This discussion will feature legendary Australian cinematographer-turned-director, Jane Castle, with Australian/Canadian cinematographer and director, Polly Pierce. Both filmmakers have an interest in issues around mental health and resilience and both have pivoted from one key creative role to another as their careers have progressed.
The duo will discuss their transitions from cinematography into directing and then delve into discussion around Jane’s latest film When the Camera Stopped Rolling, a feature documentary about her mother’s life in filmmaking, which is screening at Revelation Film Festival this week. The film explores topics around family violence and its impact on mental health, well-being and career.
“Personal trauma can be real career-stopper in the film industry,” says Jane Castle, “Especially if you’re already experiencing discrimination because you come from a marginalised group due to your ethnicity, gender, sexuality or age. There’s only so long you can keep going, putting the gruelling hours and intensity of a film shoot above your own well-being. At some point something’s got to give and it’s usually the career.”
It’s a reality Polly Pierce agrees. “Re-emerging from the pandemic, a lot of people’s priorities shifted. I think that the film industry and its workers are also seeing and feeling that change,” she says. “And not just seeing it, but wanting it in order to support a better work/life balance and to support mental and physical health.”
She makes the point that film industry practices are challenging to individuals even in the absence of other stressors.
“Coming from a camera background where 16 hours days from camera truck door opening and closing are a part of everyday life, it’s just not sustainable. We need to think about the crew and not about the product alone. In my work as a producer/director, that’s exactly what I’m striving to do!”
This event is a timely opportunity to interrogate some vital concerns. Questions and input from the online audience will be welcome.
Excellence in Craft is an ongoing series created and produced by WIFT Queensland’s Karolina Berkell-Kirk. Previous Excellence in Craft guests have included writer/director Katina Medina Mora, editor Jill Billcock, cinematographer Mandy Walker ACS and director Niki Caro. This event is supported by the Australian Directors Guild, the Australian Cinematographers Society and Screen Well, a national entertainment industry help organisation.
Please be aware that some of the topics covered might be triggering for some audience members. Film industry workers needing support should visit Screen Well for resources. Anyone affected by family violence can contact DV Connect online or call them on 1800 811 811.
To support the work of WIFT Australia, become a member here. Professional and supporter memberships are available. Tax deductible donations are also encouraged.
EVENT: Jane Castle in conversation with Polly Pierce
DATE: Friday 15 July 2022
TIME: 1 pm – 2 pm AEST
LOCATION: Online
COST: Free for WIFT, ACS and ADG members or by donation
GUEST BIOS
JANE CASTLE
Jane is a multi-award winning filmmaker whose directing credits include Sixty Thousand Barrels and the short drama Roadside Café. She is also an award-winning cinematographer who has worked extensively between the US and Australia shooting feature films, documentaries, commercials and music videos for artists such as Prince, U2, Mary J Blige, Usher and INXS. In 1993 Jane became the second ever woman to be accredited by the Australian Cinematographer’s Society. From 2001 to 2011 Jane worked as an environmental campaigner for Total Environment Centre and Greenpeace. Her first feature documentary, the AACTA Award nominated When the Camera Stopped Rolling was completed in 2021. Jane is currently in her final year of training as a somatic psychotherapist at the Hakomi Institute.
More information about When the Camera Stopped Rolling: https://whenthecamerastoppedrolling.film/
POLLY PIERCE
Polly Pierce is a Chinese/caucasian filmmaker with Australian and Canadian citizenship. Her practice encompasses directing, writing, producing and cinematography. In 2021, she won the Best Female Filmmaker and Best Female Director awards at the Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills and Chicago Indie Film Awards for her short film Wytch Craft and she was was awarded Best Cinematography at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival for her work on the short film Where Everyone Lives.
More information: https://www.pollypiercefilm.com/
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