Jon Bowden Lighting Cameraman

Broadcast Corporate Reality Documentary

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JON BOWDEN LIGHTING CAMERAMAN

Broadcast - Drama - Commercial - Corporate - Reality

Telephone - +64 9 4104613 Cell: +64 21365094 email: jonbowden@orcon.net.nz 37 Braemar Road, Castor Bay, North Shore, Auckland 0620. www.nzshooter.com

Current: FreelanceLightingCameraman/DOP/Operator

My experience spans a wide variety of genres having worked in TV and film for the past 20 years for various facility companies and networks (both internationally and in NewZealand).

This includes drama, comedy, documentaries, commercials, outside broadcasts, live music and theatre and corporate programming. My lighting, shooting and directing skills have ensured a reliable, creative and professional service.

I have worked with all formats including HD, Varicam, Digibeta, XDcam, DVCam, EX1 and EX3, RED, F3 and 5D DSLR, and also very experienced in tripod and handheld operating as well as studio pedestal operation and some crane work.

Recent projects:

John Eales Reveals – Leadership documentary for Discovery Channel Australia.

Rocked the Nation – 100 NZ Sporting moments – Satellite Media.
The Hobbit – EPK Interviews.
House of the Year – Web videos for NZHome magazine competition

Wanted Down Under (3,4 and 5) - Observational BBC production following potential migrants to NZ. 111- Emergency Heroes– Cameraman on observational series following emergency services. Basketball Basics – Directed and shot coaching DVD for the NZ Breakers
Everybody Loves Whales EPK – Following construction of animatronic whales for movie.

Avalon High – Behind the scenes shooting for Disney.
Motorhome & Caravan Supershow TVC & promotional material – Directed and shot TVC, web video and sales promo for Motorhome & Caravan Supershow expo.
Shop Smarter – Series of 1 minute commercials for Foodtown .
Skyrunners BTS – Behind the scenes features for Disney USA
Aftershock - “Will you survive?” - Gibson Group

Previous Employer:

Rocket Crew, 2 Minnie Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland Tel: 09 373 4330

Position: Lighting Cameraman

September 2005 – August 2009
As Rocket's principal Lighting Cameraman for the Auckland region, I worked closely with producers and directors

to ensure the best results for every job. I supervised staff and freelance sound and camera assistants while on shoots. Projects included high-rating TV shows such as ‘Location, Location, Location’ for Ninox and ‘Front seat’ for Gibson group as well as numerous commercials and corporate videos for clients such as Ogilvy, Westpac, Telecom, ANZ, ACC, SPARC and more.

Pre 2005 – UK based Freelance Lighting Cameraman

After extensive training which began at Shepperton Film Studios, where I learnt the technical skills in sound and lighting, I then began to specialise in camera operating. I spent three years as a camera trainee at Transmission TX – one of London's largest facility/production companies at the time.

With contracts at the BBC in Children's and comedy departments as well as OB and documentary, my work took me all over the world.

UK-based projects include:
‘The Bill’- Camera Operator on this single camera, primetime police drama for ITV. Shot in the studio and on

location around London
‘A Face at the Window’ – Camera Operator on single camera children’s Drama for CBBC shot on laocation around London (Directed by Graham Harper)
‘MicrosoapSeries1+2’- 2ndcameraoperatoronthisBAFTAwinningchildren’sdramashotatTwickenhamfilm studios over four months
'Help I'm a Teenage Outlaw ' - Childrens' drama shot in the Czech republic
‘Bad Penny’ - Camera Operator on single camera children’s comedy series for CBBC, 6 week shoot at Elstree

‘Nick on the Road’ - Live outside broadcasts for Nickelodeon
‘All About Me’ – Sitcom for Celador starring Jasper Carrot
‘Mexico’ Travel features shot in Cancun for TV Travel shop
‘Off the Hook’ game show with live music performances, MTV studio ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ – special edition shot in India

‘Red Dwarf Series 7 + 8’ – Multi Camera Operator on the last series of the sci-fi comedy, recorded at Shepperton studios.
‘Discovery Today’ – Studio based links and discussion programme for the discovery channel.
‘Brainteaser’ – Live daily quiz show for Endemol/Channel 5.

‘Backchat’ – Audience feedback show for Sky.
Numerous other productions ‘Teletubbies’, ‘Fimbles’, ‘That’s Esther’, ‘Disney kids awards’‘Horse of the Year etc.

In summary

Particular strengths include a keen and creative eye, strong lighting skills that can transform the most mundane location into something special, invaluable experience (both in NZ and internationally), a great understanding and empathy of the production process, and a professional work ethic - all with a smile.