John Bowring ACS dies in Hong Kong

John donated equipment to our Scramjet documentary last year. We will be foreever grateful for his spirit of generosity and committment to the sector. His legacy will hopefully live through new generations of filmmakers.

Thankyou John, and we will dedicate Scramjet to you.
Our thoughts are with Sue and your children.
A life lived large.

Ruby

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Have known John forever, despite the Video revolution he always maintained his love for film, whatever he did he did it more than well.

Sadly missed, a sad loss to the industry.

Graeme

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I first met John Bowring when I was on-lining a documentary series “Rails Around Australia” at HSV 7, in the early 1980s.
The series was produced and narrated by John MacIntosh, and shot by John Bowring.
Bowring was so passionate about film. He telecined the wild reels to tape…, burned in code, dubbed to betamax and then Kine’d the betamax back to film so that he could edit the offline on his Steenbeck.
He’d then come in with a hand written EDL, the offline pictures on film and the final mix on sep-mag which we’d telecine to tape and I’d conform the vision over the top of the offline vision.
A very enjoyable, entertaining and educational edit session with Mr Bowring and Mr MacIntosh.

I’d just bought a small Bolex H16 film camera, and John Bowring gave me lots of advice and hundreds of feet of offcut film and didn’t want a cent for it.

Later I edited many station IDs and promos which were shot by John Bowring.
I did enjoy editing with his footage as it always looked good, he was interested in the end product and followed up on his work.

John Bowring was inspirational, patient and passionate. He told me about his earlier work on “Hoofs, Humps and Feathers” (about the horses, camels and emus of the outback) with John MacIntosh and vowed that if he ever had his own company he’d name it “Camel” – but spelled backwards, and of course LEMAC is a highly respected industry leader today.

He was a film & TV legend and I am privileged to have worked with him all those years ago.

Sympathies to his family, friends and staff.

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Johns generosity of spirit was legendary. We have lost a brother and it hurts. Kim

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Thank you, John, for all the kindnesses and generosity you showed to so many.
You will be missed greatly by all.
Condolences to Sue, Jack and Kate.

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I worked with John when I was at channel 10 in Melbourne and Sydney, also at Optus Vision. I couldn’t wait to do a shoot with him.
I loved the way he walked around with his arri or whatever on his shoulder it was part of him
I’m richer from knowing the brolga, he’s a legend a pioneer and a great guy
Sympathies to his family and loyal staff

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very sad, I worked on various shoots for John as a best boy at tcn then started directing and worked with him. Finally I started my own business with the help of good deals from lemac and only introduced my young team to him last year on a shoot on 16mm. Certainly a giant of our industry, my thoughts are with johns family

CJ

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I was fortunate to have known John going back to the 70’s when i rented my first camera, an Eclair NPR from him pre Lemac at his family home in East Malvern.
He was enthusiastic and so helpful to me as an outright beginner to cinematography and his attitude never changed in the following 35 years. I would think there is no one in the Australian film industry who does not know John, and if as fortunate as I was, also had the pleasure knowing him personally as the truly wonderful, generous person he was. Sadly missed by us all.

Subject: Vale John Bowring ACS

Vale John Bowring ACS

It is with great sadness that we have learned about the sudden passing
of John Bowring ACS. John is a legend in the industry and was not only
one of the most respected cinematographers but was one of the most
loved by all who came into contact with him. His passion and
dedication to film knew no boundaries. This love of the moving image
resulted in John and his wife Sue starting Lemac, the enormously
successful and Australia’s largest wholly owned film and video
equipment company with offices all over Australia. John was a true
visionary who unreservedly embraced new technologies in spite of
always proclaiming to be a “film” person. Through his dedicated staff
at Lemac he encouraged everybody with his vast knowledge and
approachable style. His personality and sense of humour meant that we
all have our own wonderful memories of this generous and talented man.
We will miss him greatly and he leaves an enormous legacy to the
Australian film industry which will benefit all future Australian
cinematographers

Alan

Alan Cole ACS
President ACS Victorian Branch
ACS National Vice President
Mobile: 0418 178 219

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I was greatly upset this morning to hear of John’s passing on his way home from NAB.

I have had the privilege of knowing John for over 20 years and despite (or because of) often being the butt of his humorous challenges (to someone who did not come purely from the world of film acquisition), I always looked forward to catching up with him.

John leaves a very large set of shoes to fill in the Australian industry as, despite his fundamental love of film, he tackled all aspects of image capture with a passion and with the level of research that would make a PhD supervisor proud. I would have liked to have seen him offered an Honorary Doctorate – and then the reaction – which I suspect would have been sceptical in the least.

To many in the industry John was an “early adopter” of all things new that he felt were going to be relevant to the industry and was rarely wrong (if ever) in his judgement calls.

More importantly he was most generous in sharing both his knowledge and his point of view – I vividly remember one of my catch-ups with him at Lemac where Sue had to come and tactfully point out to John (after several hours or so chatting with me) that he had some (paying) business to attend to.

That Lemac is a major force in the industry was largely through John’s vision, supported by partner Sue, and his loss to us all will resonate for a long time to come.

I was greatly privileged to know John and to be able to call him a colleague and consider him a friend.

My deepest sympathies are with Sue, Jack and Kate.

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I am shocked and saddened at the news of John’s passing. He was one of the people who I believed would be around for a very long time. Being part of the ACS at the time when John was also on the board was a privilege I will not forget. His expertise and generosity was wonderful to behold. My condolences and sympathy to Sue and their family. Also to all at Lemac and the ACS.
I have heard it said to “live one’s life so as to leave a legacy”. I think John’s life truly exemplifies this and we are so much the richer for having known him. RIP

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John was a legend and will be missed.
I had known him for 25 years and he always had time for a chat or show me something new especially when I first started in the industry.
Sympathies to his family, close friends and staff.

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Hard to believe such a generous & jovial champion of filmmakers has left us. He supported myself and many others with assistance, knowledge & trust. Thank you John I will miss you. My thoughts are with Sue & your children. The staff of Lemac & all who had the good fortune to meet you.

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I remember when you purchased your first broadcast video camera. You told me that it would never replace film. No one can ever replace you. My thoughts are with Sue and family.

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It is very difficult to describe my feelings about this very sad time.

I first worked with John when he drove his blue Kingwood station wagon brimming with ‘film’ gear.

Always with a great smile and temperment he made evey shoot the most enjoyable occasion and would always turn a negative into a positive (pardon the pun)

If we can all take a leaf from his book this will be a better world.

A Champion indeed, John ‘Brolga’ Bowring.

My deepest sympathy and condolances to Sue and Johns family.

Paul ‘Clackers’ Clark.

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I worked with John during my time with GTV 9 Melbourne – 1970s mid ’80s..

For a man with such a gifted talent he was (in a business known for its ruthlessnes) one of the easiest going and nicest guys you could meet – always willing to go the extra yard to get the best result, and enjoying a beer or two at the end of his achievements.

He always appeared to have a “natural” smile on his face. May he R.I.P.

Condolences to his family.

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John was “our industry”. His passion and dedication to film and all things video will leave a irreplaceable legacy. Thankyou forever.

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Truly devastated at the news, sending thoughts of strength and care for his family.
Will take everything John represented and carry it forward with his generous spirit in mind so that young Cinematographers continue to benefit from his legacy.
Bless you John.

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RIP JB, if there is a heaven I’m sure you’re up there tweaking the lights to get a much better look. Your knowledge, vitality & affability will be sorely missed down here

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John Bowring had this continual passion for Cinematography and film. His excitement in showcasing new products and sharing this information almost on a weekly basis to ACS members made us such a privilidged group. John would not only show us new technology but he would grab the camera and go and out and shoot with it himself and share his findings with us. From immersing an operating dedo light into a bowl of water, to showing footage from a GoPro or footage from the Panasonic 3D camera. John shared with his fellow cinematographers the world that he truly loved.

The last evening I saw John was at the Panasonic mini 2/3 inch chip camera presentation. I had my 5D with a hoodman viewfinder attached – he had not seen one like this before and was quite interested. He loved the evolving technolgy with cameras.

John certainly walked the talk – he would show us a new camera and then show us the footage taken with that camera and give us information that would fast track our learning curve.

His down to earth approach was highlighted when he exclaimed at that last lecture at lemac – “The new Panasonic mini 2/3 inch chip camera is technically fantastic but has to be the most ugly camera i have seen! – Why did’nt they make a separate viewfinder? … I can hear him now saying these words….the audience love it – that is the magic of the great Man. He loved to share his knowledge and offer his hospitality to the privilided Vicotorian ACS members.

John will certainly be missed but not forgotten.

My thoughts are with Sue and your children

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John was a remarkable man. He lived his passion of cinematography.
With his wife Sue they built Lemac into a leading company in this difficult industry. The picture gallery on the walls at Lemac give some indication of his life’s work. Images of John and a camera all over the world.
They also created two children, Jack and Kate and formed many lasting friendships. Kerri and I were fortunate to be among them. John always had a camera at hand, and he recorded the birth of his children, and projected it large to assorted friends. His collection of images of his family over the years and screened at his daughter’s 21st was some of his best work.
My best memories were of Lake Eildon with our families, his signature line was ‘have a cleansing ale’. John and Sue complimented each other perfectly, in life and business.
In his short life he lived several lifetimes, but that was no reason for him to go so early. He will be missed by so many.
Life is random, it makes no sense.
Chris and Kerri.

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The passing of a legend. John’s passion for cinematography, especially as expressed in the legion of assistants, students and colleagues who benefited from his wisdom and generosity, will live on. So will some wonderful memories. As the previous posters attest, John was always ready with support and encouragement (and a dry comment). Tina’s and my thoughts are with Sue and family and all at lemac. Vale JB.

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John helped support an ongoing documentary I was putting together, never expecting anything out of it, but he gave his assistance in kind. In truth, all you had to do was ask for help at Lemac and John made it so. I am very sad to hear of his passing, the film biz in Melbourne was very quietly and professionally assisted by John for such a long time. He will be missed. Long may he reign!
Pattie Wright
19th April 2011

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John and Sue , walking on the beach with me at beautiful Whiritoa , magic moments , intriguing man , wonderful insightful wife. Some people are are just somehow more than others , they look the same , sound the same , seem the same , but they’r not and as who they are slowly dawns on you , you realise that they’re different , creative , clever , giving, generous, are all thoughts bumping around , oh yeah , smart , tough , kind ,,,, John you are a real rare breed ,,,,,, Our thoughts are with Sue and the children , you will be missed by many people. Nic

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John and Sue , walking on the beach with me at beautiful Whiritoa , magic moments , intriguing man , wonderful insightful wife. Some people are are just somehow more than others , they look the same , sound the same , seem the same , but they’r not and as who they are slowly dawns on you , you realise that they’re different , creative , clever , giving, generous, are all thoughts bumping around , oh yeah , smart , tough , kind ,,,, John you are a real rare breed ,,,,,, Our thoughts are with Sue and the children , you will be missed by many people. Nic

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Anyone who knew or worked with John Bowring loved him dearly. Personally or professionally they don’t come any better. His impact on our industry has been enormous. Not only did he build a major and respected company called Lemac with his wife Sue but John’s primary and passionate work as a cinematographer was worldwide and genuinely worldclass. Over the years many of us have received credit and accolades as a result of his collaboration, creativity and mastery of his craft. As a person John was a true star and a thorough mensch.

He was one of those people who was a joy to know. He’ll be truly missed by many, many people.

My heart felt sympathies for Sue and family.

Peter Faiman

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It would be an impossible task to define John Bowring and his contribution to the industry but in a humble attempt to honour a man who many will miss, some memories and thoughts come to mind.
Never fearing a challenge too big, John literally hung outside the top arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge tethered only by a simple harness to get the desired shot of Kerrie Anne Kennelly and a similar occasion when he was hanging out of the open helicopter door to achieve the sweeping flyby shot of Ray Martin for the This is Australia campaign for the Nine Network, each time, with his trusted 16mm camera over his shoulder.
Never a nicer man to have on set or to have a light hearted dinner with. I remember a meal break in a small diner and John started to quote the lyrics to The Offsprings…”give it to me baby”…and the rest of the crew instantly replied…”aha aha”
Every experience with John was a joy, no matter how long the day or ridiculous my idea.
John gave his all, made it work, and we laughed all the way.
Many of us have John to thank for our careers behind and in front of his camera lenses.
He was a gifted master of his craft and a gift to anyone in our industry lucky enough to work with, and learn from him.
The memories are too many, the loss too sad.
Sue, Kate and Jack, our deepest sympathies.

Paul Zorzi and Kevin Holley

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It would be an impossible task to define John Bowring and his contribution to the industry but in a humble attempt to honour a man who many will miss, some memories and thoughts come to mind.
Never fearing a challenge too big, John literally hung outside the top arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge tethered only by a simple harness to get the desired shot of Kerrie Anne Kennelly and a similar occasion when he was hanging out of the open helicopter door to achieve the sweeping flyby shot of Ray Martin for the This is Australia campaign for the Nine Network, each time, with his trusted 16mm camera over his shoulder.
Never a nicer man to have on set or to have a light hearted dinner with. I remember a meal break in a small diner and John started to quote the lyrics to The Offspring…”give it to me baby”…and the rest of the crew instantly replied…”aha aha”
Every experience with John was a joy, no matter how long the day or ridiculous my idea.
John gave his all, made it work, and we laughed all the way.
Many of us have John to thank for our careers behind and in front of his camera lenses.
He was a gifted master of his craft and a gift to anyone in our industry lucky enough to work with, and learn from him.
The memories are too many, the loss too sad.
Sue, Kate and Jack, our deepest sympathies.

Paul Zorzi and Kevin Holley

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John, Sue, Kate and Jack were our neighbours in Camberwell for twenty years. We shared many stories, barbeques and red wines. John was so involved in the film industry that as a guest at both of our daughters’ weddings, he insisted on filming them and providing them with copies free of charge. We knew that we had the best cinematographer there was. John was so generous with his time and his skills that everyone we met who knew him had the utmost respect and admiration for his special skills. Kaye, myself, Lara and Ann knew John as a person though and we admired him as a friend and an all round good bloke. We were stunned to hear about his sudden passing and we will miss him. Our condolences to Sue, Jack and Kate. Robert and Kaye Caulfield.

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I first met John at GTV9 in the early 1970s and had the privilige of carrying a Nagra with him on many subsequent occasions. It’s not often that one finds someone who can be identified as a true legend of the industry, but Brolga was exactly that and a wonderful bloke to boot. My sympathy to Sue and the family, and also to all out there who ever worked with him. He will be very sadly missed.

Peter Evans.

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John and I agreed to disagree on Film V’s Video, although he did buy cameras from me at Ampex. I did love hearing John tell me and show me how simple and beautiful Arri cameras were, it was the way he told this young impressionable boy, the love in his delivery made him a true craftsman in the film world.

John, we and those around you will miss your charm, dry wit and contributions to the entertainment world.

Our thought and prayers to Sue and the family.

With fondest memories

Alex Chelleri

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As I sadly write these lines I look up at a photograph hanging on our wall of John mounted on a camel , Aaton on the shoulder at the ready, as always.

I had the pleasure of sharing some shoots with John and edited many programs shot by him, all were a dream.

John was such a pro, totally committed yet wonderful company both on the job and after hours.

I concur with the sentiments expressed by everyone above and offer, along with my wife Jo, our sympathy to Sue and family.

Scott McLennan

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I opened my e-mail this morning and was shocked and saddened to hear
the passing of John Bowring. John was a pioneer in the Australian film and
Television industry and will be sadly missed by me and I know many of my
former colleagues at the ABC. John helped me establish AATON time code
on film at the ABC. Shooting “Blue Murder” with John’s and Lemac’s support
we overcame a lot of sceptical opposition to establish the first drama to be
shot this way. Paving the way for the ABC to invest in the system for future
Drama. My deepest sympathise to Sue, Family and all the staff at Lemac.

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I can’t believe JB is gone. I first met John in Melbourne 1975 when I was a photography student and I hired a 16 BL from Lemac…the rest is history… and John is part of that history. You would think that people like JB would be around forever…his spirit will remain with us…My deepest condolences to Sue and family.
RIP mate, I am sure you will get some great wide-angle shots from up there with one of you gadgets…

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I had the great fortune to meet John in the early 90’s when I was teaching at Huntingdale Tech. He was not only a generous and passionate supporter of the film and television industry but he also encouraged emerging young film-makers who were studying their craft, providing equipment and advice and valuable knowledge and always with a smile. My sympathies his family and friends at this time.

Stephen Irving

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How do you sum up more than 30 years of true friendship, consummate professionalism, generosity, wit, passion and humanity? Well, John Bowring was all that and more, and indefatigable whether at work or play. I worked at Lemac for ‘2 weeks’ after I graduated so that John and Sue could have a well-earned holiday and stayed for around six months – a time something akin to a Post-Grad course filled with laughter and joy on top of the interesting work. John cannot be replaced on this earth having trail-blazed a path of ethical behaviour and service to the industry that should be documented and turned into the ultimate Film/TV course. And in regard to honours mentioned above by David Price? A posthumous Doctorate would be a nice tribute, for starters, wouldn’t it? The best memorial to John, however,would be if EVERYONE whom he had helped over the years resolved to be as wonderful as he was on set, location or in business. The Lemac code of ethics is a strong one based on fairness and kindness and has supported the industry for decades. We will miss you terribly, John.

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I was shocked and saddened on Sunday morning to learn that Aussie film & TV industry legend John Bowring ACS had suddenly passed away in Hong Kong. John and I shared a spectacular lunch together in Singapore the last time we caught up on his annual return journey from NAB. Whether in a great restaurant (Brolga knew them all) or on a dusty apple box by the gaffer’s tailgate table, I was never sure whether the boyish delight dancing in John’s eyes was due to the splendid feast before us or the never-ending joy he found in sharing tales of gizmos & gadgets while simply doing what he loved doing most – mucking around with cameras. (I suspect a healthy share of each.) As I sit here and type, I can clearly hear JB’s gravelly laugh and see that ever-present twinkle in his eyes (when they weren’t glued to a viewfinder).

I spent many hours shooting with John over the years and was always in awe of his ‘human light meter’ ability to instantly set up and roll film at a second’s notice at the whim of a director who had just spotted a shot he ‘had to capture’. And capture those shots John did – always beautifully, without fuss or fanfare. Then he’d pick up the camera, throw the sticks over his shoulder and move on to the next adventure. We spent months together on an AFL job for the Nine Network, which to this day, due in no small part to JB’s pictures, remains my proudest piece of work. John, thank you for your skill, your patience & the invaluable lessons you taught me and thousands of others in this mad industry. You were a cracker of a gentleman and will be sincerely missed. For the first time in your life JB, you cut way too early.

Our deepest condolences to Sue and family.

Mitch & Kathy-Anne McManus

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I know it’s absurd to say this in the first person, but John, I saw you from a distance at NAB and hoped you’d come by again so we could have our yearly gam…

We’re teaching a workshop in Sydney in July, and I was counting on seeing you then. Now I have that sad sick feeling once again in this business… people we cherish, stalwarts, including DiGiulio, Kubrick, et al, suddenly gone and no chance to tell ’em how much I counted on seeing, working, hanging with them, and just knowing they were alive and well and productive at whatever corner of the world.

Farewell John. you’ll be sorely missed.

Garrett Brown

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I first met John when he was running Lemac out of an office in Church Street Richmond, near Bridge Road, in the nineteen seventies. John was a larger than life character whose generosity of spirit is legendary. Not many people who are in the position to do so will offer their help or counsel as freely or as willingly as John did. I was the recent beneficiary of John’s largesse when he mastered out a documentary for me gratis. In terms of the number of people he has mentored and inspired over the years, John has made a vast and enduring contribution to the Australian film industry and his memory will linger on. My sincere condolences go to Sue, Kate and Jack and to the staff at Lemac, who personify John’s sense of dedication, knowledge and professionalism. Like all those who came in contact with John, I will miss him.

Kevin Anderson ACS

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I often said to John in jest,a quick shoot is a good shoot,he always indulged me as he did all talent.

Johns time with us was way to short,I will miss his patience,good nature and that wonderfull gift of a great eye..

The promo shoot in Canada for the Winter Olympics was one of the best of times and the results that eventually went to air ,further enhanced an already enviable reputation for excellence.

He was a mighty fellow John Bowering ,one of a kind and much loved.

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Early on Monday morning I walked past Lemac and noticed it closed and the roller door down at a time when it would have usually been open for those collecting gear. Later that day I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news about John.

As an independent filmmaker I always found John generous with his time, his energy, his knowledge, and his suggestions on how to make it better – whatever the project. I sought his thoughts and advice on many things over many years knowing that John would always answer honestly and from a position of great experience. From our individual chats to his unique evening camera sessions in the theatrette I learnt much from John that I would not have known otherwise. I will greatly miss those occasions.

Whatever the discussion John’s enthusiasm was unstoppable, whether he was talking about a new camera, some old footage he’d come across, or shooting the Melbourne Cup, or an AFL Grand Final, or aerial landscapes from a plane between Broken Hill and Sydney.

The many other tributes attest to John’s kindness and skill. It may not be so well known that John supported many film students with equipment that they would not have otherwise been able to afford, and also importantly he furthered the careers of some film graduates by giving them jobs at Lemac.

John was a rare link between the commercial world and the independent film world, between the old film industry and the new. In coming months when the AFI is seeking to honour an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to Australian Film and Television, I hope they will look no further than John Bowring and pay him due regard and respect by bestowing on him the Raymond Longford Award.

Finally, above all else, and most of all, John was a good bloke.

My sincere condolences to Sue and family.

Philip Tyndall

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John has been a friend of mine for many years, he has always had a good word for everyone and everything to do with Australian Film and Television.

He seemed to be known by everyone, on a first name basis, and there is many of a production that was able to finished because of John.

A large man with an even larger smile and personality.

He will be missed.

My thoughts are with his family.

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john was one of natures gentlemen and i consider it a priveledge to have known him.
my condolences to his family and the staff at lemac

thats a wrap mate..

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What a legend.
Difficult to believe he is gone.

John taught me many things and bought me many meals and many drinks.

Rest in peace buddy.

Our hearts go out to Sue, Jack and Kate.

-Mike Vlack and Ann Lyons

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I had never actually met John until last year, but based only on a phone request, he agreed to act as my expert witness in a case that involved defending a DOP’s work. John performed briliantly in court, explaining to a judge that an “out take is not necessarily a shot.”

We won the case and it was in no small part due to John’s years of experience and passion for the craft he loved so much. John didn’t know me from a bar of soap, but was prepared to give up his valuable time to assist in the process. This degree of generosity is rare and I’m so grateful that I was able to witness the man in full flight. My very best wishes go to his wife Sue and the children.

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No way!! I cannot believe we have lost Brolga Bill! John Bowring will always be a legend in the industry, and always remembered for his good humour that dovetailed perfectly with his talent. I have a DVD he compiled a couple of years ago of very old goof tapes from GTV-9 – they are a history of television news in their own right, showing the transition from B&W to colour, from film to ENG. From my initial days at GTV, and through the years at TCN, Ch7 and Ten, to Sky News, Brolga always had my respect. Farewell.

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John’s contribution to the Australian Screen Editor’s Guild in Victoria was significant. As many others have noted, he would bend over backwards to ensure our joint activities were a success (and they always were!).
I am sure I speak for our other editor members when I say he will be sadly, sorely missed. We at least have the legacy of John’s frequently spectacular visuals to remind us of his influence.
Farewell John.

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We all agree that John’s passing is a great loss, not just to the industry but to all of us who new him. We were young do-anything guys at GTV 9 when John carried an old Aaton on his shoulder and a battery belt that made Batman’s look like a ribbon. John G mentioned the Goof Reel he sent to some of us a couple of years ago. Typical. He’d kept so much. He never hesitated to share and support anyone who asked for his help. To whom will I turn now with a left-of-field technical question? We are the lesser for his passing. There are not many like him. I share everyone’s wishes to Sue and the family.

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John: a Beautiful Man and True Professional.

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John Bowring resonates with me from the 1960’s when we were friends at primary school and from the 1970’s and 80’s when we hired gear from John for our short films, docos and music film clips. From the 90’s when Lemac provided the camera for Romper Stomper and from the 2000’s when we rented Lemac cameras to film many hours of children’s television drama. But beyond this John was a great colleague, a really good friend to us filmmakers, a regular bloke who would take the time to talk and generously do and certainly did whatever he could to help us create the visions we wanted. John the visionary. John will be deeply and sadly missed but never forgotten. Sincere condolences to Sue, Jack, Kate and family and the Lemac team.
Daniel Scharf

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I heard the news and felt that cold emptiness that comes with the realisation that someone very special, someone that is central to the industry and people around you, and to many others, is no more. A great big hole has been left. Who will answer your questions, clarify the details, offer advise and connect you with others the way John Bowring did for all of us? Who will be the walking encyclopaedia, always up-to-date, offering a solution, showing the newest and smartest technology, hands on, whilst teaching the basics to anyone new to the game who crossed his path? I think we all felt John would just be there. Everyone has a story about John as we can see in the messages here. Among many, mine is that when Annie and I had a very premie little boy in ICU, John and Paul Zorzi called late one evening after a shoot and said they were close by and could we catch up. We said drop by the hospital for a coffee. A few minutes later John and Paul strode into the NICU unit, John beaming as usual, and to the nurse’s surprise, with an Aaton Prod over his shoulder. “Matt!! Had a few feet left over so I bought the Box Brownie!! Want a couple of shots?? How’s he doing?” He grabbed a desk lamp and swung it over the cot and rolled, a patch of warm light in the floro green of the ward. A week later a tape arrived. The shots looked like a hi-tech nativity scene, a tiny child glowing, asleep, smiling faces looking on. Annie cried when she saw the tape. Beautiful pictures created in a second. Such was John’s skill and generosity. We will treasure those images all the more now.

John taught me most of what I know about film and I always looked forward to our catch ups. There was always something to learn, some new device, method or idea he would share. His enthusiasm was infectious, inspiring. A Guru.

I can’t imagine how Sue and the kids must feel. We all must do everything we can to support them now and into the future. We owe that to our mate. Vale John.

Matt and Annie

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God I will miss him…. A mate forever!!!!

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I was so shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing, I didnt know until I saw it on The Logies tonight.
Too many fabulous times working at Nine in Sydney with Bruce Dunlop and the Promotion Crew, my love to Sue and family,
John was a dear kind man. He will be so sadly missed
One of the industries best.
Very sad news.

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Having known John since the seventies, it’s hard to believe no more John in person, but his presence will be felt without doubt.
Thanks John for being there to lend a helping hand, a friendly chat, a word of advice.
RIP

Peter van Santen

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My husband David mentioned John’s passing this morning, having seen the tribute last night on The Logies – I hadn’t heard and am heartbroken.
Having read all of the amazing tributes above it just reinforces what I already knew – that to have worked with John Bowring on several projects in my days at GTV9 in the late 80’s – was an absolute privilege.
I will never forget our shoot for VISIONS, 1993 a couple of weeks with 5 stunning models, John, Wynnie, Roger & Me in the Kimberley, the Pilbara, Broome and more – we covered so many miles and worked so hard, always at a run behind John as he saw the next shot and swung the sticks up onto his shoulder, his camera where it always was, on the other! We laughed so much and learned so much and as ever – the pictures were stunning.
I saw John late May last year through a hotel room door in Melbourne where we were all set up to interview the Socceroos before they left for South Africa – he rushed out to give me a big hug and we had 5 minutes for a quick catch up – I felt chuffed and happy for the rest of the day, he gave you such a lift, just to be with him.
Can’t believe you’re gone John – we’ll miss you always.
Much love to Sue & Family.
Emma McLean

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I will miss all of JB! The one liners, the grin, the keys jingling at his side, his limitless knowledge and ability, his incredibly friendship and guidance, 20 questions on plane flights around the world to boost my knowledge, driving every Tarago in the avis fleet,
shooting all over the country, always finishing with glass or 2 of drambuie. I loved every minute of it. My very best wishes to Sue, Jack and Kate.
Thankyou JB you are greatly missed.

Ashleigh

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I was deeply devastated to hear of the passing of my mentor and friend John Bowring.  John, or “brolga” as he was known to some of his friends had no equal when it came to passion and knowledge of the craft of cinematography.

I had my first ever full time job when I managed to land a job working in the prep department at Lemac in 1995.  You were a terrifying presence to me back then.   But you encouraged me to shoot….encouraged me to use short ends and use the secret Lemac processing code for cinevex that meant the processing was cheaper.  Then you’d transfer the film yourself on your beloved Marconi telecine….judging for yourself if I’d done a good job or not.  It was a tough way to learn my craft but it also made me want to impress and surprise you with what I was shooting.

You were always hungry for knowledge and so passionate about the craft of cinematography. You had so much energy and enthusiasm. I thought you would just go on forever.

I often used to work the Saturday shift at Lemac, and was never surprised to turn up in the morning to find you at the controls of the Marconi having being transferring film all night.  You’d be literally swaying in the seat as you reminded me without taking your eyes off the screen that film origination could be just as fast to turn around as video.  You’d stayed up all night to prove it.

I also never seemed to be able to leave on a Saturday at 12, the nominal closing time.  You’d always be there with some quick test or little shoot that you wanted help with.  It never occurred to you that it was past knock off.  There was stuff you wanted to know about and you assumed we’d want to know as much as you did.  You were so driven to learn and so driven to educate.  I remember you giving away light meters to students from VCA who’d dropped in to pick up a camera and happened to ask you a question about exposure.

Your famous NAB wrap-up’s and little “presenter” videos for SPAA, the ACS and SMPTE were as entertaining as they were informative. And you were always so generous with your knowledge.

Your passion for educating producers about the intricacies of 16×9 origination, timecode and 3 perf would be lost on most, but I saw the fire in your belly fuelling a constant striving to improve the craft of cinematography and production efficiencies, as well as getting better production value on screen.

You were also a genuine innovator, creating a unique 16mm multi cam camera system for “Murder Call” that brought about the introduction of longer 800′ magazines and return video monitoring on a  film camera.  I saw you build those from scratch.  Your on-board audio recording system using mini-dat when digital audio wasn’t even being used by locations sound recordists.

Whilst in pre-production for Offspring Season 2, just a few weeks ago, I happened to bump into you at the studio’s at Lemac.  You noticed I’d lost a bit of weight.

“geeze brawlster, don’t you know elephants have more friends than snakes.”

John, you have more friends than anyone else I know. No one has supported more young and old cinematographers and filmmakers than you.  You were always humble in the way you supported people and encouraged others.

I’m going to miss you and your friendship.  I’m going to miss dropping into Lemac for 5 minutes to drop something off and leaving 5 hours later, well after the doors had shut.

Enjoy your Auricon PRO 600’s, crunching the ice from your drambuie and may the 3 perf penelope mags never run out.

Thank you for making me the cinematographer I am today.

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BOWRING – John. 24.7.1955 – 16.4.2011

I was shocked and saddened when I arrived back in the country to hear of the untimely passing of a great man and friend.

I have tried to write this tribute to John over the last 10 days but I would always end up in tears.

Our paths crossed many times in our professional careers over the last 40 years, from 1970 when I
first met John when I was a trainee at HSV Ch 7 and he was still a schoolboy. His love and passion
for film and television was simply amazing. He could do it all, a brilliant editor and cinematographer
as well as an innovator, mentor, and always the consummate professional. I witnessed the birth of
Lemac Films with Sue by his side in Malvern, the Arriflex and CP16 cameras on the kitchen table.
I thank God that he wasn’t good at sound as I would never have had those amazing experiences working with him as a freelance sound recordist that I cherish so much shooting everything from current affairs and documentary through to comedy shows. It was with comedy that his hilarious character and sense of humour shone through. Always a smile.

He was a proud Australian and achieved so much in an industry he loved. One day someone will
write the script of John “Brolga” Bowring ACS – “The Last Picture Show Man”.

My deepest sympathy to Sue, Jack and Kate and to all the team at Lemac Film & Digital.

Murray, Angela, Danie and Tom Tregonning and the extended Tregonning Family
and all at Murray Tregonning & Associates P/L

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John – you will be missed so much, your passion for film, your passion for quality and your generosity of spirit were so much a part of you. You made this business look good – a sad day, and the number of people at your memorial last night speak volumes, as did the film can on top of the tripod. You are missed already.

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A generous man in every sense of the word,
John stepped up and helped me when no one else would –
and all agreed to on his word and a handshake.
I would have never been able to make a feature film without him
and for that I will always be grateful.

Thank you and farewell…

Brad Hayward

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With an eye that could see, a mind that could envisage and a heart that was so generous.

Roger Dundas

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I have ben away and only now heard the news. Very sad to hear about John’s passing. He had a passion for his craft only matched by his encyclopedic knowledge and his fantastic eye. I only met him a few times but he encouraged and backed me in a way few others have. The industry has lost a part of its heart and soul.

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John along with Ed DiGiulio and Terry Clairmont was very admired by my family and I.He treated us very well during our all to short migration to Australia.It hurts that I will not get the chance to feel his handshake again as he was a wonderfull person to work for. Let’s hope you can put a camera on your shoulder where you are John. Ian.

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