bio

Hendrikus De Vaan (Harrie)

Cinematographer | Director of Photography
Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand

Harrie has worked in film, television, animation and commercials since 2007. He began in grip and lighting in Wellington before focusing early on directing, working in New Zealand and Europe. His short film DISAPPEAR was selected for a Young Directors Award by a panel including Danny Boyle and went on to win a Silver Young Directors Award at Cannes Lions. Alongside directing, he worked in post-production as an editor, colourist and animator, sharpening his understanding of story, pacing and how images ultimately function in the cut.

Over time, Harrie realised his true passion lay in cinematography. It offered the combination of instinctive artistry and technical execution he was drawn to, and the opportunity to lens stories across a diverse and wide set of directors’ voices.

As a path to cinematography, he spent several years working as a gaffer on network television drama, award-winning NZFC short films, broadcast, and international commercials. That experience grounded his work in practical judgement around time, scale and what is achievable on set. He occasionally still gaffs through FAT Lighting, with access to larger-scale equipment.

Harrie now works primarily as a director of photography, with a narrative focus spanning NZFC funded and independent short films, web series and documentary work, alongside commercials and music videos. His work ranges from intimate, performance-driven drama to technically complex shoots, including virtual production and VFX-integrated projects.

Member of the NZCS and NZ Screen Guild

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