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BrianCross

  • Camera
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A National Film Unit cameraman for 36 years, Brian Cross worked on a large number of films, ranging from royal tours and rugby tours to industrial progress in forestry and electricity transmission, some as cameraman and director. He is particularly remembered for his record of the maiden voyage of HMNZS. Otago, and for his many films of New Zealand railways.

Image credit: Archives New Zealand, ref AAQT 6421 B18889

Screenography

Steam on Parade
1989 Camera Short film
Destinations
1988 Camera Short film
Steam Lives On
1987 Camera Short film
Dogstar
1986 Camera Short film

Biography

At the age of 22 Brian Cross joined the National Film Unit as a camera trainee, learning his craft alongside experienced cameramen filming mostly in 35mm black and white. His first solo assignment appears to have been filming the tour of the visiting prime minister of Ceylon in November 1955. Taken for the government of Ceylon, the film was not released in New Zealand.

“The officers I came across with are joining Taranaki and are a good bunch. Thousands of extra ideas have come to me as a result of talking to these blokes – but we are not producing a Ben Hur!”

— Brian Cross in a 12 June 1960 aerogramme from London to NFU manager Geoffrey Scott (source Archives New Zealand)

Related images

David-Oakley_-David-Fowler-and-Brian-Cross-gallery-image.jpg
On the NFU sound stage in the Wellington suburb of Miramar, September 1958. This shot was taken during the filming of This Colourful Season, the first item for Pictorial Parade filmed in colour. David H Fowler is in the centre of the platform with the script. Don Oakley is the cameraman and Brian Cross the operator. Pictorial Parade No. 80 was released in October 1958
Archives New Zealand