Kath’s journey towards cinematography began with a hand-me-down Pentax K1000 in her early high school years. After convincing her folks that the laundry would make a great dark room, her love of photography was cemented. During three years at Swinburne Film and Television School, Kath‘s love of photography was poured into cinematography and continues to this day.
“Once I was introduced to the collaborative process of film making and the absolute joy of reading words on a page and imagining them on the screen, I was hooked. I love the process of working with the director to reveal the cinematic elements of the script. How can we reinforce the story with the visuals? How do we use cinematic language to propel this story forward? This process continues once we get on set and I never tire of it. I just love it”.
Like many others, Swinburne alumni Kath entered the camera department as a loader, working her way up to cinematographer. A close association with David Parker and Nadia Tass at Cascade Films saw Kath work on Australian classics such as Rikki and Pete, The Big Steal, Stark, Irresistible and Kath and Kimderella.
Kath has worked across all genres, from short film to documentaries, telemovies, TVCs and series television. Her work on a roll call of television series includes City Homicide, The Secret Life of Us, Eugénie Sandler P.I., Carla Cametti PD and many others. Most recently she shot the multi award winning Wentworth and Ms Fisher’s Modern Mysteries.
Kath has been a long-time mentor for women working in the film industry. Her inspiration and encouragement has paved the way for many younger women to achieve successful careers as cinematographers. She has been part of the ACS for many years, winning silver and gold along the way, and she has taught at Swinburne and industry masterclasses.
It is with great pleasure that the Society welcomes Kath Chambers ACS to the ACS Hall Of Fame.
