Behind the Lens: Practical Workshops for Creative and Technical Roles

Following a sold-out event in 2024, WIFT Victoria and Panavision Australia are proud to present the return of the Behind the Lens workshops at the 2025 St Kilda Film Festival.

This unique, hands-on event is designed for Directors, Producers, and Cinematographers seeking to deepen their understanding of how lenses and camera technology shape visual storytelling.

Led by Nic Godoy of Panavision Australia, the workshops feature live, on-set demonstrations using a range of Panavision cameras and both vintage and contemporary lenses.

The day is structured in two sessions:

11.30-1.30pm
Session one is designed specifically for Directors and Creatives, focusing on the critical role of visual language in storytelling. The session explores key pre-production processes such as working with treatments, identifying lens characteristics, and implementing effective testing techniques. It aims to equip creatives with the tools to clearly communicate their vision with Cinematographers and other Heads of Department. The workshop will also feature a special case study presentation, with further details to be announced soon.

2:30pm - 4:30pm 
Session two is designed for those in advanced technical roles—Cinematographers, Camera Assistants, post-production etc. This session will deliver an in-depth technical breakdown of the optics characteristics of Spherical, Anamorphic, Large Format, and Super 35 lenses, along with an in-depth discussion on Panavision’s emerging trends in lens modification and customisation.

A networking lunch for all attendees will be held between sessions, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals. If you're coming to the morning session, stay for lunch, and if you're coming for the afternoon session then come in early for lunch - you never know when you might meet your next collaborator!

Stick around after the second session for a networking event for all Big Picture attendees at 5pm!

‘Behind the Lens’ is proudly presented with the support of the Australian Directors Guild, Australian Cinematographers Society, WIFT VIC, St Kilda Film Festival, and Panavision Australia.