Photo: David Lanzenberg (left) discusses his work on 'WEDNESDAY'", photo taken by Donny Duncan NZCS while attending ICS Summit 2023

I recently had the honour of representing the NZCS at the 2023 International Cinematography Summit, hosted by the ASC in Los Angeles. Societies from 33 different countries were present and the program included panel discussions, screenings and presentations by DP’s, and off-site visits to technical facilities.

Photo: International delegates at final dinner at ASC Clubhouse

One of the highlights this year was being invited onto a Gender, Diversity and Inclusion panel discussion and receiving some great feedback about about our NZCS/NZFC initiatives. The LA based IATSE Local 600 (Camera Union) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator has subsequently requested more information about how our NZCS program works. 

I also joined a panel on the subject of “Building Our Film communities through our Societies”.  There was much interest shown in how a relatively small society like the NZCS runs an annual Cinematography Awards, is able to hire Executive Officer, Professional Development and Event Management staff, and runs successful intern programs,events, workshops and masterclasses.

Photo: Bob Richardson ASC and his colourist discuss AIR

Technical demonstrations included a visit to Kinoflo to view their “Magic Box” collaboration – a fully portable VR studio mounted on a semi-trailer truck rig that can be driven to location or studio and unpacked and set up within 90 minutes and will accomodate vehicles on a turntable for quick and easy car-driving dialogue scenes. Check out details here

There was also a live test environment and demonstration of Angenieux Optimo Prime lenses with their innovation internal lens filtering option (Integrated Optical Pallette) for ultimate creative control. The modular design of the lens system allows the internal components to easily be pulled apart and put back together within minutes using relatively standard tools.

Magic Box portable Virtual production studio-exterior

Magic Box portable Virtual Production Studio-interior

Screenings and presentations included cinematographer David Lanzenberg talking about his work with director Tim Burton on the pilot for the TV series WEDNESDAY, and legendary cinematographer Robert Richardson ASC discussing his recent work on the Ben Affleck-directed movie AIR about the Nike/Air Jordan story.

Another panel was convened to discuss latest technolgies and approaches in Virtual Production and this featured New Zealander Baz Idoine ASC (THE MANDALORIAN, THOR, LOVE & THUNDER) as a contributor.           

We were also treated to a screening of the recently restored SUNSET BOULEVARD movie (1950) followed by a presentation from the team at Paramount Pictures responsible for the restoration process. 

Paramount restoration team talk about SUNSET BOULEVARD

It was a special privilege to meet the newly elected president of IMAGO (International Federation of Cinematographers) Mustapha Barat, ABC, from Brazil and we had a fruitful discussion about the ways forward for IMAGO after some turbulent years.

This year ICS featured more time for delegates to converse and socialise and feedback will be analysed to decide whether this will be an annual or bi-annual event in the future. Like last year, it was great to meet a variety of ASC members who dropped into the clubhouse during the week, and to establish contact with societies from all around the world. 

~ Donny Duncan NZCS