported by Screen NSW and Screenrights.
Image credit: Eunice Konan