Brent Crockett has been elected as the new national president of the Australian Society of Cinematographers (ACS), replacing Erica Addis, who has stepped down from the top job after four years.
After receiving his ACS certification in 1985, at the time the youngest cinematographer to receive this honor, Crockett went on to have a 40-year career spanning feature films, television dramas, and documentaries.
His contributions include the car chase sequence in Jeffrey Wright’s feature film Metal Skin, as well as work on the popular Halifax FP TV movie, the feature film Crackerjack, the ABC series Bed of Roses, and SBS’s Bogan Pride.
Beyond his screen credits, he has served as President and National Vice-President of the ACS Victorian Branch, championing professional standards and mentoring budding cinematographers.
Crockett said he was honored to accept the national presidency from Addis, who has positioned ACS as a “progressive leader in the screen industry and has set a strong direction for the future.”
“First of all, I would like to sincerely thank Erica Addis ACS for her outstanding dedication, tireless leadership and lasting impact as National President of the Australian Cinematographers Association,” he said.
“I am honored to take on the role of National President at a time of opportunity and rebirth for the Australian film industry. I look forward to building on the great achievements of Erica, Past President Ron Johansson and the many presidents who came before them, whose collective vision and leadership have shaped the Society into the nationally and internationally respected organization it is today.”
Under Addis’ leadership, ACS released its groundbreaking “Broader Lens” report in 2022, analyzing the key factors that enable or constrain career paths into cinematography, as well as camera professionals’ experiences in recruiting and on the job.
Her term included the adoption last year of a new, completely rewritten plain English constitution. Oversee the management of the Screen Australia-funded ACS Credit Maker Referral Program from 2022 to 2024. Maintaining the association’s sponsorship of the Energa Camerimage Film Festival and fully supporting the activities of the global collective Women in Cinematography. Begins partnership with Manaki Brothers International Film Festival. and facilitated the expansion of ASIG’s direct relationship with Screen Australia.
Addis said her four years as president had been “incredibly enriching” for her and for society.
