After graduating New Zealand Broadcasting School with a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (BBC) degree I apprenticed under DP John Mahaffie on the 35mm drama “Hercules”. I spent four years working as a clapper loader and then focus puller on “Hercules”, “Xena”, “Jack of all Trades” and “Cleopatra 2525”.
When the shows wrapped I shifted my focus to camera assisting on high end, mainly international TV commercials. I worked and learnt from some of the best cameramen in the world.
I worked as a Camera Assistant for award winning DP’s Russell Boyd, Andrew Lesnie, Zack Snyder, Geoffrey Simpson and many others. Spending eight years working as a camera assistant on hunderds of TV Commercials and Feature Films such as “Lord of the Rings”, “King Kong” and “The World’s Fastest Indian”
During this time I also worked as a second unit DP and B-Camera Operator. Then I shot and produced two iconic snowboarding films. “3 Degrees” and “Special Needs”.
These films were well received by both the critics and the fans. Shortly after the release of "Special Needs" I made the transition to becoming a full time Cameraman.
I currently shoot for a variety of clients from Feature Films, Documentaries, Music Videos, Corporate Videos and TV Commercials. I also shoot news and current affairs for TV3 in Queenstown. With a background in film, and with the time pressures of network news I have become a very fast shooter, able to find the story in any situation without compromising on quality pictures.
With a broad skill base achieved by working with a mix of different formats and budgets. Coupled with time and experience in the industry, I am able to bring unique production values to my clients, and deliver a superior product on time, and on budget.
Archived Camera Assisting Resume (1997 - 2005 pdf)