Jim Frater has over 20 years experience in the film and television industry. During that time he has worked with a variety of mediums, a variety of people, and in locations across the globe.

He began his career in 1987 working for Taimac Video Corporation where he spent two years shooting corporate and training videos for clients such as the WA Police Department and Telstra. Jim was then offered a position at the Seven Network based in Perth. This position allowed him to evolve from being a camera operator to a cameraman/director, working on all types of shows including children’s programs, documentaries, drama, and lifestyle/magazine programs.

In 1992 he was sent to Thailand, his first of many international assignments. It was here he discovered his passion for travelling. Since then he has travelled extensively throughout Asia and has taken a number of overseas assignments. A recent expedition was a year contract as DOP for a Discovery Channel USA documentary. This production saw Jim travel from Mexico to Paris and everywhere in between.
1992 was also the year Jim was introduced to steadicam. Foreseeing the need for a proficient steadicam operator to be based in Perth, he undertook a steadicam training course while with the Seven Network. His steadicam credits range from live TV such as the Channel 7 Christmas Pageant, AFL finals, and ABC ANZAC day parades, to 35mm telemovies like The Sharknet for ABCTV.

In 1995 Jim left the Seven Network to work as a freelance cameraman/director in London. While in London he worked for some of the world’s major networks, including BBC, CNN and NBC. It was here he learnt to work under various, and often hazardous, conditions. However, he still maintained his creative flair and received a number of awards for his work.

Jim returned to Perth in 1997 to work as a news cameraman for Channel Nine Perth. He moved across to their production department to work on a travel show focusing on Western Australia, as well as international destinations. Jim once again showed his creative flair by winning both local and national awards from the Australian Cinematographer Society (ACS).

In early 2000 Jim started Steadivision Pty Ltd (later to be called Steadi-vision Australia Pty Ltd). He currently works for a number of Australia’s top production companies and television networks as a cinematographer, steadicam operator and director of photography. His recent DOP credits include Wanted Down Under, a reality show for BBC 1 in the UK, and The Best Australia, a cooking show for the Lifestyle Channel.

Additionally, Jim regularly shoots national and international sporting events, corporate documentaries and is always keen to get creative in short films and music videos.
Jim’s wealth of experience is evident in the high quality work he produces. He has a strong work ethic and will be an asset to any production.