June was a busy month for NZCS Professional Development. We currently have four interns under our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion programs on set and Bharati Sonu is about to start as DP intern on feature film “Backpack”. 

The very good news is that the NZ Film Commission has approved another year of funding for our Gender Diversity Intern Program so this will take us through to June 2025 with an estimated seven new placements available in the coming year, and three still to place from our 2023/24 funding. 

We’ve successfully held two one-day workshops/masterclasses in June - An Introduction to Cinematography for Drama with Waikato Screen in Hamilton, tutored by Donny Duncan NZCS and well attended by over 20 participants.

Our Gimbal Workshop with Jono Drew at Panavision in Auckland was also a great success with 23 participants from all levels of experience and background.  Many thanks to our tutors Jono Drew, Michael Paletta, Will Prosor, Levi Keddy and Ainsley Calderwood who ensured everyone was kept busy and had the chance to demo a variety of different rigs, and Panavisoon for supplying a venue and camera gear. 

~ Donny Duncan NZCS