Two new books by the Head of The University of Auckland's Department of Film, Television and Media Studies examine the development of cinematography in NZ and the advent of small national cinemas. Shot in New Zealand: The Art & Craft of the Kiwi Cinematographer by Professor Duncan Petrie theorises that much of the visual impact of NZ films can be attributed to the cinematographer, while The Cinema of Small Nations is the first major analysis of small national cinemas from around the world. Two new books by the Head of The University of Auckland's Department of Film, Television and Media Studies examine the development of cinematography in NZ and the advent of small national cinemas. Shot in New Zealand: The Art & Craft of the Kiwi Cinematographer by Professor Duncan Petrie theorises that much of the visual impact of NZ films can be attributed to the cinematographer, while The Cinema of Small Nations is the first major analysis of small national cinemas from around the world.Professor Petrie suggests that although the emphasis is generally on the director as the prime creative force in the filmmaking process, the cinematographer has played a key role in the history of cinema as an expressive art form.

Drawing heavily on in-depth interviews with a dozen of this country's cinematographers, Shot in New Zealand profiles their careers and creative contribution to NZ cinema, charting their creative achievements, experiences working with local and international filmmakers, and resourcefulness in dealing with often limited resources and the harsh NZ light.

The Cinema of Small Nations, co-edited by Mette Hjort, includes in-depth case studies from Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Cuba and New Zealand. It sets the foundation for a broader understanding of these cinemas, the particular structural constraints and possibilities they confront, the impact of globalisation, and the relationship between economic and cultural factors in sustaining such entities.

Professor Petrie says the two projects were both inspired by his appointment in 2004 as Head of Department at the University. He says he wanted to "get to grips" with the history of NZ cinema and the current challenges facing the industry.

"Shot in New Zealand comes directly out of my conviction that New Zealand films have been frequently distinguished by their strong visual elements and I was interested in finding out more about the individuals responsible for this integration of artistry and film-craft. The Cinema of Small Nations on the other hand provided an ideal opportunity to locate contemporary New Zealand cinema within a comparative framework of case studies of other small national cinemas from around the world, pondering both specific and the generic challenges and opportunities such cinemas face in an increasingly globalised environment of cultural and commercial exchange," says Professor Petrie.

9/10/07

Image: The author, Professor Duncan Petrie.