Simon Riera

The Silk (2014)
Film (short) by Clare Burgess (Drama) Cinematographer The silk is the finest thing that Mr and Mrs Blackie own. They've not dared to take the scissors to this fine length of fabric for over 50 years. But the time has come to transform it. The silk will be made into Mr Blackie's laying out pyjamas. Mrs Blackie has decided. And Mr Blackie, having no choice in the matter, has reluctantly agreed. As the couple embark on their final project together, the silk, with all its intensity of colour, vitality and otherworldly power, helps the Blackies to let go of each other... but, also shows them a way of finding their way back together. Written by Anonymous

Housebound (2014)
Film by Gerard Johnstone (Comedy, Horror and Thriller) Cinematographer Kylie Bucknell is forced to return to the house she grew up in when the court places her on home detention. Her punishment is made all the more unbearable by the fact she has to live there with her mother Miriam - a well-intentioned blabbermouth who's convinced that the house is haunted. Kylie dismisses Miriam's superstitions as nothing more than a distraction from a life occupied by boiled vegetables & small-town gossip. However, when she too becomes privy to unsettling whispers & strange bumps in the night, she begins to wonder whether she's inherited her overactive imagination, or if the house is in fact possessed by a hostile spirit who's less than happy about the new living arrangement. Written by Luke Gerantson

Shelved (2013)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Animation, Comedy and Science Fiction) Cinematographer Two loser robots discover they are being replaced - by humans.

Sprung (2013)
Film (short) by Grant Lahood (Comedy) Cinematographer Young Guy cuts up his Gumboots for the ultimate high

Mice (2013)
Film (short) by Samir Patil (Thriller) Cinematographer A band promoter and his waitress girlfriend have their lives turned upside down by a sinister visitor from the past.

Over the Moon (2013)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Animation, Action, Comedy and Science Fiction) Cinematographer Heroine Connie Radar defends the moon from the USA and attempts to prevent the first moon landing.

Rotting Hill (2012)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Comedy, Horror and Romance) Cinematographer It is not easy to find love, especially if you are falling apart, stinky and a little bloody around the edges. Welcome to Rotting Hill, where the extinction of humanity has led to the rise of a new species - ZOMBIES. Directed by James Cunningham and made by a team of seven Advanced 3D students from Media Design School. The short film took 12 weeks to produce, complete with 22 CGI visual effects shots. Rotting Hill is the collision of two film genres to make a zombie-romcom. It's a love story, with a bit of a twist. Written by Anonymous

Dr Grordbort Presents: The Deadliest Game (2011)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Animation, Adventure, Comedy and Science Fiction) Cinematographer, Camera and Electrical Department The great white hunter is showing of his collection methods of rare Venusian wildlife - all guns blazing. Based on the world of Dr Grordbort by Greg Broadmore.

The Huia (2011)
Film (short) by Nicole van Heerden (Biography, Drama and Period Piece) Cinematographer Does the future of one of the most treasured species of all time lie in the hands of one man? 1899: One of the most famous native New Zealand birds, the Huia, is nearing extinction. Famed Ornithologist Sir Walter Buller pursues the Huia for his book, his collection, and for Science - but when presented with an unexpected opportunity to save the Huia, his growing concern for the Huia leads him to seek their preservation in a rather unexpected way... This film is based on true historical events. Written by Anonymous

Bigger Better Faster Stronger (2011)
Television (Reality TV) Cinematographer

The Jono Project (2010)
Television (Comedy) Cinematographer

Bloodlines (2010)
Television (Biography) Cinematographer In 1999, South African emigrant psychiatrist Colin Bouwer murdered his wife in what he thought was an undetectable manner. He was not counting on the skills and tenacity of New Zealand police and his colleagues in the medical profession.

Das Tub (2010)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Action) Cinematographer

Something Special (2010)
Film (short) by Kristi L. Simkins (Drama) Cinematographer A young war veteran explores the magnificent wilds of New Zealand to fulfill the last wish of a close friend who died in combat. This is a powerful film about friendship, loss, and healing.

First Contact (2010)
Film (short) by James Cunningham (Animation, Comedy and Science Fiction) Cinematographer First Contact is a sci-fi comedy which shows why there are so few visits from aliens these days. Two aliens interrogate a sub-contractor who they sent to Earth to handle 'first contact', but things didn't quite go to plan. A hilarious discussion on the appropriate use of probes ensue. Written by Anonymous

The Cult (2009)
Television by Kathryn Burnett (Action and Drama) Cinematographer

The Peeps vs. Buddytron (2008)
TV Movie by James McFay (Comedy) Cinematographer 5 unlikely characters are drawn together by a nefarious social networking site called Buddytron.

Power Rangers Jungle Fury (2008)
Television (Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy and 2 More) Cinematographer Three teenagers from the Pai Zhug Kung Fu Academy are chosen to fight the forces of an opposing academy and all other forces of evil.

Labou (2008)
Video by Greg Aronowitz (Family) Cinematographer Three kids get lost in the Louisiana bayou in search of a ghost pirate and his lost treasure, but what they discover is true friendship and the adventure of a lifetime.

Petit homme (2007)
Film (short) by James McFay Cinematographer, Camera and Electrical Department

Power Rangers Operation Overdrive (2007)
Television (Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy and 2 More) Cinematographer Five teenagers must locate and secure ancient relics with unbelievable power, while at the same time stop a demonic corporation who want the relics for their power.

Chop Off (2006)
Film (short) by Grant Lahood (Comedy) Cinematographer Three Axemen. Three tall wooden posts. An epic battle between young and old.

Power Rangers Mystic Force (2006)
Television (Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction and 1 More) Cinematographer Legend says when the darkness arises, five brave teen sorcerers will be called to fight for the planet's survival - with the guidance from their wise mentor and the ancient Xenotome, book of the unknown. They will embark on magical adventures, befriend mystical dragons, battle dangerous beasts, encounter pure evil... and transform into the Power Rangers Mystic Force. Written by Anonymous

Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005)
Video Game (Action) Cinematographer The Earth is once again in danger! Become part of "Power Rangers: Space Patrol Delta," the new elite warrior unit, and fight to save the world from evil alien invaders!

The Unauthorised History of New Zealand (2005)
Television by Jeremy Wells (Documentary) Cinematographer A satirical look at New Zealand's little and un-known history.

Xena Warrior Princess: The Final Season (2005)
Film (short) (Documentary) Cinematographer

Mahou sentai Magirenjâ (2005)
Television Cinematographer Forces from Infershia attack the surface world in order to resurrect N Ma, their emperor. Through their mother, the five Ozu Siblings discover that they are magicians chosen to defeat the Earth from this evil. After their mother's "death", the siblings discover a room in their home hidden by magic, and with it Mandoraboy--a Mandrake being who guides the Rangers in their fight to save Earth, and later Magitopia, from Infershia. Written by Anonymous

No Ordinary Sun (2004)
Film (short) by Jonathan Brough Cinematographer A man living in the Antarctic makes a discovery that will change his life and the lives of everyone in the world.

Riding the Wave: The Whale Rider Story (2004)
TV Movie by Jonathan Brough (Documentary) Cinematographer A documentary that follows the origins, production and success of the film 'Whale Rider'.

Power Rangers DinoThunder (2004)
Television (Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama and 3 More) Cinematographer When the evil Mesogog launches an attack on the earth, using three fierce machines called Dino Zords - creatures of incredible strength and intelligence - on the world, Dr. Tommy Oliver, a mild-mannered high school teacher must stop him. Reigniting his secret past, as the Green, White, Red Zeo and Red Turbo Power Rangers, Oliver recruits three students as Rangers. But can a rebellious soccer star, a beautiful loner musician and a laid-back champion video gamer become superheroes in time to vanquish Mesogog and his mutant warriors and an upcoming evil White Ranger? Written by Kyl416, Spectrum

Kombi Nation (2003)
Film by Grant Lahood (Comedy) Cinematographer Four twenty-something's hit the roads of Europe in a classic VW Kombi in search of the dream "Overseas Experience" (OE) - sex, drugs and rock'n roll...maybe...what could possibly go wrong?

Power Rangers Ninja Storm (2003)
Television (Action, Adventure, Crime, Family and 2 More) Cinematographer Three rebellious students are the last ones remaining at their ninja academy after evil aliens attack the Earth. With mankind at the brink of destruction, the fate of the world lies in the hands of these unlikely heroes. Their ninja master teaches them to harness ancient mystical energies that transform them into Power Rangers. Written by PrometheusUFO

The Making of 'Whale Rider' (2003)
TV Movie by Jonathan Brough (Documentary) Cinematographer

Behind the Scenes of 'Whale Rider' (2003)
Film (short) by Jonathan Brough (Documentary) Camera and Electrical Department

Love Bites (2002)
Television Cinematographer

Xena: Warrior Princess (2000 - 2001)
Television by Rob Tapert (Action, Adventure, Drama and Fantasy) Cinematographer Xena,once known as "Destroyer of Nations," tries to redeem herself by fighting for the greater good. On her quest, she meets Gabrielle, a small town bard hungry for adventure. Together they take down some of the worlds most formidable opponents, even the gods! Written by Willie Nelson Crane Jr

Hopeless (2000)
Film by Stephen Hickey (Comedy) Cinematographer

A Quiet Night (2000)
Film (short) by David Reid (Thriller) Cinematographer Late One Night, A Taxi Driver is hijacked. Caught in a struggle between money and murder, will he live to see another day?

Arc (2000)
Film (short) by Grant Lahood (Musical) Cinematographer ARC is a trilogy of solo dance works created and performed by acclaimed New Zealand choreographer Douglas Wright. In three distinct sections, the film charts a transformation; a journey from a primeval landscape of despair, through a bizarre and hilarious confrontation with a talking bird, to the emergence of "gravity's angel" in a space of air and delight. Written by Grant Lahood

Duggan (1999)
Television (Drama) Cinematographer

Via Satellite (1998)
Film by Anthony McCarten (Comedy) Cinematographer, Miscellaneous Crew As a family gather to watch one of their own swimming in the Olympics, minutes of fame become a hilarious and painful 24 hours when they uncover the secrets of a lifetime.

Mirror, Mirror (1997)
Television (Adventure, Drama, Family, Mystery and 3 More) Cinematographer, Camera and Electrical Department When Jo Tiegan is given an oval-shaped mirror, as a gift, by the elderly owner of an antique shop, she is amazed to see another girl's image in the mirror instead of her own reflection. It is also quite obvious that the other girl can see her just as clearly. Jo (from the 1990's) and 'the girl in the mirror', Louisa Iredale (from 1919), later accidently find that they can also travel to each other's times through the mirror - following upon which discovery a relentless sequence of events is set in motion. Written by David McAnally <D.McAnally@uq.net.au>

Aberration (1997)
Film by Tim Boxell (Horror and Science Fiction) Camera and Electrical Department A nature field researcher is investigating the strange extinction of small animals and insects in the area, which indicates that something is wrong. His suspicions are soon to be proven right when he meets May, who lives in a cabin in the forest nearby. May says that her house is infested by small creatures that she thinks are mice or rats. When the couple search the house further, they notice that they're not rodents or insects. They are fast evolving lizards that have the appetite for animals and humans, no matter what size their prey are... Written by distant thunder <dthunder@dlc.fi>

Permanent Wave (1996)
Film (short) by Jonathan Brough (Comedy and Drama) Cinematographer A satirical look at a group of expat Kiwis in 1983 London.

Jack Brown Genius (1996)
Film by Tony Hiles (Comedy, Fantasy and Science Fiction) Camera and Electrical Department A thousand years ago, in England, the crazy monk Elmer wears a pair of wings and tries to fly from a high tower. He dies, and his soul is doomed to the eternity in hell for committing suicide. In the present days, in New Zeland, Elmer has the last chance to prove that men can fly and save his soul: his spirit enters in the brain of a very intelligent inventor, Jack Brown, and forces him to try to fly. Jack uses his last creation, an amplifier in a tape record, to succeed in the journey, but his invention is strongly desired by his former boss and his lover, who want to sell it to a Chinese investor. Jack's girlfriend helps him to accomplish his intent. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lemming Aid (1995)
Film (short) by Grant Lahood (Drama and Comedy) Cinematographer A party of New Zealand animal rights activists assemble on a Norwegian cliff-top to prevent the annual mass suicide of Lemmings. All is fine until their vigil is interrupted by a Norwegian woman intent on using the Lemmings as the furry opponents in a crude form of blood sport. This is the story of their encounter.... Written by Grant Lahood

Para Recordar (1995)
Film (short) by Rachel Douglas (Western) Cinematographer

The Conversation (1995)
Film (short) by Jonathan Brough (Comedy) Cinematographer A couple never quite get around to having that talk.

Fallout (1995)
Television (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Drama based on events surrounding New Zealand's 1984 snap election, when the Labour Party, led by David Lange, was elected on an anti-nuclear platform.

The Model (1994)
Film (short) by Jonathan Brough (Drama) Cinematographer An elderly artist invites a model around to his house for a sitting. But is painting the only thing on his mind ?

Bread & Roses (1994)
Film by Gaylene Preston (Adventure, Biography, Drama and Military/War) Camera and Electrical Department Summarises the early life of politician Sonja Davies. Sonja is a young independent socialist embarking on a career in nursing during World War 2. Written by Brian Rawnsley <rawnsleb@natlib.govt.nz>

Eau de la vie (1993)
Film (short) by Simon Baré (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department

Ronny Chieng: International Student
TV Series Cinematographer