PHOTOS FROM BELOW THE LINE 1983-2005
THE BOOK
Hardcover 30cm x 30cm | 228 pages
380 crew | Over 340 images
Featuring 31 drama productions plus commercials
Nine double page spreads with humourous and heartfelt stories.
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Observations on Set is a historical document that shows the progression of individuals through their departments as well as the changes in technology, advancements in equipment and the growing awareness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.
THE PAGES
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome 1985
Strictly Ballroom 1991
Stealth 2004
THE ON-SET STORIES
Hilarious, insightful and heartfelt, anecdotes from those who were there.
I first met Tom Sizemore ‘Burchenal’ when he dropped by the production office at the hotel to say hi to the production team.
He was wearing his undies “because it was so damn hot” He was a big Hollywood star so normal clothes were optional it seemed.
I liked Tom he was quite a character. He was certainly a lot easier to deal with in the beginning than Val.
Tom and Val...on that set...That’s another story.
Noni Roy 2nd 2nd AD
‘Red Planet’ 1999
Working the system
Everyone is an Individual
‘Two if by Sea’ was shot in a beautiful location, Canada’s Nova Scotia.
Cinematographer Andrew Lesnie ACS ASC would find ways to show appreciation for his crew’s work. For me, he would devise a reason to run a second camera, which I would operate. Coincidently, this occurred most Saturdays.
As it was a Union show, he knew I would receive not only the pay bump to Camera Operator rates for the day but also, being a Saturday, the sixth-day penalty rates at that higher amount.
Andrew was a thoughtful, generous person to work alongside. A wonderful character with a great sense of humour and is missed by all who knew him.
'Two if by Sea'
Nova Scotia, Canada 1995
The Charge
The film’s climax is the Light Horse Cavalry charge on Turkish-held Beersheba. I was travelling in the rear of Merv McLaughlin’s tracking vehicle, pulling focus on the ‘B’ camera. The ‘A’ camera was also aboard, attached to a remote head at the end of a small crane.
To their credit, all the actors rode in the charge. It was one of the most thrilling moments I have experienced on a film set.
I’ll never forget the expressions on their faces and their grim determination to stay in the saddle as their horses, at full gallop, raced towards the Turkish trenches.
'The Lighthorsemen'
South Australia 1986
THE AUTHOR
John Platt
Capturing life on-set
John Platt's move to Unit Still Photography came after more than 30 years of working on-set, within the Camera Department.
The attraction of a greater creative input and the increased autonomy that the Unit Stills position offered, along with a return to his first love, that of photography, drove him to make the transition.
In 2025, after ten years of shooting production stills, he was invited to join the prestigious Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers.
Along with his Unit Stills work, he is the Photo Editor for the ACS magazine (Australian Cinematographers Society) and in early 2025 he published his first book,
'Observations on Set' 1983-2005, volume two, is due in mid 2027.
Based in Sydney, Australia he works throughout the country and holds both Australian and British passports.
"Since the beginning of my time on set, I've recorded colleagues on location, documenting the moments of a shared experience.
It’s my way of showing respect and honouring their work and contributions to the industry.
What started as a way of saying thank you, to print and gift those prints to the individuals who helped me throughout a production has turned into an archive of behind-the-scenes imagery that numbers in the tens of thousands.
With the years passing this collection has developed into a historical document that needed an outlet and Observations on Set 1983-2005, I feel, is the perfect vehicle."