"It is a thing of beauty and a much needed homage to all of those who rarely are captured."
Rob Cohen, Director
"A triumphant celebration of the amazing industry we love and work in"
Jem Rayner, Camera Operator
"It’s a stunning looking book and so beautifully captures the spirt of making movies and the camaraderie of each production’s filmmaking family"
Alex Zamm, Director
"Such stories of characters in our lives making a day, a situation funny, so full of memories. People I loved and respected, and dear people who are now gone …. Remembered in your photographs of us"
Suza Maybury, Art Director
"The book is genius, congratulations on a brilliant historical document."
Roger Lancer ACS, Cinematographer
"Thankyou for making this and putting it out into the world."
Matt Infante, Unit Still Photographer
"It was lovely seeing all the beautiful people who have been a part of your and my career. It has really made my day and bought back a lot of memories, thankyou."
Paul 'Salty' Brincat, Sound Mixer
"The photos are obviously great, but what I also really enjoyed were the supporting narratives and anecdotes. For me they were the glue that held everything together"
Grant Wilson, 1st AC
Filmmaking has been the subject of countless publications, from early fan magazines to biographies, histories, books devoted to various genres, and others produced around one show or series.
The imagery is consistent throughout, concentrating on those before the camera with a sprinkling of behind-the-scenes shots featuring the Director and cast, plus perhaps a large set piece or stunt set-up. Rarely, if ever, do you find images that highlight the crew. ‘Observations On Set’ rectifies that by spotlighting the people whose efforts turn the writer’s story and Director’s ideas into reality.
Observations on Set 1983-2005 has been four years in the making and double the time since I first considered the idea. It contains over 300 photos spread over 200 pages. In addition to the images, I have included stories and anecdotes from my own time on set as well as from other crew members who have generously taken the time to record some of their memories.
This is the first of a two-volume set. The second will arrive in 2026 and follows directly from this book, beginning in 2006, when the transition from shooting film to digital was complete.
No other publication exists that either highlights the world of film from the crew's point of view or covers such a large timeframe, 40 years by the time book two is released.
Observations on Set is a historical document that shows the progression of individuals through their departments as well as the changes in technology, advancements in equipment and the growing awareness of personal protection as a result of our ever-changing environment.
Beyond that, and most importantly, it is a labour of love dedicated with respect to all my friends and work colleagues who I've been lucky enough to share time on set with over these many years.
Hardcover 30cm x 30cm .
380 crew .
Featuring 31 drama productions .
Nine double page spreads .
. 228 Pages
. Over 340 images
. Plus commercials
. Humorous and heartfelt stories
