Born in Sydney, Australia, Menzies was introduced to the film industry by his father, director and cinematographer Peter Menzies. He started as a camera loader and worked his way through the ranks in commercials and features as a camera assistant and later as an operator. His operator credits include Crocodile Dundee and Crocodile Dundee II, Almost an Angel and The Rescue.
Prior to shooting features, Menzies made a name for himself in the commercial world, garnering numerous awards for his cinematography work including the 1995 Australian Television Award for Best Commercial Effects, the 1993 Australian Television Award for Best Commercial Cinematography and the 1991 London International Advertising Award for Best Cinematography.
