| Ron Johanson ACS, commenced his career with Crawford Productions in Melbourne in late 1965, at the tender age of 16 as a message boy. All he ever wanted to do was get behind a camera.Two years later he became a Camera Assistant with Senior Films, was Clapper Loader for Director Tim Burstall on the feature film ‘2000 Weeks’ and a little later, Camera Assistant for Director Fred Schepisi at The Film House in Melbourne.Ron has always believed it was these early experiences with Tim Burstall, Fred Schepisi and cinematographers, Rob Copping ACS, Volk Mol ACS, Dudley Robinson and Graham Lind ACS, that truly inspired him.
Being promoted to Camera Operator at Senior Films in 1968, by 1970 his talent was recognised and he was promoted to Lighting Cameraman. From 1972 he was freelancing and employed as DOP on numerous television commercials, documentaries, current affairs, and television series. In 1976 he and his young family relocated to Queensland where Ron took up a position with Martin Williams Films as Director / DOP on numerous television commercials and documentaries. At this time also freelancing as DOP on feature films, his credits included ‘Freedom’ the first feature of long time friend, Director, Scott Hicks. In 1980 Ron established The Roly Poly Picture Company, and continues to be its driving force, having directed countless television commercials in Queensland, Australia and around the globe, as well as television series, documentaries and feature films. Ron is renowned for his support of film schools and dedication to mentoring young film-makers, many of whom have gone on to promising careers and achieved recognition by their peers, along with winning many awards for cinematography. |
He now freelances as a Director/Cinematographer. Ron served as State President of the (ACS) in Queensland for over 10 years and is currently National President of the Society after serving 5 years as Federal Vice President.
He was named the Queensland, Brisbane Art Director’s Club “BAD Person of the Year” in 1993, and in 1999 was presented with a special Kodak Award for services to the industry. In 2004 he was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame and in the same year received the Queensland New Filmmakers Kinetone Award for contribution to the Queensland Film Industry. In 2007 he was made a Life Member of the Australian Cinematographers Society. In 2009 he was inducted into the Queensland Advertising Hall of Fame. In 2014 he was awarded an OAM for services to the Arts. Over the years Ron has received numerous awards for his work, including: Numerous Gold ACS Awards; Although he has lived in Queensland for many years, he is still a Melbourne boy at heart, he has never quite understood rugby league, and still maintains a love of all things Essendon. |