Backbone is a filmmaking practice spanning documentary across screen, broadcast and exhibition contexts, shaped by place and collaboration.

Based in the Blue Mountains on Gundungurra and Dharug lands west of Sydney, Australia, the practice brings together the creative direction, cinematography and producing of Vera Hong with the cinematography and technical expertise of Craig Bender. 

Their work moves between commissioned documentary and artist moving image projects, grounded in collaborative relationships with artists, institutions and communities across remote and place-based contexts.

Film still, Let Me Pass Onto You (2021), Commissioned by Powerhouse Museum. Commissioned Artist - Vera Hong. Co-cinematographer - Craig Bender.

Their commissioned documentary projects have screened on Australian television and at international film festivals, and have been presented at institutions including the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum and Murray Art Museum Albury, with selected works shown online by the National Maritime Museum.

Installation view No Distance Between Us  (2017) , Backbone Productions, Bayala Nura (Yarning Country) First Australians Gallery, Australian Museum

In parallel, their artist moving image collaborations - including cinematography and editing contributions - have been presented at institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, MONA and Carriageworks, with selected projects shown online by Fondation Cartier, Paris.

Installation Images left to right
1. Liam Benson, hello, good to meet you (2019), Bella Room Commission, Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney
2. Nat Thomas, Postcards from the Edge (2019), The National 2019, New Australian Art at Carriageworks

Their work has been recognised by the National Trust Heritage Awards and the ATOM Awards, screened at Academy Award–qualifying festivals, and featured by Australian Geographic.



Film still, Alpine River Adventures (2019), Backbone Productions, featured on Australian Geographic

Across all stages of production - from concept development through post-production - Backbone combines artistic authorship with technical precision, supporting complex and collaborative projects.

Film still,  Ngaran Ngaran (2019), Backbone Productions

Vera Hong [she/her]

Vera Hong is a director, cinematographer, editor and producer working across documentary and installation contexts. Her practice moves between screen and exhibition, shaped through close collaboration and a deep engagement with place and lived experience. She is a member of the Australian Cinematographers Society, Australian Directors Guild, and Screen Producers Australia.

Craig Bender [he/him] 

Craig Bender is a cinematographer and CASA-certified commercial drone operator working across documentary and artist moving image. With a background in photographic practice and technical production, his experience spans camera, lighting and post-production, supporting complex and remote productions.