Award winning Cinematographer.
World wide camera operator.
Nature and wildlife lover.
Navigating between Bristol UK, Adelaide and Sydney Australia, David grew up in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia before moving to Sydney to pursue a career in the Film and TV industry. While Natural History Content is his main aspiration, David has worked on a multitude of platforms including Documentary Features and Series, Reality TV, Feature Films, TV Drama and Corporate videos.
He is known for his creative eye, work ethic and passion for Natural History Filmmaking.
His experience, enthusiasm, and work ethic makes him a joy to work with.
What David has to say:
I feel that this industry is a unique one. There’s a lot of glimmer and awe from the outside world, but in reality it can be tough work. With high pressure situations, long hours and time sensitive aspects, you really have to be on your ‘A Game’ 100% of the time, and still bring your creativity to set. And I love it!
Multi-skilled
David has worked on many short film sets and music videos as a Gaffer, Sound Designer, Editor, 2nd AC, 1st AC, Camera Operator and Cinematographer.
It is typical for many Australian film folk to wear multiple hats on the job, but David has chosen to work in roles that help hone his skills as a Cinematographer the most - which has proven its merit for him when in 2020 he won a State Gold Award with the ACS (Australian Cinematographers Society) for his piece Memoir. In 2021 Memoir went on to win the National Gold Award in his category at the ACS National Awards.
As a Cinematographer and Producer/Director, David enjoys working on Natural History and Social Issue Documentaries.
Nature
David’s passion for nature and wildlife can be seen throughout all of his work. From Natural History Documentaries to Post-Apocalyptic Short films, he always enjoys blending natural light with nature’s landscapes and human environments.
Since the age of 15 when he bought his first DSLR, David has been an avid Wildlife and Landscape Photographer. This of course evolved into Cinematography and has helped shape his style and approach to film making.
Skills & Qualifications
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Graduated in 2022, with majors in Cinematography and Sound Design.
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I aim to complete my sub 25kg RePL as well as my ReOCC this year. I am familiar flying all the DJI Mavic and Phantom series drones.
I also have an AROC certificate. -
I try to dive at least once every 2 months, and am familiar with underwater housings, lighting and camera rigs.
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I have completed Advanced and Aggressive driver training courses for the race track, as well as having spent the better part of 20 years going 4WD’ing. I am familiar with driving on all terrains.
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I have both my Working With Children Certificate (WWCC) as well as a Safeguarding Young Children Certificate from my time working with YMCA caring for children under the protection of the Minister.
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Provide CPR and First Aid Certificates completed and maintained regularly.
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I am up to date with all major vaccinations (covid and world travel) as well as a 3-course rabies vaccine for working with and handling wild animals.
Equipment & Experience
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I am familiar navigating the menu systems and operating a range of cameras from prosumer to professional.
Some include:
Arri - XT, Alexa, Alexa Mini, Mini LF
RED - Komodo, Gemini, Monstro
Sony - Alpha series, FX6, F5, F55, Venice, Venice 2
Blackmagic - Pocket Cinema 6K, Ursa
Panavision - DXL 2
GoPros, Insta360 -
I have experience working with DSLR lenses, Cine primes and zooms as well as Anamorphic primes. I have extensive experience operating with super-telephoto lenses at 600mm.
My favourite lens i’ve used? It’s a tough call between the Sony 400mm F/2.8 G Master, and the ARRI Alura 45-250mm T2.6 Zoom. Both have their place and use. What can I say, I like my lenses big! -
I have experience operating cameras on Panther Dollys, Wally Dollys, Motorised sliders (for time lapses) as well as cine sliders and Danna Dollys.
I can rig, balance and operate gimbals such as the DJI Ronin 2 (and its remote controller), RS2/3, Freefly Movi series gimbals such as the M15 and Pro, as well as non-motorised GlideCams.
I have spent time in Australia working as a Jib assist and have learnt how to transport, set up and operate jibs from 12-40ft in length, as well as how to operate techno jibs. I am also learning the Master wheels currently.
I have rigged and operated cameras attached to cars with Spider rigs, as well as tracking car mounts. -
As previously stated above, I have my RePL drone license and AROC and intend to obtain my ReOC license very soon.
I have extensive experience flying the DJI Mavic series drones as well as the Phantoms and Inspires. -
I have experience setting up and operating cameras in underwater housings such as the Sony FX6, A7siii, GoPros as well as the Red Komodo.
I am licensed to 30 meters but have spent most of my time filming under water between the surface and 8 meters.
I am familiar with operating an underwater housing, as well as the lighting rigs and setups. -
Through my experience Gaffing short films and music videos, as well as my time spent on set learning from the Cinematographer, I have developed a sound understanding of the types of lights, their applications and textures, as well as the different approaches to lighting a scene.
I am familiar with the current LED, Tungsten and HMI’s, as well as their application, modifiers and other lighting techniques.
While I am confident and comfortable lighting my own sets, having a Gaffer on set is worth every dollar spent!