Cinematographers are set to pack the Grand Tearoom of Auckland’s Heritage Hotel next month for the first cinematography awards event the New Zealand screen industry has seen.

Cinematographers are set to pack the Grand Tearoom of Auckland’s Heritage Hotel next month for the first cinematography awards event the New Zealand screen industry has seen.

With over 170 entries, there is no shortage of image-makers willing to go after one of the prestigious awards created by the New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS).

“We have been overwhelmed by the response,” says Richard Bluck, NZCS President. “We have fantastic entries across 14 categories ranging from students, news and current affairs, through documentaries, teleseries, and feature films.”

Because the judging standards are set extremely high, it is no easy feat reaching award standard, says Dave Cameron, NZCS Awards chair.

“I’m delighted to say our judging panel of seasoned-pros were astonished at the quality of the cinematography coming through,” he says.

“The NZCS Awards follow the pattern set in countries like the US, Canada and Australia, and after seeing the entries, the judges tell us we can be confident that our New Zealand cinematography stacks up alongside any in the world.”

In one sense that is not surprising, because among the entries are a BBC One drama, Netflix hits, Hollywood blockbusters, and some beautifully shot commercials and music videos that are designed for a worldwide release. But these productions won’t have a monopoly on awards, because of the quality of the New Zealand productions.

“I think the audience at the NZCS Awards dinner is going to be bowled over, when they see just how far New Zealand cinematographers reach, but also what they achieve at home, ” says Cameron.

He adds that NZCS has also been amazed at the level of support received from the sponsors led by major sponsor The Weta Group of Companies, and Platinum sponsors Panavision, A2Z, Xytech Technologies, Metro Film, and ARRI. 

“These companies, and our gold, silver and bronze sponsors, have been enthusiastic from the beginning, perhaps because they know that top-quality cinematography is one of the keys to a successful screen industry,” he says.

The black tie event will be held on 15 October, and will include guest speaker, acclaimed cinematographer, Tom Stern ACS, AFC, and a considerable contingent of guests from across the Tasman.