Sophie Musgrove and Kelly Chen will be among the VIP guests at this year’s NZCS Awards, despite being ineligible for full membership to the New Zealand Cinematographers Society. They were selected by the professional community as emerging talent worth supporting, and Auckland’s Department of Post are opening the doors for them to attend.

The NZCS Awards encourage, recognise, and honour world-class cinematography in New Zealand. Department of Post is a proud sponsor of the Awards, and committed year-round supporter of the New Zealand Cinematographers Society. As part of their commitment to supporting emerging talent in our industry, two tickets to the exclusive black-tie Awards event were reserved specifically for promising individuals who are beginning their career paths in the Camera Department.

The NZCS membership is made up of professionals who have demonstrated excellence at the highest level of the craft. The Society strives to make Cinematography more accessible with their Camera Pathways programme, which offers entry-level positions, training and support from within the industry.

Department of Post saw a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to meet and network with potential mentors, colleagues and heroes at the 14th October Awards Dinner. Two additional tickets were purchased, and the film & television community nominated the most deserving individuals to attend.

Camera Operator Sophie Musgrove is currently working at Razor Fumes, part of the on-location team for an upcoming documentary series. She is travelling with a small crew to remote and dangerous locations, having to use skill and ingenuity to ensure stories are covered and the footage gets back to the production in New Zealand.

Kelly Chen is a 2AC and Focus Puller on feature films, television drama and commercials. Working within some of Auckland’s most celebrated crews, Kelly has been recognized as “one to watch” for the dedication, skill and energy she brings to the craft.

The NZCS Awards 2017 for cinematography will be celebrated at a prestigious black tie dinner in the Grand Tea Room of the Heritage Hotel Auckland on Saturday 14 October 2017.