“So much can be said through a picture, that words cannot do justice to.” 
Maxx Corkindale, Cinematographer 

Ever wondered what goes into capturing those stunning cinematic visuals? Join our immersive Launch Lab and demystify the world of cinematography and the camera department. 

What You’ll Discover: 

• The Anatomy of a Camera Team: We’ll break down the roles and responsibilities within a camera department, from the Camera Assistant to the Director of Photography (DOP). 
• Team Dynamics & Collaboration: Learn how to foster a seamless and efficient working environment within a camera crew, ensuring smooth and successful shoots. 
• Gear Demystified: From the type of camera to lights and lenses to dollies and gimbals, we’ll navigate the complex world of camera equipment and how to choose the right gear.  
• The DOP-Director Relationship: Discover the art of fostering a creative collaboration between the DOP and the Director. 
• Career Pathways: Chart your course from DIT to DOP. 
• Practical Scene Breakdown: We’ll dissect scenes, analysing shot composition, lighting techniques, and camera movement.

This Launch Lab will be facilitated by esteemed South Australian cinematographer Maxx Corkindale and Bonnie Paku. Maxx’s work includes Rolf de Heer’s latest feature The Survival of Kindness, the breakout TriBeca indie feature You’ll Never Find Me, by Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen, the dramatised true crime documentary, The Speedway Murders, ABC dramedy Aftertaste and AACTA-winning feature documentary My Name is Gulpilil – esteemed actor David Gulpilil’s life story. Maxx loves telling stories – be they fictional or personal – through framing and lighting and will share his personal experiences across narrative and documentary, television and features. 

Maxx will be joined by Bonnie Paku, an early-career Māori Cinematographer who was awarded the Emerging Cinematographer Award from the Australian Cinematography Society for her developing body of work. Bonnie has worked her way up through the Camera Department on films such as The Stranger, I Am Mother, The Survival of Kindness and Bring Her Back, as well as the ABC’s Eat The Invaders. Bonnie’s recent projects include a Screen Australia funded streaming series created by Nelya Valamanesh, Rules to being a Fuckgurl, Melanie Easton’s’ Dragon’s Breath, and Stephanie Jaclyn’s Mating Call. 

Whether you are a budding cinematographer, an emerging director or interested in a crew role in the camera department, this Launch Lab is not to be missed! 

Full Program Coming Soon.  

Date: Saturday 3 May 2025
Time: Doors 9.30am | Lab 10.00am – 4.00pm | Networking 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue: The Mercury  

Cost: $75 or FREE FOR MERCURY SUBSCRIBERS 

Tickets strictly limited and bookings essential. 

Supported by the South Australian Film Corporation