BRANDING, CINEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF A WORLD-FIRST SCREEN INDUSTRY REPORT

A Wider Lens

Synopsis

A Wider Lens was created by Main Course Films to launch the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and Deakin University’s landmark research report Workforce Development and Diversity in Australian Cinematography.

Combining cinematic visuals with personal stories, the film presents a powerful portrait of Australia’s camera professionals – their craft, their challenges, and their collective commitment to equity and inclusion behind the lens.

Through a blend of interviews, voiceover, and evocative imagery, A Wider Lens celebrates the artistry of cinematography while calling attention to the systemic barriers within the industry, inspiring collaboration and change across the global screen community

Goals

• Raise awareness among cinematographers and screen professionals about systemic inequities in hiring, recognition, and career development.

• Foster acceptance across the industry that these issues are real, urgent, and require action.

• Inspire commitment to implement the report’s recommendations – building a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable camera workforce.

The project positions Australia as a potential global leader in cultural and creative workforce reform – demonstrating how a smaller industry can move faster toward meaningful, measurable change.

Innovation & Craft

Main Course Films approached this project as a cinematic experience rather than a corporate report or data from an academic study. The visual style drew inspiration from vintage Hollywood purse with contemporary international production values.

Portrait interviews were shot with precision soft lighting – light in the eyes, shadow on the face, and subtle background detail – creating an emotional, authentic tone. Stylised B-roll captured camera crews at work, lenses in motion, and the cinematographer’s tools at work, reminding viewers that cinematography is both art and craft, and that diversity strenghthens collaboration and creative output .

Through carefully color graded imagery, sound design, and editorial rhythm, A WIDER LENS embodied it subject: the meeting of precision, artistry, and empathy in cinematography.

Why It Matters

Cinematography shapes how we see ourselves and each other – yet the workforce behind the camera has long lacked diversity and structural support.

A WIDER LENS extends the impact of Deakin University’s research by giving those findings an emotional and cinematic voice. It demonstrates that change is possible when creativity and evidence work together, turning academic insight into industry action.

By transforming data into story, the project reframes inclusion not as an obligation but as a creative opportunity – one that leads to richer stories, stronger teams, and a more representative national screen culture.

Impact & Recognition

Since its release, A WIDER LENS has been showcased at film festivals, film schools, and professional forums worldwide, including:

• AFTRS (Australian Film, Television and Radio School) – official industry launch screening.

• Camerimage International Film Festival, Poland.

• Australian Cinematographers Society State and National Awards.

• International cinematography symposia and diversity panels.

The film was widely praised for its cinematic execution, inclusive approach, and ability to transform complex research into an accessible, inspiring visual narrative.

Credits

A Main Course Films production

Cast: Erika Addis, Carolyn Constantine ACS, Dr. Amanda Coles, Ellery Ryan ACS, Sissy Reyes, Tyson Perkins, Amir Kamrani

Crew: Writer/Director/Editor: Clara Chong • Producer/Cinematographer/Colorist: Ben Allan ACS CSI • Additional Camera/Crew: Warwick Field ACS, Emma Paine, Madison Heinze, Pieter De Vries, Jose Many Hanham, Lee Herbet, Adam Adam Venckus • Additional Footage courtesy ARRI Australia, Blackmagic Design, RØDE Microphones & The ACS Technology Committee