Simon Baumfield: Award-Winning Cinematographer, Director, and Innovator
Simon Baumfield is a renowned New Zealand cinematographer and filmmaker, celebrated for his striking visual storytelling across film, television, and music videos. With a career spanning decades, Simon has built a reputation for his distinctive style and ability to bring narratives to life through the lens. His international background—shaped by time in New Zealand, Australia, and England—adds depth and perspective to his creative approach.
Simon’s journey began in the 1980s in the music video industry, where he quickly gained recognition for his work with leading New Zealand artists. His innovative visuals earned multiple New Zealand Music Video Awards, cementing his place as a pioneer in the field.
His expertise soon expanded into television, where he contributed to acclaimed series and telemovies, earning multiple awards for Best Camera and Best Cinematography. His work on productions such as The Insider’s Guide to Love, Hothouse and Share The Dream further solidified his status as one of the industry’s top cinematographers.
In feature films, Simon is known for his immersive and atmospheric cinematography, shaping the visual tone of projects like The Irrefutable Truth About Demons and No One Can Hear You. His ability to capture both intimate moments and sweeping landscapes has become a signature of his work.
Simon has also played a key role in short films, earning further industry accolades. Feeder won Best Camera, while Run received critical acclaim at Cannes. His cinematography on $6.50 Man contributed to its success as Best Short Film at Sundance, demonstrating his talent for enhancing narrative-driven storytelling with compelling visuals.
His documentary work is equally impressive, with Shackleton’s Captain earning him yet another Best Camera award. His ability to bring historical narratives to life with stunning cinematography has been widely recognized.
Always at the forefront of innovation, Simon has pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling with his expertise in drone and underwater cinematography. His technical mastery and artistic vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
With an extensive body of work and numerous awards to his name, Simon Baumfield remains one of New Zealand’s most respected and influential cinematographers. His legacy is one of creativity, precision, and a deep passion for visual storytelling that continues to shape the industry.