South Island Perspectives - WINTER 2020 | ISSUE 85 The Screen Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand quarterly
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WINTER 2020 | ISSUE 85
The Screen Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand quarterly
South Island Perspectives
www.screenguild.co.nz
NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 1
EDITORIAL CONTENTS BEHIND THE SCENES With over 20 years in the film and TV industry,
Kelly Lucas is now executive officer for the Techos’ Guild.
GUILD NEWS & VIEWS Executive Officer Kelly Lucas
Hi all, 1 Behind the scenes
Kelly Lucas. As I sit down to write my latest article and read back So what now?
And welcome to issue #85 of your NZTECHO on the last one that I wrote when we were entering
2 President’s rave With productions starting and a number of others
magazine, and also to a printed edition of issue #84. lockdown, wow, such a lot has happened and what
Brendon Durey. in the pipeline, it looks more and more promising
interesting times we are now living in.
Along with the entire film industry and country as a over the coming months. There seems to be an air of
whole, issue #84 went into lockdown in the last week INDUSTRY The good news is, is that productions are starting to positivity for the latter part of the year already.
of March and didn’t make it to the printers. Even if it 6 South Island Perspectives ramp up again, but with border controls still tightly
Amanda Jenkins & Kim Georgine. in place, what does the rest of the year hold for us in Here at the guild, we are working on several
had, the distribution would have been too risky, if it
our screen sector? workshop programs.
was possible at all. 16 Regional wrap
First of all, I would like to acknowledge all the hard The guild proudly supports the Share the Knowledge
Just writing those sentences gives me a moment to training, including the previous Line Producers
reflect on how dramatically New Zealand and the
TECHOSPHERE work the COVID 19 workgroups have done while we
have been in lockdown. Course, the Techno Dolly Course held over the
world changed, and how quickly it happened. Every 19 Newbie: Meet Mark Westerby. past weeks, and the upcoming Production
commentator and their dog has been writing and This work had enabled the sector to be up and Accountancy course.
talking about the significance and impact of the running even when we were still in Level 2 and 3. Over
this period, the Pan Sector COVID 19 Action Group There will also be two additional courses that will be
lockdown, and I’m not here to add to the pile. But, I
ISSUE 85 WINTER 2020 was formed and chaired by Felicity Letcher. This announced in the coming months.
reckon we can all agree there was a lot of reassessing
Editor Advertising group consisted of the industry guilds, organisations,
of our relationship with the world and reminding As you will read in our President’s article, we are
Graeme Tuckett Advertising queries, please contact producers, and business owners who quickly built
ourselves of what really matters in our lives. Publisher/advertising Kelly Lucas on 09 8899522 (always dial 09), cross-sector communication lines. These channels working on an Empowering the Crew Rep workshop
Kelly Lucas info@screenguild.co.nz. For a copy of our ad
specs and rate card, please visit our website. talked to government departments, funders, and that will be run across the country. The Crew Rep is
Design
Being able to get off the treadmill, while everyone such an essential role onset and offset to help the
Jason Bowden / Anim8a Ltd. All contents are copyright Screen Industry Guild councils to enable the screen sector to collaborate and
around us did the same, was an unexpected way to Printing Aotearoa New Zealand Inc. 2017, unless indicated crew and production company relationship. This
TP Printing Services Ltd. otherwise. May not be reproduced, copied or identify the areas that needed to be focused upon to
spend a usually busy month, but I think there was transmitted in any form without permission. get the industry up and running again. training and documentation will support anyone
Contributors
some unexpected value in it. Graeme Tuckett The views expressed in this publication do not who wants to step into this role and give them
Amanda Jenkins necessarily reflect the views of the Screen I want to thank everyone who has been involved in tools to utilise in the future. We are also restarting
Kim Georgine Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand Inc.
So, as we head back to work, and look forward to this valuable process for their time and effort. the Professional Respect Training workshops in
what might be an incredible next year or two, as July, where we will be hosting in Wellington and
Out of this group, as you would have seen, the
New Zealand is one of very few countries in the world Auckland. We will be traveling to Christchurch and
WorkSafe endorsed ScreenSafe Standard and
to have our studios safely open, maybe the lesson Queenstown in August/September, so please lookout
www.screenguild.co.nz Protocols were developed and distributed to the
from lockdown that we can all take with us, is that for the forthcoming information on registering for
industry. I can not thank the team enough for their
the safety and health of the people around us means this valuable workshop.
more than anything. GOLD STARS & CHOCOLATE FISH commitment to producing these documents, which
have enabled our industry to start working again I would also like to take time and mention that the
safely in the current environment. VISTA Foundation Home & Family Counselling
Let’s keep on looking out for our co-workers, keep on N Robert (Gibbo) Gibson, Paul Andreassend, Kelly Lucas, Initiative for Film Workers is on offer at the
looking out for the land and water we have the luck to and Bex Kelly for their hard work on the Health and Safety A small team - Health and Safety Officers - Robert
moment. You can receive up to 5 hours worth of
be working on, and keep on looking out for ourselves. Toolkit production for the COVID Action Group during (Gibbo) Gibson and Paul Andreassend, Bex Kelly
lockdown, that was backed by WorkSafe with support from free Counselling. If you or a family member wants
(Producer), and myself worked tirelessly over the
Kristian Eek and Mabelle Teh. to utilise this counselling support, please contact
We work in a fast paced, high stakes business. It’s lockdown period to create new Standards and
Home & Family on this website address here:
an industry that attracts some of the most brilliant N To all of you, the Aotearoa/New Zealand film industry, who Protocols all based around the health and safety of
homeandfamily.org.nz/filmindustry. Please do take
minds I’ve ever met, but also some exceptionally stayed safe, stayed home, kept the faith and are now back those at work.
advantage of any support currently being provided.
driven and intense personalities who can at work before almost any other film crew in the world.
Kia Kaha! There was additional support with the departmental
unintentionally create a far less healthy workplace roles information from Kristian Eek and research Plus, there is the Wage Subsidy extension on offer
than they realise. Not everybody can ‘speak up’ about done by Mabelle Teh. https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/wage-
those people, but make sure there is always at least subsidy-extension/index.html to see if you qualify.
someone you can talk to. There were several critical contributions from HODs
across the sector, which were invaluable to Just another reminder the guild is here to support
the documentation. you, so please don’t hesitate to contact me on
Enjoy this issue. As always, it’s a pleasure to assemble
info@screenguild.co.nz.
an issue of NZTECHO, great to read the contributions I want to thank the New Zealand Film Commission
as they arrive, and a real honour to send it out to you, for their funding during this crisis, WorkSafe for Hopefully, as we move into a new phase and season,
our industry. their ongoing support, and to everyone else who we will be able to look towards a brighter future and
provided essential feedback in this process. work towards having a sustainable industry once
Love your work, more. For now, keep safe and warm.
This has been an incredible team effort with our
GT success being seen around the world. Ngā mihi nui, Kelly
2 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 3
PRESIDENT’S RAVE
Guild President Brendon Durey
A crazy three months loved ones, it seem that many people retained their 3. The Rate Guidelines Project
optimism and came through the crisis keen to get
Since the last issue of NZTECHO was sent out We have formed a sub-committee looking at
back to production and reconnect with workmates.
to the membership a lot has changed and a compiling a comprehensive set of current
hugely disruptive time has affected us all. While screen industry rate guidelines that cover the
Guild Subcommittees’
this has affected us all in a variety of different different department covered by the below the
ways over the last few months, it’s my feeling As I discussed in the last issue the guild had line crew SIGANZ represents. This will involve Mick Sinclair
that as a country this is perhaps one time where kicked off a bunch of sub-committees to work on a a common template for each department
our geographic isolation has worked out to be range of initiatives to enhance the work situation where the different roles are defined, and then
a positive. As a lesser travelled country at the of our members and develop what the guild can current rates put alongside that reflects several
bottom of the world we had more warning and offer to its members. different bands of production. Ph +64 9 360-9995 www.sinclairblack.co.nz
time to close our borders and achieve the practical
1. Continuous Hours Sub- Committee The plan is to have these rate card accessible on
elimination of the virus that we managed. This has
also made us a more attractive destination in the the Screen Guild website and look to review and
This subcommittee consisting of Myself, Sean
update them periodically in regard to tracking
We appreciate
short term for successfully rebooting out screen O’Neil, Peter McCaffery and Christian Gower
industry earlier than many other nations. changes in both the actual rates and the “real” the support of:
spent several hours emailing and meeting over
Zoom to thrash out a set of SIGANZ endorsed rates in relation to inflation.
After talking to other screen industry professional
continuous hours guidelines that will be posted Once we are tracking and monitoring NZ
over the lockdown period it seems to me that due
on the website and be sent out to productions crew rates, we can start having informed
to the nature of our industry, we are well suited to
that plan to operate in NZ with a continuous discussion about rates over time, parity
weather the challenges than many other sectors
hours framework. between job of a similar nature, our
for several reasons.
When drafting these guidelines, we need to competitiveness with other regions and more.
1. Due to the lumpy business cycle we have The rate guidelines will be reviewed by a panel
be balanced and speak to both the needs of
experienced over the past 15 years, the periods of producers to ensure that the process is
crew and production, to get a set of guidelines
of feast and famine that we all talk about. balance and fair to all parties and reflects the
that are fair and be likely to be adopted
Having a 3-month period in a calendar year actual current rates in the marketplace.
by productions in the future. I encourage
with minimal income is not out of the ordinary.
members who are interested the new proposed I encourage any guild member who is interested
In fact, it’s almost been expected, and many
SIGANZ “French Hours” recommendation to or has something to offer to contribute to not only
of us have to plan and budget for it, and this is
review the document and email the guild if you these sub-committees about also any other issues
without having access to the Wage Subsidy!
have any queries or suggestions. you feel the Guild should be looking at to get in
2. Due to the nature of the film industry we touch with the Guild EO and get involved.
2. Crew Representative Sub-Committee
have a guerrilla nature to the way we operate.
Working out of trucks adapting to change and There was a general feeling that the way crew Here’s to a successful recovery for our industry
“making it happen”. While the lockdown shut reps are selected and managed over the past few from the seismic shocks of the beginning of this
down all productions shooting as much as any years lacked coordination and focus and became year and a safe and busy next six months.
other business, we are sprouting up again just a poison chalice that everyone tried to avoid. BrendonLifeguard
Durey& Safety 181mm x 65mm.pdf 1 22/09/17 11:36 AM
as fast. Many local shows and productions such The Guild want to change this as we feel well
as SPP started shooting in Level 3 and 2 and managed and supported crew representation on,
most of the offshore productions have only and off set will be of benefit to all our members
been held up by having to manage the process and crew all over the country. Lifeguard & Safety have been working with Production Companies for
of getting key offshore personnel across over 20 years, on projects ranging from music videos & film school
the border. Now there seem to be a (Semi) We plan to: C
shoots, low budget television & features, up to major motion pictures.
functioning quarantine process for getting
M
We can help in the following areas;
• Develop a set of guidelines and protocols for Safety supervisors, on set medics, hazard identification & mitigation,
essential crew through the gates it looks like crew reps to follow.
Y
WorkSafe NZ compliance, marine coordination, water safety, and divers
most of the offshore production that were lined CM
for underwater support.
up to begin shooting, are looking to kick off in • SIGANZ takes ownership of supporting the MY
If it’s the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 causing you concern, we
the next two months. crew reps and approaching productions CY
have been working with ScreenSafe, WorkSafe NZ & several legal
early in pre-production about facilitation of companies & consultants to find the best solutions for the Screen Sector.
I have spoken to many of my screen industry the selection and support of crew reps.
CMY
colleagues who say they enjoyed the lockdown K
Contact us if you have any questions regarding your next project.
period and used the time to rest, recharge and • Providing a series of workshops about being Willy Heatley +64 27 451 6002
spend time with family and friends. While this may a crew rep that double as a SIGANZ mixer SPECIALIST FILM & TV SAFETY willy@guard.co.nz • www.guard.co.nz
not be true for everyone especially those who lost across the major centres.
4 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 5
NEW MEMBERS
Join us in giving our new members a warm welcome!
Congratulations to the Films from Aotearoa
Selected for Whānau Māramau Jason Hoskins: Auckland Post Production Kaveh Sharifian: Auckland Sound
New Zealand International Film Festival 2020 Drew Stanton: Auckland Locations Sophie Rose Massey Broadbery: Auckland AD
Phillippa King: Auckland Costume Julian Braatvedt: Auckland Camera
Julian Herrera: Auckland Camera Philip Dixon: Auckland Lighting
Before Everest Guy Quartermain: Auckland Camera
Directed by Richard Riddiford Brianna Hodge: Auckland Production Zac Beckett-Knight: Christchurch Lighting
Daniel Birt: Auckland Art Graham Thompson: Christchurch Locations
ONLINE PREMIERE: 2 August, 4pm Greg Parker: Auckland Camera Catherine Simes: Christchurch Production
Catherine Theunissen: Auckland Production Arthur Machado de Oliveira: Christchurch Post Production
SCREENING: 3 – 8 August
Maihi Ashford: Auckland SFX Simon Waterhouse: Christchurch Post Production
David Peterson: Auckland Sound Marilyn Hudson: Christchurch Production
Caroline Dafoe: Auckland Medical Tim Brott: Christchurch Sound
LOIMATA, The Sweetest Tears Llewellyn Davies : Auckland Production Jordan Mauger: Christchurch Other
Directed by Anna Marbrook Russell Lloyd: Auckland Lighting Jessica Bell: Christchurch Art
Kevin Willcocks: Auckland Art Piers Faircloth-Harding: Christchurch Post Production
ONLINE PREMIERE: 2 August, 8pm Duane Agate: Auckland Art Chris Cubitt: Christchurch Sound
Jimmy Johns: Auckland SFX Raymond Lum: Christchurch Production
SCREENING: 3 – 8 August
Aleisha McLardy: Auckland Production Julian Vares: Christchurch Camera
Gael Lanigan: Auckland Sound Caleb MacDonald: Christchurch Digital Imaging
Jay Saussey: Auckland Casting Nadia Maxwell: Christchurch Production
Rūrangi Vanya Rooney: Auckland Make-Up Scott Flyger: Christchurch Production
Directed by Max Currie Kyle van Tonder: Auckland Lighting Simon Riley: Christchurch Locations
Benjamin Whale: Auckland Art Dept Lucy Harvey: Christchurch Make-Up
ONLINE PREMIERE:26 July, 7pm Rachael McMahon: Auckland Art Dept Jessica Todd: Christchurch Production
SCREENING: 27 July – 1 August
Gabrielle Mentjox: Auckland Lighting Cilla Harnett: Christchurch Costume
Erika Schaab-Farrant: Auckland Costume
Melissa Lawrence: Auckland Script Supervisor Ross MacKay: Queenstown Camera
Lauren Dodman: Auckland Costume Kim Godby: Queenstown Transport
The Girl on the Bridge Joe Whitby: Auckland Art Dept Janey Hughes: Queenstown Casting
Directed by Leanne Pooley Patricia Dennis: Auckland Art Dept Alex McCrossin: Queenstown Locations
Lucy Danner: Auckland Costume Laurence Brundell: Queenstown Grip
ONLINE PREMIERE:26 July, 7pm Shaun Logan: Auckland Sound Adam Walker: Queenstown Camera
SCREENING: 27 July – 1 August Ananda Kientz: Auckland Script Supervisor Louise Massie: Queenstown Transport
Michal Vins: Auckland Safety Officer
Robert Key: Auckland Art Dept Joaquin Loyxage: Wellington VFX
Jono Drew: Auckland Camera Sam Cotter-Dephoff: Wellington VFX
Kartina Evans: Auckland Production Kayleighsha Wharton: Wellington Locations
Tupaia’s Endeavour – The Director’s Cut
Renee Kofoed: Auckland Art Dept Mark Westerby: Wellington Publicity
Directed by Lala Rolls Bode Riis: Auckland Camera Isaac Spedding: Wellington Digital Imaging
James Dudley: Auckland SFX Montazar Al-Zaidi: Wellington Camera
SCREENING: 29 July – 4 August Sebastian Cort: Auckland Camera Paul Andreassend: Wellington Safety Officer
Guy Campbell: Auckland AD Nic Widfeldt: Wellington Sound
Lisa Leota: Auckland Sound Lachlan Crane: Wellington Sound
Richard Elworthy: Auckland Camera Kelly Moneymaker: Wellington Production
Terry Lewell: Auckland Art Lili Lovellwood: Wellington Art Dept
Fred Enholmer: Auckland Sound Byron Taylor: Wellington Accounts
Tickets available: www.nziff.co.nz/2020/at-home-online/
6 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 7
WIDE ANGLE
We decided to round up a few being The Changeover, filmed
South Islanders to find out in Christchurch in 2016.
what they’ve been up to so
In 2019 she established
South Island
here’s a few words from the
‘Share the Knowledge’ with
movers and shakers who are
Producer Emma Slade which
out there working and making
is an ongoing professional
their mark.
Perspectives
development series with the
ethos of ‘by practitioners,
PICTON for practitioners’. It has
proved incredibly popular. In
addition, she is collaborating
Amanda Jenkins & Kim Georgine with a number of NZ Line-
Producers in order to
The South Island has so much to offer those looking promote the South Island
to film content here. The capabilities we boast are as a destination for
international productions.
world class as reflected back by the level of work that
our considerably diverse talent has been engaging in. Victoria is also developing
VICTORIA DABBS – Line-
a feature that is a co-
We have a full range of Te Wai Pounamu has its own Producer, Feature Films production between Scotland
experienced practitioners brand of star quality. The https://pro.imdb.com/name/
and New Zealand which will
starting with above the stunning landscapes of the nm2102925
hopefully be shooting in
line talent through to south island are breathtaking Mobile: 021 208 1141 Christchurch and on the West
highly skilled technicians and simply unparalleled
around the globe but do Coast this November. Victoria
from every department Victoria began working as a
including production, come at a cost. Our South has been collaborating with
PA for BBC1 in the UK. She
camera and lighting, sound, Island crews are well-versed Christchurch Line-Producer
began line-producing in 2012
art department, stunts, post- at showing grit and resilience Amanda Jenkins on the
and in 2014 was brought
production, special effects, in the face of ever-changing development of scripts
onto an adaptation of Sunset
animation, and music. environmental considerations and projects that focus on
Song, directed by Terence
including looking out for New Zealand stories with a
Our people have experience and occasionally filming Davies. They were looking
strong cultural voice and
in everything from feature in the extreme weather for locations that could pass
sense of place that manages
films, television series, and conditions that can catch the as Scotland in the summer
to connect with an
commercials right through inexperienced unawares. and ended up filming in
international audience.
to short films and online Canterbury for four days.
marketing content. Our location scouts and line
This was her introduction to She feels that the screen
producers are being kept
With every successfully filming in New Zealand and industry here currently has
especially busy with many
completed project, we prove overseas companies wanting to she loved it so much she has many exciting opportunities
we have the knowledge and film here, especially now as made her home here. She has for growth. ahead of us as we
experience to make any kind New Zealand is heading back to a worked on several projects all work towards taking a more
of project happen. semblance of ‘business as usual’. since, one of her favourites collaborative approach.
8 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 9
one of his favourite places to In 2010, he moved to supervising location manager
shoot. Other locations he loves Christchurch and has built for the feature documentary
are Fiordland, and the far an impressive portfolio of Dinosaurs of Antarctica. He
reaches of Stewart Island. work which includes Westside, just finished working on Only
Demolition NZ, Changing Cloud Knows, a Chinese movie
He feels the industry is full of South, The Sounds, and the filmed near Aoraki Mount
opportunities at the moment. TVNZ and BBC co-production Cook and Kaikoura.
He is busier than he ever The Luminaries. He has
expected to be considering the recently worked on three short He believes that decision
global impact of the Covid-19 films Milk, Peninsula, and The makers overseas are no longer
pandemic. He feels this is Meek as well as a feature with being put off filming in NZ
100% down to New Zealand’s Canterbury based Producer, due to distance, thanks to
handling of the crisis and Nadia Maxwell called Reunion. our government’s pandemic
after initially seeing shoots management. There is also
disappear, they are now full He feels that the floodgates an abundance of space and
steam ahead. are now open, with many different kinds of landscapes
KINA SCOLLAY – rushing to meet original which are located within
Underwater DOP schedules for feature films. close proximity to each other
http://www.kinascollay.com, International commercials making the south island an
Mobile: 027 233 8884 CHRISTCHURCH are starting up again keeping incredibly valuable resource
things continuously busy. The for more complex and high
Kina Scollay is an award- capabilities of those located in budget shoots.
winning filmmaker with the south island are more than
extensive experience as up to the task of meeting the “Our Screen Industry has gone
a cameraman, DOP, and increasing levels of demand. from gloom to boom. We now
Producer. He specialises in have a unique opportunity to
shooting underwater footage leverage ourselves as being
for documentaries, dramas, one of the key filmmaking
and feature films and he also hubs in the world.”
manages water operations for CHRIS SINCLAIR - Sound
large productions working Recordist Engineer
with the likes of Discovery, https://pro.imdb.com/name/
BBC, Netflix, Warner Bros, nm0801588
Dreamworks, Wingnut, New Mobile: 027 865 1545
Line, National Geographic, CLAYTON TIKAO – Location
TVNZ, Greenstone, and South Chris Sinclair is a Scout/Manager/Supervisor
Pacific Pictures. Christchurch based sound https://filmscouts.co.nz/
mixer who started his mob: 027 293 7308
His company has the most impressive career 30 years ZAC BECKETT-KNIGHT
extensive camera and ago with the record label Clayton Tikao is a vastly - Camera Assist, Remote
production kit which allows Deepgrooves, in Auckland. experienced location manager Streaming
them to take Arri and RED He moved into feature films and scout who has worked on https://setlink.co.nz
technology underwater. in Scotland and was heavily numerous high budget films Mobile: 027 427 8252
His work tends to take him involved in building the including The Hobbit, Pete’s
away from Picton but the first Dolby Premier room Dragon, A Wrinkle in Time, Zac started as a camera
Marlborough Sounds is still in Great Britain. and Adrift. He was also the assistant straight out of
10 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 11
university and then spent a lot QUEENSTOWN to provide cost-efficient
of time overseas on adventure workflow solutions that
travel videography jobs. He ensure that projects will be
has gone to some crazy places able to continue. Adaptability
and pulled crazy hours for and flexibility will be key,
very little money but he has something South Islanders are
had a great deal of fun and known for having in spades.
learned invaluable skills about
how to go the extra mile to get
the best shot. JOHN ALLEN – Art Director
www.johnallan.me
The last few years has seen Mobile: 0274 301 604
Zac settle in Christchurch
where he has built a small John is an Art Director and
Production Designer with
Grip and Gaff combo truck
ROGER FEENSTRA - Aerial over 25 years of experience
to service commercials in the
Camera Operator, 1st AC working on feature films, TV
Canterbury region. His skills dramas, and commercials both
www.rogerfeenstra.nz MIKE PUGH – Caterer
are highly sought after and internationally and here in
www.fortefood.co.nz
he now offers setlink satellite Roger Feenstra is well known NZ. He has worked on projects
Mobile: 027 203 2891
remote streaming services in as a 1st AC focus puller and such as The Matrix trilogy
addition to the rest. Aerial DOP/Operator. He has Mike’s foray into the film and Wolverine.
He loves gear and enjoys been in the film industry for industry as a chef began
working across all technical over 35 years, starting off as a in 1999 working for Colin He first got a job as a swing
aspects of a production. grip for the national Film Unit, Sutherland on Vertical Limit. driver on “Brotherhood of the
then going free-lance as a Grip, The conditions were incredible Rose” but it wasn’t until 1992,
He thinks that the industry and Clapper-Loader (2nd AC), and he found he had to adapt when he was hired to work
is in a pretty interesting and focus-Puller. His love of with the greens department
to a constantly changing
camera work and the South on Muriel’s Wedding in
place at the moment. He environment. This left him
Island have kept his feet firmly Sydney, that he went full
has seen the vast majority of with a robust skill set that he
in place here. time in the industry.
professionals here look to see then transferred onto other
the opportunity rather than Over the past six years he has projects such as The Lord of He’d always wanted to design
bemoan the upheaval. “The been working as an Aerial the Rings, Kong, and The Last and build his own house and
South Island is a hotbed of cinematographer/operator for Samurai. The adaptability he’s after 18 months work on
Mulan, The Letter for the King, learned on set has left him The Matrix, he moved back
innovation and is burning for
Adrift, The Skypiercer, Pork Pie, in good stead as he navigates to Queenstown in 2002 to
the chance to grow.”
Wrinkle in Time, Pete’s Dragon through the issues and do just that. This is where he
and Richie McCaw’s biopic, challenges presented by still resides.
Chasing Great. He is currently Covid 19.
shooting aerial footage for Although international TVC’s
He and his business partner, are not coming through at the
Amazon’s Lord of the Rings
Harriet Fyfe, will continue moment, he is sure there will
series when required, which
is one of his most rewarding to work hard to keep film be a burst of work once the
projects to date. crews well nourished and borders reopen. He also feels
happy - these are the primary we have an opportunity like
Roger believes that as the objectives of Forte Food. They never before to get some of the
industry changes due to are looking forward to seeing longer format, episodic work.
Covid, budgets will fluctuate what opportunities will come “We have vacant buildings that
and need to rely on crews up for them next. can be used to build sets. We
12 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 13
have highly capable crew and get to work alongside. I cannot Cindy is currently working on
gear.” He’s looking forward to wait to get stuck back in!” casting some very exciting
seeing what opportunities will
begin to open up. DUNEDIN locally based film and TV
projects. She is excited to see
STACY DUNN – REBECCA ROWE – what opportunities will come
Makeup/ Wardrobe Production Coordinator up next.
https://www.facebook.com/ Mobile: 021 944 288
MADEUPQUEENSTOWN
Mobile: 021 827 773 Rebecca likes to keep her CINDY DIVER –
working world diverse so in Casting Director HOKITIKA
Stacy is a freelance stylist and the past 16 years she’s worked http://www.theatreworks.co.nz
make-up artist who has worked in a variety of different Mobile: 0274 314 025
in the industry for over 16 departments including
years. She also owns a business Cindy Diver is a casting
Production, Art Department,
called Made Up, where they Casting, Post Production, director and acting coach
hire out a fit-for-purpose Publicity, and now as a based in Dunedin at
costume and make-up vehicle, Production Coordinator. Theatreworks Ltd. She started
make up mirrors, costume One of her favourite stories is her casting career assisting
racks, steamers and lots of the phenomenal Di Rowan in
working on Z for Zachariah in
other goodies for small shoots 1990 on the films Jurassic Park
Port Levy while 6 ½ months
based locally. 2 and Peter Pan. Di’s way of
pregnant, this is also where she
She was hit pretty hard by got married in a church that working with actors, especially
the Covid-19 lockdown but is the Art Department had built. child actors, was instrumental
staying positive in her outlook. in the development of Cindy’s
She feels that right now is own style as a casting director
She believes that the industry
will make a strong comeback a golden opportunity to and acting teacher.
due to the quality of crew showcase the South Island as a
available and of course the destination that is safe, skilled She is passionate about
wealth of breathtaking locations. and stunning. She also believes working in Te Wai Pounamu DAVE KWANT - DOP, Drone &
it’s a great time to generate and for the past five years has Camera Operator
“I love this insane industry domestic content that can cater noticed a steadily increasing visionco.co.nz
and adore all the creatives I to international audiences. demand for actor required
work. Pre-covid, the amount of Dave is a cinematographer
work coming in was looking and drone operator based
to reach a sustainable level for on the West Coast and runs
local crew. a company that produces
documentaries and
Dunedin has an amazing, commercials. When larger
diverse landscape, from productions come to town, his
mountains, waterfalls and team often help with locations,
rolling countryside to stark hills, camera, and drone operations.
rocks and big sky. In addition His company has a blanket
to this, she feels that there is a DOC concession which is a big
strong, robust community of time saver.
creative professionals who are
always willing to collaborate In the last couple of years, he
on projects. has been lucky to work on a
14 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 15
few Screentime NZ shows and INVERCARGILL
as a drone operator on The
Luminaries. One of his favourite MEI LING AU – On-set PA,
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Dave has noticed that things
Mulan was a highlight and she Cantonese has come in very might be the point of difference
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enjoyed working with a great handy when productions have needed to bring in overseas
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covid from businesses wanting
the 2nd Unit. to expand further onto the
to renew their focus on
Mei thinks the industry is going international scene.
marketing, which is great news Thanks in large part to the to make a rapid comeback
for anyone in commercial support of her employer, as many larger projects have She believes that the South
production. He also feels The Southern Institute of already started back. She Island is blessed with skilled
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urgency from clients to get opportunities for professional continue to grow and that this talented content makers. She
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16 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 17
REGIONAL WRAP
Take one – Auckland Take three – Bay of Plenty
Winter is well and truly here now, and with the worked so hard on for your benefit during the In the Bay of Plenty it was incredibly exciting last Maunganui, is also almost finished so that now the
days so short we would normally be a little blue lockdown period. week to receive the news from a local producer producers can actively start seeking production
about getting up to go to work in the dark, working that their 6 part drama series has been greenlit funding, and we are currently assisting a TV series
The industry as you know, is in a stage of recovery,
into the dark and coming home in the dark, for funding and is expected to go into production set in Eastern Bay with finding development
with local television commercials starting to book
however this year, I think we’re all just glad to be later this year. We are also expecting to hear funding. It is great to see the foundations of the
crew frantically all around the country, and now
back and working, even though we’ve recently confirmation in mid-July about funding for hard work and planning that the trustees of Film
the larger productions are recrewing all the stalled
found that Coronavirus is not ‘eliminated’ another drama series shooting in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty and the wider screen community
work once more in preparation to start filming
completely from the land of the long white cloud. Western Bay in spring and also 2 feature films have been putting in over the last 3 years truly
again as soon as possible. All going well, most crew
We must continue to be diligent and keep washing set in different parts of the region. There is a co- coming to fruition. We are also expecting to have
will be back up and working to full capacity in the
our hands and keep all our equipment spotless. pro Feature Film looking to shoot in the Taupō an exciting announcement about infrastructure
third quarter of this year, and I think if we stay
Don’t get complacent. We are not out of the woods district in late summer, and we have just hosted a in the region in early July, and have been working
virus free, we will enjoy this buzz until well into
yet, and on an world stage level, we will soon feel producer in the Western Bay who was doing the equally hard so that this opportunity pays off in
Autumn 2021. In true number 8 style, we have even
a shockwave from the United States regardless of initial scouting / consultation for a Australian / local jobs as well.
had the technology to have line producers and
how well we have contained the virus at our end. NZ co-pro TV series that they are hoping to shoot
directors work remotely from offshore with our
in Maketu in Spring 2021. Post-production on the Anton Steel
As an industry, we cannot afford for a single crew here. This is a wonderful feat, and I’m sure we
member to come to work unwell, no matter what will see more of this type of remote work become pilot of a web series, set in and show-casing Mount
your symptoms. This is bigger than you. We will the norm in years to come.
be dissected in minutes if it is seen that we relax
Sioux Macdonald, Guild vice president and
too soon, so please be aware of your surroundings,
executive committee member
your peers, and your hygiene practices and refer to
the ‘Health and Safety Toolkit’ that so many people Take four – Christchurch
It feels like we are all taking a deep sigh of relief with producers from overseas. We currently have
now that we are allowed back to work. We have - yet interest from Japan, Germany, France, the US, Korea
again - shown how resilient we are as an industry. and Australia. Domestic work is beginning to line
Take two – Wellington Our economic ecosystem may have taken a beating
up as well as New Zealand-based businesses are
realising they need to invest in advertising even
The last time I sat down to write this Wellington As someone who writes for Stuff and The due to Covid-19, but it has been great to see our
more than before.
update, we were just heading into the full Dominion Post, I reckon that was disgraceful industry guilds offering a great deal of support
lockdown. I like that as we emerge from it and fear-mongering and tall-poppy syndrome at its and getting stuck into working out the safety A current Crew List is being put together for those
get the cameras running again, we are ready for worst. Hopefully, some more balanced coverage of protocols infrastructure which enabled many of based in the South Island as well as the suppliers
another of these quarterly updates. the real contribution the film industry makes to us to get back to work quickly and safely. Slowly, who are key collaborators in the production space.
Wellington’s culture and economy might turn up productions are getting back up and running and
Also, I would like to make this my last of these In the meantime, Canterbury ski season is in full
in the Dom’ Post soon. But don’t hold your breath. international and domestic projects are being put
Wellington diary updates. I will very much still swing with Mt Hutt and the regional clubs boasting
on the table to quote.
continue as editor of this magazine, but I strongly Around the region, several smaller projects, indie impressive openings with heaps of fresh powder
feel that this column should be written by someone features and commercial jobs have sprung back up The Christchurch Branch met over zoom meetings and plenty of people heading up the slopes.
who spends more time on-set than I do. Let me in the last few weeks, with plenty more to come. during lockdown but have had our first face to face
Overall, the vibe here in Canterbury is a positive
know if you are interested in being that person? Content creators and small screen specialists meetup hosted by Screen Canterbury NZ and Cat
one. Our capable people are ready to embrace the
Out in Miramar, Avatar is cranking back up to in particular seem to be having a micro-boom House Films. It was a great night of catching up on
opportunities that have already begun to present.
something near full speed, with the promise of time, with a huge backlog of content being the latest news while enjoying food, wine, and beer.
more crew needed in the near future as other units commissioned by companies and agencies across Aanother meetup is planned at Lumiere Cinema Amanda Jenkins, Line Producer
are required. But, the fake controversy generated the region. on July 6th where we’ll be celebrating the premiere Christchurch Branch Chair
by the arrival of some of the US based essential And lastly, we shut down all invoicing and new of guild members Scott Flyger & Fiona Mackenzie’s
crew has left a bad taste, with reports of NZ crew memberships on Crew Wellington and Crew Short film Peninsula and Director Nick Mclean’s
being abused at the local supermarket for allegedly Auckland over the lockdown, and used the enforced Satire Don’t be Frank.
receiving ‘favourable treatment’ from break to completely rebuild both sites from the Most of us are waiting to see what happens next
our government. ground up. We have changed platforms and are now while we continue to navigate through this ‘new
That those few dozen arrivals – all safely in able to offer a lot of functions and abilities that the normal’ especially as our borders are still closed.
quarantine – immediately allowed several hundred old sites could not. Go and take a look! The NZAPG, SIGNZ, NZFC and SPADA have
locals to return to work wasn’t deemed worthy of a Love your work, been working really hard at negotiating with
headline by our media. Graeme Tuckett immigration to open communication channels18 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 19
REGIONAL WRAP NEWBIE PROFILE
Take five – Queenstown
Mark Westerby has joined the Guild. Welcome!
1300hrs, 20/3/2020: “Everyone, pull over and read their own individual expertise, and tied everything
your email.” We all looked at each other, “Shit”. up in expectation of the shoot. I was driving two of
We had spent the morning, out of reception, on the the Production Team. We were playing tunes, singing How long have you been in screen work and how did
final location recce. It had been extraordinary. The along and celebrating a job well done. you get started?
weather was bright, the locations were spectacular, “With a heavy heart we inform you all that the show
I’ve been working in screen for almost twenty years, but in the
and the crew had started to connect in that way that has been postponed.”
creative sector also ten years prior to that. I transitioned into
only really happens on set. We had all been together, Grumblings of discontent came over the RTs from
on the top of a mountain, in our own 150 person
screen after working as an events manager and performing arts
our convoy as we all began to realise the gravity
bubble for a week. The real world was about to pop it producer - the skills were totally transferable and I’ve always had
of the Covid 19 situation unfolding. We were all
like bubblegum on a cheerleader. a passion for telling great stories, no matter the medium. I also
now unemployed, and any non-Kiwis faced a huge
Five days before THE email, the production company dilemma to get home. The Production team then used to be a projectionist, so I’ve had a long love affair with the
scrambled to get all cast and crew into the country scrambled again to look after everyone, move all the silver screen.
before NZ closed its borders. It was incredible to equipment back around the country, pack down and
Why did you choose film/TV as a career?
watch the efforts of these people to make it all happen get everyone home before the lockdown commenced.
with 24 hours notice. As a driver, you are ancillary I made my way back to Queenstown, thankful to be a I don’t think you choose this career, it chooses you. I have always
to a lot of proceedings and it does allow a singular kiwi and close to home. But its a different place now. worked in creative fields and the thing I love about it the most
perspective. There was a palpable anticipation We were on pause for a month and the slow return is the people I work with and the shared experience we have
and anxiety at the airport. The cast were enthused, to whatever is next is strange. From the queues at completing a project. I also love the sense of independence
chatting to each other over Patagonia coffee. The crew the supermarket for the welfare vouchers to tenants (although that can be a double-edged sword), and the daily
from far afield were happy to be in NZ, away from the abandoning flats in the middle of the night, from the variety of the work.
escalating chaos, and us kiwis were ready for action. A ‘redeployment’ of staff, to repatriation flights. It’s an much as I can in the filmmaking process to really understand who
bunch of familiar faces appeared and we were off. The interesting time and a great time to visit, a great time What has experience taught you that study couldn’t? the audience is and how we best reach them.
chat was hyped. Colleagues caught up and swapped to film - no crowds, lots of crew available and there’s
That it’s ok to fail, and if you are going to fail, fail big! There are
notes on the last job they had together. We chatted a sprinkling of hope with a certain enthusiasm of a Why have you chosen to join the Guild. What do you want
lessons in that, that cannot be taught - so do what makes you
about the beauty in the land around us so I went into new Queenstown coming through. Hope to see you all and expect of the Guild?
Tour Guide mode (my now defunct day job) and told here soon. happy and don’t be afraid to stuff up. I can attibute every success
I’ve had to the learnings of the past. To be honest, we come from an industry that has a history of
the visitors the story of Matau - the giant beneath If you want to see what Queenstown looked like being a bit siloed and fracturous. Guilds like this are important
Lake Wakatipu. during Level 4: https://youtu.be/DjRRV9NxkUQ Do you also work outside of film? so that we are able to find strength in our togetherness, not just
We all continued that week watching the Art Kim Godby
When I am not in EPK or producer mode, I recently formed within our own sphere of screen technicians, but cross-sector.
Department turn a shed into another world, tripped
over Runners, dodged Catering and saw the show Create Wellington with a number of other screen businesses in I also a member of SPADA and a WIFT Friend for this reason.
inevitably unfold. But a look of an impending order to give a voice to the greater Wellington screen sector. In times like these, communication and collaboration is the key
something started to show on the faces of the Outside of this, I have a penchant for shipping containers and to a healthy industry. I also think it is important to celebrate our
Production team. There were huddled murmurings turning them into pop-ups, cafes etc, so I’ve made a few of those. successes and lift each other up.
and some watery eyes. But that morning we set off. Also, it’s not work, but I moonlight as a radio host on the Caffeine
All the different departments came together with What strengths do you think the NZ industry has? What
& Aspirin arts show on Radio Active here in Wellington. It’s a
could contribute to a more sustainable industry?
great way to get a sense of the pulse of our creative industries
and I love a good yarn accompanied by good music! We are world class in many ways. We have wonderful storytellers,
talented crew and a depth of experience from screenwriting to
Are you a member of What have you learnt about your department/area post-production and everything in between. We need to focus on
2020
THE DATA BOOK as a whole? more support for the development of new work - this is our screen
PRINT EDITION
available
community? I’ve been lucky to learn a lot about the filmmaking process - quite
often Random is involved in these projects as an investor, so
pipeline so we need to show care and attention here. Right now,
we have the eyes of the world upon us, in order to capitalise on
NOW! Promote your business to over 4000 national working as an EP, I get a great sense of the project scope. Then, the opportunities this will bring, we also need to strengthen the
& international website visitors per month working as a director/producer for epk and behind the scenes, training and ongoing support for crew, who are the lifeblood of
GET YOUR FREE LISTING! you are involved in the project from pre-production right up to our industry. A few new studios would also help too! And finally,
release and sometimes beyond, so it’s incredibly rewarding. we need to think of ourselves as a studio of 5 million and promote
Go to our website and click on “List Your Business”
The way we market our screen projects changes and evolves ourselves accordingly. Everytime a new project is attracted to NZ,
www.databook.co.nz constantly, so I have learnt that there is no silver bullet when it or we develop our own kickass IP, regardless of where in NZ this
Contact listings@databook.co.nz for your complimentary copy comes to a screen marketing strategy, I try to immerse myself as is headquartered, we all win.20 | NZTECHO Winter 2020 NZTECHO Winter 2020 | 21
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