SOCIAL TO CINEMA – Beyond the Reel

Join cinematographer and Sony Ambassador, Pieter de Vries ACS for this Masterclass, designed to take your cinematography into the world of long-form documentary and cinema production.

What you'll learn

The six hour session explores advanced cinematography practices, techniques and creative approaches that can elevate your work and open the door to documentary and cinema projects.

Screenings from Pieter’s documentary work will provide practical examples to explore cinematography techniques and encourage questions and discussion. The Sony FX5 compact full-frame cinema camera will be the principal camera used throughout the workshop, but the techniques and principles are universally applicable, regardless of the brand of camera you shoot with.

The session will be conducted in an informal, interactive environment, allowing plenty of opportunity to engage and discuss the challenges of real-world cinematography.

Who this is for

Primarily for shooters with a solid understanding of video cameras, lenses, production tools and accessories — but open to anyone wanting to expand their cinematography skills and explore new creative directions.

Stills photographers looking to transition into video can gain particularly valuable insights from the session.

Meet your host

Pieter is a renowned documentary cinematographer whose incredible journey has taken him from the heights of the Space Shuttle to the depths of the North Atlantic. He has captured extraordinary moments around the world. Regarded as one of the leading documentary cinematographers, Pieter has been an Australian Cinematographer of the Year and his films have garnered numerous accolades, including Emmys and BAFTAs. 

About the venue

The event is held at the Australian Cinematographers Society National Headquarters in North Sydney, a fitting and inspiring environment for a day devoted to the craft of cinematography. The headquarters houses a remarkable collection of film and digital motion-picture cameras, offering a fascinating glimpse into the technology and history that have shaped Australian film and television. Throughout the day, a variety of Aputure lighting fixtures will illuminate the space thanks to Kayell Australia.

Places are strictly limited to ensure everyone enjoys this genuinely unique venue.

• Sony Cinema Line menus demystified
• Camera setup and configuration – getting the right settings on any cinema camera
• Understanding Log, RAW, Cine EI and consistent exposure management 
• Understanding the role of the cinematographer within a documentary production
• Building sequences – capturing the right mix of shots to tell a story
• The art of the recce – how to assess a location and plan your coverage
• Communicating effectively with sound recordists
• Communicating with Gaffers and Grips 
• The language of cinema – understanding the visual grammar of film
• Knowing when to observe – and when to intervene
• Shooting for the edit – giving the editor choices
• Finding the best camera angle – making confident decisions under pressure 
• Choosing the right focal length – using lenses to shape perspective and story
• Focus strategy when the action is unpredictable
• Frame rates, shutter speed and motion – making deliberate choices
• Working with practical and available light
• Screen direction – understanding continuity, eyelines and the 180° rule
• Working internationally – Carnets, Customs and avoiding costly problems at the border
• Strategies to help take your cinematography into new and challenging creative territory
• Finally, how to avoid the most common shooting mistakes

• your camera and lenses (optional)
• a notebook and pen

• General admission A$175 (Deposit A$75) - General admission
• Students A$135 (Deposit A$75)
• Students A$135 (Deposit A$75)

A$75 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 21/09/2026

Payment for the remaining balance should be made directly to the host. They will be in contact with you shortly to provide the payment details and further instructions.