ABOUT – Simon Baumfield

Simon Baumfield is a cinematographer with a passion for telling stories through images. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Simon brings over 35 years of experience to every project, from feature films and TV dramas to documentaries, commercials, and music videos.

Simon’s journey started in the vibrant world of New Zealand music videos, where his work for artists like Shihad and King Kapisi quickly earned industry recognition. He picked up his first New Zealand Music Video Award in 1993 for Maree Sheehan’s “Fatally Cool,” and followed it up with another in 1999 for King Kapisi’s “Subcranium Feeling.” These early successes set the tone for a career defined by creativity, technical skill, and a collaborative spirit.

Simon’s credits span a wide range of genres and formats. He’s shot acclaimed TV dramas like “Coverstory,” “Street Legal,” “The Strip,” and the telemovie “Share the Dream,” which won him the TV Guide New Zealand Television Award for Best Cinematography. His work on “The Insiders Guide to Love” brought home both the Qantas Television Award and the Air New Zealand Screen Award for Best Cinematography, while “The Hothouse” earned him another Qantas Television Award.

On the big screen, Simon has lensed feature films including “The Irrefutable Truth about Demons,” “No One Can Hear You,” and “Fresh Meat.” His documentary work is equally impressive—”Shackleton’s Captain” took out Best Cinematography – Documentary/Factual at the New Zealand Television Awards.

Simon’s short films have made waves internationally. “Run” and “The Six Dollar Fifty Man” both received Special Distinction at Cannes, with “The Six Dollar Fifty Man” also winning the Jury Prize at Sundance. He’s also been recognised at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival (Best Cinematographer for “Feeder”) and the Tirana International Film Festival (Best Cinematography for “Daniel”).

A pioneer in aerial and underwater filming, Simon co-founded Skyhook Aerial Cinema, helping to set the standard for drone cinematography in New Zealand. Whether he’s working with 35mm film, digital, or capturing breathtaking shots from the air or underwater, Simon is known for his calm approach, creative eye, and dedication to the craft.

Awards & Highlights:

Best Cinematographer, Show Me Shorts Film Festival (“Feeder”)
Best Cinematography – Documentary/Factual, NZ Television Awards (“Shackleton’s Captain”)
Qantas Television Award and Air New Zealand Screen Award, Best Cinematography (“The Insiders Guide to Love”)
Qantas Television Award, Best Camera – Non-Factual (“The Hothouse”)
TV Guide NZ Television Award, Best Cinematography (“Share the Dream”)
NZ Music Video Awards, Best Cinematography (“Fatally Cool,” “Subcranium Feeling”)
Special Distinction, Cannes Film Festival (“Run,” “The Six Dollar Fifty Man”)
Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival (“The Six Dollar Fifty Man”)
Best Cinematography, Tirana International Film Festival (“Daniel”)

Simon’s work has helped shape the look of New Zealand film and television, always excited for the next challenge — Simon is available both in New Zealand and Internationally.