Darwin, Northern Territory

Bio

Michael Franchi is a multi-award-winning cinematographer and photographer based in Darwin, Northern Territory. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has established himself as one of the region's most versatile media professionals, currently working as a camera operator and content creator for ABC News.
His expertise is notably broad, earning him the reputation of a "jack-of-all-trades" who excels in cinematography, still photography, drone operation, editing, and field audio.
He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Gold Tripod from the Australian Cinematographers Society (the highest national honor in the category).
In 2025, he won for Northern Force.
While deeply embedded in the Northern Territory—covering everything from crocodile attacks and cyclones to federal politics—his work has also taken him to international assignments.
He is active in the industry community, serving as the Treasurer and National Board Delegate for the Northern Territory branch of the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS).
His portfolio often focuses on the unique challenges and beauty of the Australian outback.
Accolades
• Gold Tripod: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'Northern Force' - National Australian Cinematographers Society Awards 2025
• Gold Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News -'Northern Force' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2024
• Gold Tripod: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'One of a Kind: Outback Amateur Races' - National Australian Cinematographers Society Awards 2024
• Gold Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'One of a Kind: Outback Amateur Races' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2023
• Silver Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - '7.30: Land Clearing for Cotton' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2023
• Bronze Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'The Feral Threat Facing Kakadu National Park' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2023
• Silver Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'Exercise Darrandarra' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2022
• Honorable Mention Editorial:Press-Environmental - 'Born on this land' - International Photography Awards 2021
• Gold Award: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News - 'Katherine Youth' - Australian Cinematographers Society (NT) 2020
• Honorable Mention: Documentary - 'Nomadic Spacing' - Australian Photography Awards 2019
• Honorable Mention People: Children - 'Bulugambi' - Tokyo International Foto Awards 2018
• Honorable Mention People: Children - 'Bulugambi' - International Photography Awards 2018
• Honorable Mention People: Children - 'Dhunumbu' - International Photography Awards 2017
• Honorable Mention Special: Night Photography - 'Midnight Brumbies' - International Photography Awards 2016
• Honorable Mention Fine Art: Abstract - 'Midnight Brumbies' - International Photography Awards 2016 
• All Media Best Online Coverage: Cyclone Tracy - Stories From The Heart of the Storm (Picture Editing) - NT Media Awards 2015
• Honorable Mention Editorial: Daily Life Category - 'BnS' - International Photographer of the Year Photography Awards 2015
• Highly Commended - PANPA Portrait Photography of the Year 2014 (Regional)
• Highly Commended - PANPA News Photograph of the Year 2012 (Suburban/Regional/Rural)
• Finalist – Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year 2012
• Semi-Finalist – Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2012
• Semi-Finalist – Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2011
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