HD EXPO Education Instructors

Sion Michel, ACS

A graduate of the National Australian Film Television & Radio School with a Masters Degree in Cinematography, Sion has won National and International Awards, including five Golden Tripods at the National ACS Awards for his Commercial, Drama, Music Video and Documentary work. In September 2003, Sion was accredited by the Australian Cinematography Society, and given the right to use the letters ACS after his name.

Sion excels in shooting Commercials, Drama, Music Video and Documentary, whether color, black & white, film or digital. His passion is to tell a story with captivating, visually compelling imagery, whether it be in 30 seconds or 120 minutes.

As the film world shifts towards digital and HD, Sion has dedicated himself to pushing the new medium to its most cinematic look. A documentary series, "Beyond The Fatal Shore", which Sion shot on HD across Australia for the BBC, earned him a British Academy Award Nomination for Best Cinematography.

His commercial clients include Nissan, McDonalds, BMW, Chevrolet, Acura, Ford, Adidas, Converse, Coca Cola and Raybans, ('Cinema Commercial of the Year', Shots Showcase '97),

In September 2004 Sion lensed the National Award winning spot, 'Klownen' for Converse, directed by Judy Starkman featuring improvised hip hop dance unique to Los Angeles. It was shot on Varicam.

Most recently he has shot a National Campaign for Nissan USA  for Director, Bob Rice at Plum Productions in Los Angeles on HD.

Sion was the Second Unit DP on the Dreamworks Picture, 'Memoirs of a Geisha', which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Sion's latest feature film "Laura Smiles", shot for Director, Jason Ruscio, which Variety Magazine called "an independent 'American Beauty", premieres theatrically in April 2007.

He is currently in preproduction on the feature film, The Box, for Kindred Media and is to be shot on with a mixed palate of 35mm and HD.

Sion is represented by Sherry Rousso Associates in NY. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.