Cassius Rayner

Trained as a camera assistant with a local news channel in the mid-90s. On completing the training Cassius became a freelance camera operator working on local news and daytime TV magazine programmes. He then worked for the UN as a camera operator overseas. On his return he continued as a freelance camera operator working on music videos, idents, documentaries and corporate video. Cassius got his first break directing a short film for Channel Fours Film Four series. He then directed a short film on 16mm starring Adam Ant which went on to win 'Best Independent Film' at the Portobello Film festival. The film was supported by the British Council and went on to various film festivals in Europe including Cannes. In 2005 Cassius was approached by a production company commissioned by SKY TV to develop a documentary on poker. He received the commission and directed and filmed a feature documentary on location in Las Vegas following the story of Jennifer Harman - top poker player. The documentary was broadcast across Europe and ABC in Australia. Cassius continued working on projects and through his connections began to develop film training projects for disadvantaged and marginalised young people, recognising that there was a big hole in the industry for supporting those coming from less fortunate backgrounds. In 2014, due to personal circumstances and a serious medical emergency with his youngest daughter, Cassius took a back seat from work and a re-think on what he wanted to accomplish next. Working a lot in documentaries he became interested in the smartphone and its potential and future advancements for filming projects. 10 years have passed and Cassius has been at the forefront of mobile filmmaking and has received 14 International film awards for various films shot using smartphones. He continues to champion mobile filmmaking as the best alternative for independent film production and documentaries overseas