Cam Matheson

Cam Matheson

Freelance
Director of Photography and Photographer (Still)

Melbourne, Australia

Member Since:
April 2016
Last online:
> 2 weeks ago
Invites sent:
0

About Cam

I am a Filmmaker, Cinematographer and Photographer originally from Australia, but often of no fixed address.

I've 5+ years experience shooting short and feature length factual around the world, including India, Germany, the U.K., Thailand, the U.S.A., Iraq, and Australia.

Originally trained in Narrative (Fiction) Cinematography, I've shot several narrative shorts and music videos. Despite working primarily in Factual since 2010 and almost exclusively on observational projects I have endeavored to inform my documentary work with a cinematic, dramatic or creative aesthetic more common in fiction film or stills photography.

My photography has featured in VICE, The New York Times, The Telegraph, Nieman Reports, ABC News U.S., Wired, Visit Berlin, Der Westen and exhibited by The Hunt Museum and Irish Centre for Human Rights.

I am also a passionate educator and since graduating I have greatly enjoyed teaching cinematography and filmmaking at the VCA and Open Channel and mentored youths at risk of homelessness and young refugees through Youthworx Media and the Horn of Africa Youth Community Centre. I have written my own short course in cinematography which has run annually as part of the Summer School at the VCA since 2011.

Unique traits: Travel. Sleeping on hard and foul smelling surfaces. Creating lighting arrays from scrap as well as the contents of Gaffers trucks.

Badges

Certifications

Photos

Videos

Credits

  • The World's Bravest Orchestra

    The World's Bravest Orchestra (2018)
    Film (Documentary) Cinematographer The story of The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq

  • Refuge

    Refuge (2015)
    Film (Short, Drama and War) Cinematographer Kurdo escaped the bombings of his homeland to seek asylum in Australia. Now he must escape the memories. Directed by asylum seeker Rali Hamasalih 'Refuge' is a powerful short that tells the story of a young man determined to find peace. A person who, despite the trauma he has suffered, can still see beauty in the world.

  • Game Loading: Rise of the Indies

    Game Loading: Rise of the Indies (2015)
    Film (Documentary, Biography, History and News) Cinematographer GameLoading: Rise of the Indies a feature-length documentary which explores the vibrant global community of indie game creators. These unique voices, of all backgrounds and nationalities, are disrupting the traditional models of game development, making personal, innovative experiences. In the spirit of movements like the French New Wave, the Punk scene and the Grunge scene, hundreds of indie auteurs are emerging and finding success with their own unique voices and artistic goals. GameLoading: Rise of the Indies aims to capture this exciting moment in time.

  • Nothing to Declare

    Nothing to Declare (2015)
    Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department 1 day in the life of Lenny - an ordinary man about to discover something extraordinary.

  • The Cosmonaut

    The Cosmonaut (2014)
    Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer The film follows Masha and Kit, both a little lost in life. Strangers meeting outside a costume party, they decide to take a walk together. Over the next few hours, they share their desires, fears and and what it's really like to be late twenties in Melbourne and discovering their lives are not at all what they'd thought they would be.

  • Groomless Bride

    Groomless Bride (2014)
    Film (Comedy) Camera and Electrical Department Three teenage schoolgirls make a pact to all get married in the same church on the same day. Life, however, has a rather different plan in store for them!

  • That Sugar Film

    That Sugar Film (2014)
    Film (Documentary) Camera and Electrical Department One man's journey to discover the bitter truth about sugar. Damon Gameau embarks on a unique experiment to document the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body, consuming only foods that are commonly perceived as 'healthy'. Through this entertaining and informative journey, Damon highlights some of the issues that plague the sugar industry, and where sugar lurks on supermarket shelves. Written by Madman Entertainment

  • Retribution

    Retribution (2012)
    Film (Animation, Short, Crime, Horror and 1 More) Cinematographer This ghost story combines live action black and white footage interspersed with animated dreams sequences done in an EC horror comics style.

  • Ballroom Rules

    Ballroom Rules (2012)
    Film (Documentary, Drama and Sport) Cinematographer A passionate group of Australian same-sex ballroom dancers battle homophobia, injury and personal drama as they pursue their dream of competing at the Gay Games in Germany.

  • Recording 76

    Recording 76 (2012)
    Film (Short and Fantasy) Cinematographer Add a Plot »

  • Harold Holt Is Dead

    Harold Holt Is Dead (2011)
    Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer December 23rd, 1967 - a week since Australia's Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing. Jean's booked in for midday and nobody knows. But as the time draws closer to leave she begins to doubt... It's sink or swim.

  • Northkids

    Northkids (2011)
    Film (Short, Drama and Romance) Cinematographer A social coming of age tale about two best friends, China and Roland. China is looking for a bigger and brighter world out there and Roland just wants to spend his time on his skateboard. Best friends since primary school it only takes one night for them to grow up and ultimately into the arms of each other. Written by Anonymous

  • Kaleidoscope

    Kaleidoscope (2011)
    Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer When Claire's grandmother falls ill she faces the prospect of losing a loved one for the first time. Claire's grief uproots conventional narrative, taking us back to war-time Australia. Visually exhilarating ad experimental, Kaleidoscope explores women's history in one family. Written by Anonymous

  • Cop Hard

    Cop Hard (2011)
    Television (Comedy) Cinematographer Hard cop, tough cop, Larry Hard is more cop than a stale donut next to a Jane Doe. A symbol of hope in these dark times of democracy, Larry is on the hustle of the mean streets in search of the infamous 'Bearded Clown'.

  • The Dollmaker

    The Dollmaker (2010)
    Film (Short and Mystery) Cinematographer It is the dawn of the 20th century and Emily and Kristina are struggling to come to terms with the death of their mother. Soon they are visited by a mysterious traveler who promises to create a doll that will help them commune with the dead. However, this 'Dollmaker' neglects to tell them that with every gift must come an equal or greater sacrifice. Written by Anonymous

  • Waltzing

    Waltzing (2010)
    Film (Short, Drama and War) Camera and Electrical Department Add a Plot »

  • Soy Milk

    Soy Milk (2010)
    Video (Short, Comedy, Drama and Romance) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director An Indian boy balancing his Hindu family's needs and teen life in a western world.

  • Abraham

    Abraham (2010)
    Film (Short, Drama, Family and History) Camera and Electrical Department A contemporary retelling of Gods test of Abraham set in the heartlands of rural Australia.

  • Deeper Than Yesterday

    Deeper Than Yesterday (2010)
    Film (Short, Drama and Thriller) Camera and Electrical Department After three months submerged underwater, the men have become savages. Oleg fears that losing perspective may mean losing himself.

  • Going, Going

    Going, Going (2009)
    Film (Short and Drama) Cinematographer How do you move on without letting go? Tomorrow Sophie is leaving home. Tonight she struggles through an uncomfortable reunion with her father and estranged brother Ben. The past is always present. Time doesn't heal all wounds.

  • V-Day

    V-Day (2009)
    Film (Short and Comedy) Cinematographer Add a Plot »

  • Van Diemen's Land

    Van Diemen's Land (2009)
    Film (Biography, Drama and History) Camera and Electrical Department The true story of Alexander Pearce, Australia's most notorious convict. In 1822, Pearce and seven fellow convicts escaped from Macquarie Harbour, a place of ultra banishment and punishment, only to find a world less forgiving.. the Australian wilderness. Abandon all hope you who enter. Written by Anonymous

  • Subtleties of the Slate

    Subtleties of the Slate (2009)
    Film (Short and Comedy) Writer Add a Plot »

  • Gone to Earth

    Gone to Earth (2007)
    Film (Short and Drama) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Add a Plot »

  • Blood Ballad

    Blood Ballad (2006)
    Film (Short and Musical) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Add a Plot »

Awards

  • “The Changing Face of Human Rights” International Photographic Competition
    (2015)

Education

  • VCA School of Film & TV
    (2004-2007)

  • Monash University
    (2004-2007)

  • Deakin University
    (2004-2007)

Share This Profile

register for stage 32 Register / Log In