Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Gardiner.
Hi Tony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a third-generation filmmaker, born in Sydney, Australia. With both my grandfather and father working as cinematographers, I grew up immersed in the world of film and television. Some of my earliest memories are being on set—and from as far back as I can remember, I was completely hooked.
I began my career at the world-renowned camera company Panavision, working out of their Sydney branch. From there, I transitioned into the camera department as an assistant, gradually working my way up through the ranks. My first big break came when I won Best Cinematography at Tropfest—the world’s largest short film festival. Not long after, I landed the role of Director of Photography on Home and Away, Australia’s highest-rating network drama.
Home and Away has a long history of launching the careers of Australian talent—from Isla Fisher to Chris Hemsworth—and during my time as DP, I was fortunate to receive multiple awards for my work. After many years of asking (and probably a little begging), I was given the chance to direct the show in 2019. I directed for two years before taking up an offer to direct another iconic Australian series, Neighbours—the show that famously helped launch Margot Robbie’s career.
Relocating to the U.S. had always been a goal of mine, to continue growing as a filmmaker. I applied for my Green Card under the “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” category in 2020, and it was granted in 2023. So my family and I made the move from Sydney to Los Angeles.
Since arriving, I’ve been fortunate to make a short film here in LA with an incredible cast, including Damon Herriman (Mindhunter, The Bikeriders, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Claire Lovering, who’s starring in the upcoming Mark Wahlberg film Play Dirty.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! Moving across the world to Los Angeles with a young family has definitely had its challenges. On top of that, we made the move during one of the most difficult periods in recent history for the LA film and TV industry—work was scarce, uncertainty was high, and everything felt like it was in flux.
But I truly believe that challenges like these shape you. They force you to grow, adapt, and push beyond your comfort zone. As tough as it’s been at times, it’s also made us stronger as a family, and me stronger as a filmmaker.
It’s also made me more resourceful. I honestly don’t think I would’ve gotten my short film off the ground so quickly—and with such an incredible cast—if I was still back home in Australia. That’s what I love about LA. Yes, it’s competitive and unpredictable, but there’s also this underlying energy that makes you feel like anything is possible if you put the work in. It’s a city full of people chasing big dreams, and that’s a very inspiring environment to be in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a director and cinematographer, originally from Australia, where I worked on some of the country’s most iconic television series. My background gives me a unique perspective—I understand both the technical and creative sides of storytelling, which allows me to approach projects with a well-rounded vision.
What I truly love about filmmaking is the collaborative nature of it. No matter how ambitious or challenging the shoot, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. My goal is always to ensure that every person on set, from cast to crew, walks away feeling proud of what we created together—and with positive memories of the experience.
I’m especially proud of the fact that the people I work with want to come back. To me, that says the process was not only creatively fulfilling but also respectful and enjoyable. I believe that kind of culture on set leads to better storytelling—and that’s what I aim to bring to every project I’m part of.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a filmmaking household, I kind of always knew what I wanted to do. My dad and grandfather were both cinematographers, so I was constantly surrounded by cameras, sets, and stories—it just felt like the most natural thing in the world to follow in their footsteps.
I was definitely a bit of a ratbag as a teenager. School wasn’t really my thing—traditional education just didn’t grab me. I was way more interested in being on set, learning hands-on, and actually making stuff. That’s where I came alive.
I’ve always been curious about the world and wanted to travel. I felt like the more life experience I could get, the better I’d be at telling stories. Real experiences, meeting people from different walks of life—that kind of stuff fuels creativity for me, and it still does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonygardiner.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tony_gardiner_acs
