NZCS Gender Diversity Program invites female Camera Trainee applications for a

Auckland-based Feature Film

The NZCS Gender Diversity Program invites applicants who identify as female, to apply for a Camera Trainee position on a local feature film, ”Big Girls Don’t Cry”, shooting in Auckland from 30^th March 2025 with cinematographer Maria Ines Manchego NZCS

The Attachment provides the opportunity to work under the guidance of the camera team in a fast-moving shoot, with a hands-on, full-time work role anticipated, as a Camera Trainee.

This will be a paid Attachment for 2 days prep and a 26 day shoot, from 27^th March - until 7th of May, working 5 day weeks, with a break for Anzac Day and Easter, at our standard trainee rate.  Please e-mail pd@nzcine.com for more details.

The placements are open to female candidates, throughout New Zealand, who are NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, but the successful candidate will have to work ex-Auckland, as no travel or accommodation will be provided. Successful applicants will have to agree to join the NZCS, for a 1 year minimum as an associate member.

The selected candidate will be issued a standard contract by the Production Company, will join the payroll per other contractors, and will also sign an agreement with the NZCS.

The aim of the Attachment is:

To provide an opportunity for a female camera trainee to increase their confidence and skill-set through a hands-on role with an experienced drama camera team, and to provide another training pathway to the limited opportunities currently available.

This is not a creative input role, but as the junior member of the camera team there will be the chance to upskill in professional work practice, technical gear knowledge and observe the creative decision making process in the field.

This mentorship is made possible with sponsorship from the New Zealand Film Commission  Strategic Development Fund, the NZCS and Rainpop Films Ltd. We remain committed to a mandate to grow and diversify the pool of upcoming camera talent in New Zealand, to redress the current gender imbalance, and to encourage young women to pursue a goal of becoming professional cinematographers.

To be eligible, applicants must also:

• Be a member of the NZCS, or be prepared to join if successful.
• Have a track record of working as an up-and-coming camera trainee/camera assist on web series, short films, music videos, or other genres. The applicant may not necessarily yet have a full-time career as a camera assistant/trainee.
• Be prepared to abide by all safety protocols on-set where indicated
• Have a current clean, full Drivers Licence
• Priority will be given to applicants who meet the criteria, and have not previously received an NZCS placement 

To apply:

Please submit the following in attached electronic documents (Word file or PDF) – do not include the below in body of email to pd@nzcine.com  with “ Camera Trainee - “Big Girls Don’t Cry” 2025 ” in the subject line:

 Closing Date for Applications:  8.00pm, Thu 13^th March, 2025

       •     Your NZCS Membership Number (or intention to join if successful)

•  A CV of industry experience, and any tertiary education highlights, including your normal place of residence, ethnicity,& residential status.

• A written reference (from a screen industry professional or tutor)
• A proposal (maximum of 1-page) outlining why you want to apply for the Attachment and what you look to achieve from the opportunity.
• A copy of your Driver’s licence

A shortlist will be created from applications, and an interview (in person, phone or Zoom) may be required, at which time further details of the production itself will be provided.

We will endeavour to inform applicants of a decision by 5.00pm Tuesday, 18^th March, 2025 latest.