NZCS Members with lens array - Photo by Jon Waters
NZCS was recently offered the chance to host a Lens workshop led by Panavision Australia’s Nic Godoy, which included ‘live’ on-set demonstrations using Panavision cameras and an array of vintage and modern lenses.
Delivered in two parts, the program was developed with the nuances, challenges, and specific requirements of creative and technical roles in mind.
Presented at Panavision NZ, Behind The Lens was a day of hands-on practical sessions in which screen practitioners gained a greater understanding of how camera lenses and technology influence visual storytelling.
Nic Godoy - Photo by Jon Waters
The morning was for practitioners working in creative roles (Directors, Producers, Writers, DP’s etc) and included demystifying lenses and the lens testing process, and how to use terminology for effective communication between Directors and Cinematographers.
A networking lunch then followed, where participants from both sessions got together to make new introductions and bring together the wider film making community.
The afternoon was for practitioners working in advanced technical roles (Cinematographers, AC’s, post-production, etc) and included a showcase and a technical breakdown of motion picture lens characteristics of Spherical, Anamorphic, Large Format and S35 lenses, including the evolving advancement of lens modification and customization.
Nic presenting to audience - Photo by: Jon Waters
On this occasion the NZCS reached out to other screen guilds including WIFT, PISA, PASC, DEGANZ, SGANZ and Ngā Aho Whaakari and offered discounted entry fees, as we are keen to have more collaboration with practitioners beyond camera, in our Professional Development sphere.
We were very encouraged by the Guild participation, and had an excellent mix of directors, actors, writers, producers, DPs and AC’s in the first creative session, and a great mix of DPs, and camera assistants in the afternoon technical session. About 20-25 people attended each session, and a full house for the networking lunch.
We have already had some excellent feedback - for example:
“As a member of both DEGANZ and WIFT the workshop 1000% enhanced my understanding of what camera department is doing. Would love more cross guild workshops, as we work together after all ! It would also provide a great networking opportunity.”
Given the positive feedback from the event, Panavision is keen to entertain future collaborations, and there has already been interest to bring this lens workshop to Wellington in 2025.
A big thank you to Paul Lake and Lucas Chiappella from Panavision New Zealand, Nic Godoy and PV Australia, Michael Paletta from the NZCS for admin/organisation and the NZCS committee volunteers who helped out.
~ Donny Duncan NZCS
