CyrilTownsend
- Cinematographer
Lifelong film fan Cyril Townsend began working part-time as a projectionist at the age of 15. After WWll he was a camera salesman, cameraman — including filming the 1953 royal tour — and did extended sessions managing cinemas around the Hutt Valley. Rarely without a camera, Townsend began shooting for the new medium of television in the early 60s. Retired to Paraparaumu, he died in late 2010, aged 92.
Screenography
1992 Subject Television
Tongariro Power
1970 Camera Short film
1968 Camera Operator Television
1968 Camera Television
Sportsview
1965 - 1966 Camera Television
Awards
2000 New Zealand Order of Merit
For Services to Cultural Affairs
“One doesn’t expect to get honours. You do what you do because you want to, and because it’s your hobby.”
— Cyril Townsend, on receiving the NZ Order of Merit, Evening Post, 5 June 2000
Related images
A shot from one of the earliest location shoots on a New Zealand television drama: actors Barry Hill and Glenis Levestam and location manager Derek Morton at Palliser Bay, while filming teleplay Down by the Cool Sea. The slate Morton is holding reads 5 December 1965.
Photo supplied by the late Douglas Drury
Director Romano Pianti and cameraman Cyril Townsend, on location in Palliser Bay for 1966 teleplay Down by the Cool Sea.
Photo supplied by the late Douglas Drury
Setting up a shot at Palliser Bay in late 1965, during probably the earliest location shoot for a New Zealand television drama: teleplay Down by the Cool Sea. Derek Morton is standing on the left of the camera, with so-called 'Film Director' Romano Pianti (arms obscuring his face) on the other side of the rock. Note actor Barry Hill, lying on the sand at the left of frame.
Photo supplied by the late Douglas Drury
Actors Barry Hill and Glenis Levestam at Palliser Bay, shooting a scene for 1966 teleplay Down by the Cool Sea. This was likely the first time New Zealand television went on location to shoot drama. Derek Morton is at the right of frame, holding a battery-powered light.
Photo supplied by the late Douglas Drury
Cast and crew on the 1965 Palliser Bay shoot for teleplay Down by the Cool Sea. Back row, left to right: film director Romano Pianti, actor Barry Hill, overall director/producer Douglas Drury, sound recordist Ian McIntyre, cameraman Cyril Townsend, and scriptwriter Maurice Shadbolt (holding pipe). Front row: actor Sandy Chadwick, production secretary Angela Nicoll, actor Glenis Levestam, and location manager Derek Morton.
Photo supplied by Derek Morton