Timothy Myers ACS (born 1984) is an Australian cinematographer, cameraman, television producer, and former competitive skier. He is the principal cinematographer at Generation Media, a production company specializing in true-crime documentaries, action sports, breaking news, and lifestyle commercials. Myers is known for his work in challenging and remote environments worldwide and currently resides in the United States.

Early Life and Education

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Myers grew up at Mt Selwyn in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, where his grandfather built one of Australia’s first ski fields. Raised in an alpine environment, he learned to ski before he could walk and developed a passion for storytelling. He attended Barker College in Sydney, New South Wales, before studying Multimedia, Film, and Television Production at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

Cinematography Career

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Myers has gained recognition for his work in challenging locations, including conflict zones in Chad, Nigeria, and Ukraine, as well as major news events in the U.S. His footage has been featured on major networks such as CNN, BBC, SKY, ABC, and Al Jazeera. He has received multiple awards, including the Neil Davis International News Golden Tripod Award and the Walkley Excellence in Journalism Award. Myers became the 399th cinematographer accredited by the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) since its founding in 1963, marking his distinction and contributions to the field.

Accreditation with the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS)

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The ACS accreditation is a prestigious recognition awarded to cinematographers who demonstrate excellence and technical expertise in their craft. Accreditation by the ACS is limited to a select number of professionals, making it one of the highest honors in the field. Myers received this accreditation after a rigorous review process, joining an elite group of cinematographers acknowledged for their contributions to the art and industry.

Golden Tripod Awards

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In addition to his first Neil Davis International News Golden Tripod Award, Myers won two more Golden Tripod awards for his cinematography work on the BBC documentary film about the execution of Lisa Montgomery. The film documented Montgomery's life, crime, and execution, becoming a critical piece reflecting on capital punishment in the United States. Myers' work on the documentary was noted for its compelling visual storytelling and ability to capture the complex emotions surrounding the case.

Notable Incident: Lafayette Square, June 1, 2020

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On June 1, 2020, Timothy Myers, alongside colleague Amelia Brace, was covering protests at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., for the Australian news network Seven News. The protests were part of the larger George Floyd protests against racial injustice and police brutality following the murder of George Floyd.

The Donald Trump photo op at St. John’s Church took place on the same day, when law enforcement officers, including U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops, forcefully cleared the area around Lafayette Square to allow President Trump to walk from the White House to St. John’s Episcopal Church for a photo opportunity holding a Bible. During this operation, officers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical force to disperse peaceful protesters and journalists, including Myers and Brace.

Incident Details

Despite clearly identifiable as press, Myers and Brace were assaulted by police officers while covering the protest live on air. Myers was struck in the stomach with a riot shield and punched in the face, causing his camera to fall. Brace was hit with a truncheon, exposed to chemical irritants, and struck by non-lethal rounds. Despite the attack, both journalists continued to broadcast live, capturing footage that showed the aggressive clearing tactics used by the police. The incident drew international condemnation and raised significant concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.[1][2][3].

Aftermath and Significance

The attack on Myers and Brace became a focal point in the broader narrative of the controversial events surrounding the photo op at St. John’s Church. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Inspector General later confirmed that officers had used excessive force against the journalists, in violation of departmental policies[4][5]. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, formally requested an investigation, and diplomatic representations were made to the U.S. by the Australian Embassy in Washington.

The footage captured by Myers and Brace was widely circulated and served as key evidence in international debates over the use of force against journalists. The incident underscored the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and drew attention to the need for better protections for members of the media.

Following the incident, Myers and Brace were awarded the Walkley Award for their courageous reporting under extreme conditions. The Walkley Awards judges praised their bravery, composure, and strong news judgment, highlighting their ability to maintain clarity of message under duress[6].

Skiing and the "One Hit Wonder Down Under" event

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Before focusing on cinematography, Myers had a notable career in skiing. He was the creator and event director of the "One Hit Wonder Down Under," an annual big air skiing event that brought together top skiers from around the world. The event became known for its innovation and significant contributions to the sport, drawing widespread attention from the global skiing community and media outlets such as ESPN and Powder Magazine[7][8].

Involvement in "Sugar Mountain"

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Myers also starred in the 2014 adventure ski film Sugar Mountain, which follows four Australian skiers, including Myers, as they embarked on a month-long expedition to a remote glacier in Alaska. The film is notable for its use of drone technology to capture stunning aerial footage of the skiing and the extreme conditions faced by the team, such as minus 19-degree temperatures and three-hour waits to boil water for coffee. "Sugar Mountain" received praise for its innovative cinematography and exploration of adventure, friendship, and survival[9][10].

Television Production: "Generation Snow"

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At the same time Myers was beginning to blend snow-sports and television while producing the television series Generation Snow, which ran for three seasons. The series showcased Australia’s best winter athletes traveling the globe in search of higher mountains and deeper snow. It featured notable skiers like Chris Booth, Anna Segal, and Chris Davenport, and highlighted the unique challenges and adventures faced by skiers and snowboarders worldwide[11]

Awards and Recognition

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  • Walkley Award for Television/Video: News Reporting (2020)
  • Neil Davis International News Golden Tripod Award
  • Two additional Golden Tripod Awards for cinematography on the BBC documentary about the Lisa Montgomery execution.
  • Accredited as an ACS Cinematographer by the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS)

Personal Life

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Myers currently resides in the United States, where he continues his work in film and media production. He maintains a strong connection to his roots in the Australian Snowy Mountains, and frequently travels to ski destinations around the world.

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  1. ^ "Australia Asks for Investigation After Police Attack 2 Journalists in U.S."
  2. ^ Hume, Tim (2020-06-02). "Australian Journalists Covering D.C. Protests Were Assaulted by Cops on Live Morning Television". VICE. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  3. ^ "'Pretty bruised': Sunrise reporter attacked by US cops on live TV tells of aftermath". 7NEWS. 2020-06-02. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  4. ^ Macias, Amanda (2020-06-02). "Australia opens investigation into U.S. police violence against journalists covering protests in DC". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  5. ^ "Report: Police use of force against journalists in 2020 violated policy".
  6. ^ "Amelia Brace and Tim Myers". The Walkley Foundation. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  7. ^ "Brown wins Australian One Hit Wonder contest". ESPN.com. 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  8. ^ POWDER (2010-10-14). "One Hit Wonder". Powder. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  9. ^ "Sugar Mountain has probably the best ski footage you've ever seen".
  10. ^ "What Happens When You Quit Your Job to Spend A Month on an Alaskan Glacier? - Sugar Mountain Sneak Peek". Mountainwatch. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  11. ^ "Tim Myers Interview". Mountainwatch. Retrieved 2024-09-10.