THE HONEST TRUTH FROM SEASONED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT

STARTING A CAREER IN FILM AND TELEVISION?

Andrew Todd / Board Member, NZ Writers Guild (Christchurch)

“Don't tell stories just because you think other people might want to hear them (or fund them). Tell stories that communicate something that only YOU can say, something you NEED to say, something you're even AFRAID to say. Otherwise, you're not making art, you're making content.”

Alun and Helen Bollinger / Director of Photography, Producer, Director (Riverton)

“Eyes and ears open and be willing to tackle anything”

Travis Graalman / Producer, Director (LA/UK)

“Go crew up and start working!”

Steph Damm-Logan / Producer, Director (Auckland, Christchurch)

Go for it! Mostly I love my job and i've done so many things people could only dream off. But it wouldn't suit everyone, you've got to have an endless reserve of optimism and be prepared to muck in, doing the most randomest of tasks to achieve the bigger picture. A freelance life requires a certian amount of personal discipline too, you can't afford to be lazy and you can't afford to be rude. You’re not going to be an award winning director or even a director right away, but work hard, don't always take things too seriously, too much stress is bad, enjoy yourself.

Stuart McKenzie / Director (Wellington)

“Watch everything - film, tv, documentary, shorts, drama, genre - surprise yourself. Have a generous spirit, stay open. Be inspired by other people’s creativity & work, or you will never find joy in your own. Read novels so you understand psychology & narrative & experimentation. Read poetry so you understand precision, concision & the value of a full-stop. Enjoy the visual arts so you appreciate & value different ways of seeing. Don’t make the mistake of thinking creativity is simply an exercise of recycling ideas, tropes & styles you’ve seen in the movies. Get out in the world - family, community, politics. Think about who you are & who has made you, who you carry with you. Be grateful.”

Margaret Gordon / Director (Melbourne)

“Back yourself. Back yourself because other people won’t do it for you.”

Pennie Hunt / Director, Producer (Dunedin)

“Filmmaking is both spiritual and practical. You have to have the courage to dream out loud and the tenacity and dedication to see it through.”

Stefan Roesch / Producer (Dunedin)

“Team is everything. Work with people on your level.”

Christopher Dudman / Director, Producer (Auckland)

“If you are a people person who likes to collaborate with others and is willing to embrace the constant technological innovation evolving the art form and risk periods of financial insecurity for the challenges and rewards of bringing stories to life, then a career in film and tv is the adventure you’re looking for.”

Emma Newborn / Actor, Producer, Writer (Christchurch)

“Don’t be a dick.

Community is everything, so nurture it. You never know where your mates will end up. You’ll (likely) work for years, being paid very little money, making terrible work, with people that become your best mates. Then one day, you look around and one of them has got a fancy job title and is paying you and your other scummy mates proper money to make work that is ever so slightly better. All because you were in the trenches together way back when and you’re a good dude to work with.

And don’t underestimate how far those connections can reach. The film/theatre/tv world is surprisingly small in NZ, but internationally too. Word gets around. So make sure it’s the right kinda word and don’t be a dickhead.”

Amelia Dunbar / Actor, Producer, Writer (Christchurch)

“Be open to getting advice, you’ll get a lot of it, but follow your own instincts because there’s always more than one way to skin a cat.”

Naomi Stevens / Senior Producer (Wellington / Amsterdam)

“I would say no matter how talented you are, you have to work hard and be committed. People have long memories. And often your path depends upon building and navigating relationships. Don’t expect it to be handed to you. And always remember most of the time you are playing with someone else’s money. But it could be the most fun you will ever have.”

Penny Louise / Production Coordinator (Christchurch)

“I would ask some tough questions: - What is attracting you to consider this industry as a career? Is there a prospective glamour? Or are you attracted to the craft and story-telling? - are you prepared to learn business skills too? Due to the ‘hobbit law’, which I encourage you to familiarise yourself with, freelancers are all considered independent contractors, and so are not afforded the same rights as employees like holiday pay, sick pay, set working hours. You’re always looking for the next contract. That part of the career too. There is no glamour. It’s hard work. You work longer days than any other industry and there are only particular cities in NZ where there is enough work available to make this a full-time job. You should only choose this if you really love it. Especially if you’re going to invest money studying. But if you love the craft, if you love storytelling, if you’re happy to move around and hustle for work - there is nothing else I’d rather do.”

Kirk Pflaum / Director of Photography (Auckland)

“Definitely think twice about film school. Could be better to get a job as a PA/runner on whatever you can and earn some money learning on the job than spend thousands on a piece of paper no one may care about. Play around experimenting and making mistakes in small projects in your own time with like minded friends. Get some experience in more than one department and be constantly listening and learning so you get better at taking initiative. Most people aren’t geniuses and won’t make a good heads-of-department or director at 25 years old. Become invaluable to the crews you work with and build relationships with them so when you do come to do your own (and most likely no budget first projects), they’re more willing to come help you out. Also explore that you might possibly be happy doing a long career in a crew role (ie: focus puller or make up artist) and not director.

Rick Harvie / Producer (Christchurch)

“Find your unique voice.”

Scott Milligan / Editor (Wellington)

“I don’t know, I’m a couple of drinks down by a pool in LA. Here for the MaXXXine premiere. I have been stuck in a room by myself doing 12-18 hour days.”

Jonno Woodford-Robinson / Editor (Wellington)

“If you don’t get funding, find a way to make your film anyway!”

(I’ve seen several people wait decades to finally get funding and they’re no further ahead, and others who went ‘bugger it’ and just made stuff anyway and have really gone places (not all of them, but significantly more of them than the others).

“If you’re not feeling enthusiastic about working on a film or show, then this industry is probably not for you.”

Neil Mayo / Camera Department Manager, Weta FX (Wellington)

“There is no correct path. Aim as high as you want. Be prepared to travel. Be prepared to start at the bottom as that can lead to great things. Commit to the job in front of you as that will lead to the job you want in 10 years.”

“You want to make movies? Cool. Start. Grab some friends and your phone, write a story and shoot a movie. Edit it. Show it to your parents and family. Get excited. Do it again, better. Have fun!”

Chris Sinclair / Sound Designer (Christchurch)

“Don’t do it, But if you must, don’t go into debt for it. Ie: become an intern rather than build up student debt and learn to be indispensable, even if that’s just making a fantastic flat white. I look for attitude first and foremost. Everything else can be taught on the job”

Shahir Daud / Producer, Director (New York City)

“When I was shooting my first commercial in the US, I was told "if this goes well, it was a team effort and it was only possible because of everyones support and contribution. If it goes badly, it's your fault. Truer words were never spoken about being a director.”

Gary Hunt / Editor (Auckland)

“Crime, including the lengthy prison sentence, is a far better option than film and television in NZ. It’s more lucrative and only depends on how aspirational you want to be. Your bosses have to follow the law and treat you with respect. You’ll have a better social life, more time outside, and get better career prospects. You can also get a great education and get incredibly fit while inside. Not to mention the better dating life, shall we say!”

Doug Thompson / Editor (Christchurch)

“Make sure that this is what you want to do because it can be a really tough road breaking into it and your passion will be what gets you through the tough times. Be open to any opportunities and remember to give every job your all as this is a small industry and everyone knows everybody.”

Jolene Parker / Make Up (Christchurch)

“I'm just working on an opera and it's busy af! I'll get back to you soon. X”

Mike Kelland / Editor, DOP (Christchurch)

“If you’re practical, friendly and can take criticism, go for it.

I’ve filmed other people doing almost every other kind of job out there… I never wanted to swap places.”

Elizabeth Denekamp / First Assistant Editor (Wellington)

“Film has allowed me to collaborate with some absolutely amazing people. I’m constantly surprised by the level of creativity and innovation I’m surrounded by everyday but do know that this is an industry that works long hours and longer days so make sure you are prepared and take care of yourself.

Rebecca O’Sullivan / Camerawoman (Christchurch)

“Never take it for granted the impact that telling stories or creating images can have on people.

It's a privilege not a right to go into peoples lives and homes and immerse yourself in someone's world.

Images are powerful no matter what type of medium they're used for.”

Chris Sloane / Motion Graphics Artist, DOP, videographer (Christchurch)

“Everybody starts somewhere so don’t be phased. Learn from the best in your field and grow your skillset. Don’t give up!”