Filmmakers to Watch: New Filmmaker Awards 2025

Meet the next wave of bold rangatahi storytellers shaping the future of Aotearoa’s screen industry. Each of the filmmakers featured was selected by peers and industry professionals and nominated for a Day One New Filmmaker Award 2025!

Learn more about them and see what gets their creativity going!!

Liz Wyatt

Age: 21

City: Wellington

Area of expertise: Acting/Performance, directing & costume and makeup

How & why did you get into your area?

What started out as just making a fun feature film with my friends after class every day for four months in my final year of high school soon turned into a passion and love of mine. The feature film did surprisingly well, earning myself and the crew I'd pulled together a TV interview and international recognition. I knew I'd found the thing I loved to do and ever since then, I have been dedicating myself to starring in and helping on as many projects as possible consistently for the last four years of my life! I love film and I always knew it was the path that I wanted to go down, but I used to be very introverted growing up. The second I took that leap of faith and started creating, though I felt a sense of happiness that only film can bring me, and since then I've never looked back.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

If you truly love something, like film, nothing in the world can stop you. Believe in yourself and take that leap of faith because it can truly change your life. But you'll never know if you don't try! A big tip I could give aspiring filmmakers would be to just have fun! Film can be hard, the days are incredibly long, and it can be very taxing at times, but as long as you're having fun, that's all that matters. It's an incredibly fun job, and getting to create with like-minded people is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of feeling.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

I'd say I'm a very naturally hard worker. I always try to push myself as hard as possible because I think that's when you truly grow. I feel motivated to take on challenges and lead others because at the end of the day we are all people with a dream, so if there is any way that I can help other filmmakers create the vision they're after or to fulfil their dreams for a project I will try my absolute best!

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I'm really interested in the human brain. I think the way that we respond to certain situations and scenarios is deeply fascinating. So when I play my various different characters, and get the opportunity to tell a story I like to fully understand wherever my character is coming from, no matter if they are the villian, hero or someone inbetween within the story. Everyone is human deep down, so I think bringing that fresh sense of realism and care for crafting my characters is what inspires me most of all.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration means coming together in order to create something special. It means learning from one another, sharing special moments, listening and supporting those around you. I love working with people because it's so cool to see how much creativity is out there in Aotearoa. Everyone is insanely talented and that makes me feel insanely inspired by them. I am a big believer in hyping up and uplifting those around us and I believe in order to make a film every single person matters just as equally, they're all star players. So I like to inspire people by reminding them of that. Sometimes one small compliment to someone on set, especially if it's a super stressful day, can go a really long way.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Give people the small breaks they need, always remember that everyone is going through something and if someone is stressing or feeling challenged do not ever yell at them. Instead work towards creating a comfortable space for them to feel safe enough to express their concerns and help them out where necessary. Keeping a lighthearted banterful vibe on set really helps for morale as well!

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

I recently worked on a project that made it to the Wellington Regional 48-hour film festival award ceremony called MOUSETRAP! This was an insanely fun film to make, and I remember feeling so grateful when I saw the final project and especially the audience's reaction to our work! When we made this film i remember having discussions on how certain things might work, like camera framing to truly emphasise the different heights of the animal characters, and the overall tone we were wanting to achieve. But to see how well recieved it was at the ceremony truly felt like my creative vision and hopes for the project was paying off. It's a hilarious film and I higly recommend you check it out!

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I know this is the cliche answer but stories that matter. I want to be able to tell stories with a large range of characters that people will be able to see themselves within. Whether that be stories i've written or acted in myself, I want to be able to bring plotlines and characters to life that people relate to. Especially highlighting their imperfections in a way that makes people realise that at the end of the day we're all human, and we all have imperfections. I hope these films will impact people to find ways to love their flaws and accept themselves for who they are. I'm also a sucker for a good horror, I can't lie! As a little side note, I have a project called Seeing Red coming out soon! that you should all check out because it's one of my dream plots, and it was a truly privilege to get to work on such a project! Shoutout to Ty & the team for their creative vision! I believe you all need to see this film!

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

Acting is my main passion and something I hope to continue mastering over the next few years. I love getting to step into the mind of someone else and finding ways to tell their story. Acting excites me because you always end up finding parts of the character that you'd never initially expect. I love digging deep into my characters and finding out as much about them as possible, so that i can play them in the most authentic way possible. I know that there's someone out there who will relate to the role and it's such an xciting feeling when someone comes up to you after watching you act and says how much the portrayal meant to them. It allows me to explore emotions and stories that i might normally not get the chance too, understanding different parts of human life in a way that makes me empathise and understand the human brain way better. I love people, and I love getting to meet and know all these different kinds of people through sets and I adore how unique everyone is. It's what makes us special! Our differences. Which is one thing I'm particularely excited to continue learning about through my time as an Actress.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I've had a few sets where I've gotten to pitch my idea about something, or a situation that has ended up making the final cut and being a good choice for that specific moment. Specifically with working out dilemmas about how to perform certain shots in a way that works, or adding certain things to the scene like changing up the set dressing or adjusting the tiniest thing that ended up making the biggest difference. Sometimes that's all you need. That little change that elevates everything!

Laura McBeath

Age: 29

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Post Production / Editing

How & why did you get into your area?

Like so many others, stories were the thing that made me feel seen and understood as a kid. The escapism and excitement they brought was often on my mind and I knew pretty early on I wanted to be part of the storytelling process in some way. I had zero clue about post production when I first applied to film school, I always thought maybe writing or directing would be my jam but when I didn't get accepted and was then offered an option of a post production course it blew my little brain and opened up a whole new world. From there I fell in love with editing and here we are.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Filmmaking is a marathon not a sprint, ensure you look after yourself along the way so you can continue the run, and keep coming back to your 'why.' Once we are on the rollercoaster sometimes we can forget why we got on in the first place. We are so lucky to have the privilege of telling stories. Find your people and enjoy the process. 95% of our time and energy is spent making the film so enjoy the moments of connection, conversation and problem solving with your team, get to know them and their 'why' so you can hopefully align on what you are making and it is a good experience. No task or job is too small or below you. It takes a village, everything needs to happen in the pipeline in order for the film to get in front of the audience. Pay attention to other people's roles and take time to understand them even if it is not your department, we all need eachother to achieve the end result. Observe what others are doing in the process before and after your role so you can make their life easier. Listen.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

All of the people I have been lucky enough to learn from and be surrounded by in my short time in this industry. Big shoutout to filmmaker, Robyn Paterson - she was the first producer/director/writer/ who I felt believed in me as an editor, she encouraged me to use my voice in my work and go with my gut. It is people like her that make me want to pass on any knowledge I may have acquired along the way because I know how much of an impact that has had on me. It made me feel more confident and inspired to take on bigger challenges like working on longer form content which is a big step up from short form conent. Also the saying "If you can see it, you can be it" still rings true. There are so many badass women filmmakers that are doing amazing work that inspires me, Ava Duvernay, Greta Girwig, Shonda Rhimes, Thelma Schoonmaker, Celine Song, Chloe Zhao, Lynsey Addario I also love Barry Jenkins and Jordan Peele.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

All of the people in my life, family, friends, relationships I have and my whakapapa. I have always loved to observe the different things going on - not just in my own world but outside of it too. The overthinking thoughts that pop into my head at 4am, what makes us who we are? why does this person have that perspective? Over the past few years what is happening globally has had an impact on my storytelling, especially within Aotearoa and the Pacific. Many of my core values have been put on the back burner pollicially, so working in spaces with people that are way smarter than me has been inspiring my work, listening to them, learning from them and celebrating our community excellence through storytelling has given me inspiration.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration is everything to me, it is my favourite part of the job which is probably handy as it is a pretty important element of being an editor. I struggle with the word inspire when it comes to me sitting in a dark room behind a computer, but I guess I just try to create a safe space where people can come in and feel excited about bringing their story together, a place where they can try different things and know I have their back along the way and their vision at the front of my mind.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Coffee, good snacks, pumping some music, telling bad jokes, listening.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

I recently had the opportunity to edit my first feature doc, The Forgotten Pacific for The Coconet. It was a huge learning experience and I got to work with some amazing collaborators. It felt like our creative vision truly came to life from the feedback we received from the community once they saw the film, it travelled to many places around the world and was made for the pacific, by the pacific which I feel so proud of. The voices and stories that so often get silenced when it comes to climate change were able to be heard which is what we set out to do.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

In a dream world I want to tell stories that impact people, whether it makes them feel less alone like they did for me as a kid. Stories that can open minds and provide a different lens into a world or way of thinking that an audience may not have been exposed to before. So you know, just some small concepts... Te ao Māori and mental health stories are also super important to me, so I hope to do whatever I can to ensure they thrive on screen. With all this being said, what I want most of all is for the right people to be telling their own stories and having agency both in front and behind the camera, I think that is how stories will have the most impact.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I really want to master longform editing and storytelling even though it feels like an impossible mountain to climb. It drives me crazy, it's hard and frustrating but it also gives me such a rush and satisfaction , I love it.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

There was a moment that happened one night when I was working on The Forgotten Pacific. I found a shot buried in the bottom of a bin of a frigate bird. Finding it then sparked an idea of how it would work alongside a grab I had heard of one of the participants talking out how that bird is a symbol of strength, power and knowledge within the pacific. That idea then became a really strong visual motif we used throughout the entire film whenever we wanted to bring the audience back to those themes which were what we were exploring really strongly throughout. However, if our DOP didn't get that shot and our director didn't get that grab there would be no idea. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - This success is not mine alone, it is the success of the collective. But I did love that moment.

Taylor Nixon

Age: 27

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Screenwriter, Director, Filmmaker

How & why did you get into your area?

I got into filmmaking because I've always been fascinated by how stories can bring together community. I studied at the New Zealand Film and Television School, graduating at the end of 2018, and spent my early years working across production and art departments to understand how every part of the process fits together. In my spare time, I started creating my own work - award winning short films like Absence of Emily, TOW, and the two-time Best Pilot winner Roadie. Those projects taught me that your unique voice is something you come to find, and the more you make the more you show it. What hooked me wasn't just the craft, it was connection. Film became a space where I could explore identity, humour, and vulnerability in a way that felt honest. That led me to writing and directing full-time, crafting commercials, music videos, and now developing my original 24 episode short-form series Feelings Club - a story about emotional rebellion and empathy inside a system that suppresses it, shooting in Dec. Crowdfunded/Self funded by just myself. Everything I've done since — from founding Proud Dad, a collective for emerging creatives, to running low-cost networking events around Aotearoa — has been about that same thing: connection. I got into this industry to tell stories that make people feel seen, and to help others realise they can do the same.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Start small, start messy, start chaotic - but just start! Don't wait for permission or funding to validate your ideas. Finish what you start, even when it feels impossible, because every completed project teaches you more than any course ever could. Build your community - the people who believe in you when things get hard - and treat them with care. That's how careers are built in Aotearoa, not just through talent but through trust. Not only that, do it because we love making movies!

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

I'm driven by the feeling that film can really help people - that it can make them feel seen, teach them things about themselves and others. When I lead a team, I try to create a space where emotion and vulnerability are strengths, not risks. I've learned that people work best when they feel part of something meaningful. I don't chase perfection; I chase being honest. That's the kind of leadership that makes a story come alive.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I'm inspired by quiet rebellion - people trying to stay human inside systems that tell them not to feel. That's the heart of Feelings Club, my latest series about an underground emotional support group at a strict school. It's a story about courage, empathy, and the cost of being vulnerable in a world that rewards suppression. I approach storytelling through emotion first, style second. Every shot, every line, has to serve something real.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration is about trust, not control. My best work has come from sets where everyone feels ownership of the story. I try to lead with transparency and momentum - when people see that you're fully invested, they match that energy. I think filmmaking at its best feels like a shared act of belief.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

I think morale comes from clarity and care. When things get stressful on set, I focus on keeping communication open and energy grounded. People can handle pressure if they still feel respected and seen. I try to remind everyone why we're there - to tell something real, not to chase perfection -and love the process too. Leadership on set isn't about pretending everything's fine; it's about staying honest and steady enough that people trust the process will hold, and you'll have the guidance they need to get through it.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Feelings Club was that moment for me. Before even shooting it, just showing stills of the cast and running our crowdfund the energy and excitement for it has been so special. People really understand the purpose, and thats so humbling.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I'd love to step into the role of show-runner one day, creating TV shows that open conversations instead of just entertaining. I'm drawn to stories where people are navigating systems that don't always make space for them -schools, families, workplaces - and yet find ways to stay human, stay honest. I want my work to make people feel less alone. If someone watches one of my shows and thinks, "I saw myself there," then I've done something worthwhile.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I'm passionate about mastering tone - how a scene feels before you even understand what's happening. When comedy and vulnerability live side-by-side, when the visual rhythm matches the emotional heartbeat, that's when a piece stops being just "watchable" and starts being something you carry with you. For me, working in music videos, commercials, shorts and now series work has taught me that tone is the invisible engine. I want to build stories where tone becomes the fingerprint.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

During the shoot for TOW, a short about a Tow Truck Driver, we ran into a major issue on a key emotional scene. Our truck wouldn't drive. With daylight fading, and the last of the time on set before I us, I did something that shocked everyone - I started pushing the truck. With enough people, we got it rolling up the carpark, and it was enough to capture the key emotional beat of the film - A funny reminder that the wildest, quick ideas can translate on scene - and no one could tell the difference between that, and driving on a road. Movie magic.

Ella Blake Brislen

Age: 23

City: Tāmaki Makaurau

Area of expertise: Directing, Acting, AD-ing, Producing

How & why did you get into your area?

I've always known I wanted to tell stories in some capacity. I started out like any kid in the early 2000s making iMovie trailers in my backyard. It really wasn't until I was at drama school for acting that I thought I could properly make films. I knew it was important to tell meaningful stories and to make great art, but I also knew that it needed to be a great time making it for everyone involved. That desire to meaningfully create films lead me into producing which led me to directing which led onto being a 1st AD. Now, I'm at the point in my career where I'm able to start pushing this medium more and more and start finding deeper, richer stories to tell and it's such a gift.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Make the film. Yes, that film. Make it bad. Make it low-quality. Make it in the dark. Make. It. No one else in the entire world has thought of this thing the way you have. It doesn't matter if you've never done it before or you don't know what you're doing. Ask a friend, do you have a spare day this weekend to help me with something. Ask that nice lady next door if she could let you use her back garden. Do it nervous, stressed, confused, unsure, but do it anyway. Do it because then at the end you can look back and go "Wow. I know how to make it better next time." And then you're in.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

The look on everyone's faces when we all realise that we've made it, or that we've figured it out, or that we got it. That pure moment of passion and joy after wanting it so bad is a wero I always aim to pass on to my crew day in and day out.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

For me it's the small micro moments of beauty and art that happen in our day to day. The smile shared at a bus stop, holding the door for someone, watching a compliment be given; it's those little moments that I find the most beauty in and usually the starting place for a story to blossom from. My final film project at The Actor's Program this year in my Directing course is titled "Love Letters From Your Tīpuna" because that's what I view those moments as, little gifts sent from your ancestors to show you that you create art wherever you go, and that they're always looking out for you.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Perhaps it's the stockholm syndrome but I've always loved collaborating with others. Just because I think my idea is good doesn't mean it's always the sole option that's available. I really love asking people around me what they think of xyz or if they would consider abc. More often than not, it's a pathway that leads us down to a better decision. Something I love doing when I'm directing is walking around set and seeing the scene take place from everyone's angles. Sometimes the best shot is hidden by the location PAs stool, sometimes it's from someone taller than myself. But I wouldn't know that unless I asked those around me what they thought of the scene, what they were considering, how they felt it best to capture the moment. I think my genuine curiosity and desire to hear from others means that everyone else around me starts leaning into it too, and it starts opening up their curiosity and their exploration along with me.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Always take 5. Always. Even if it's crunch time and everyone is stressed and the machine isn't running as smoothly as we want it to, I always get a tools down, we all step outside, we take a breather. We use the wharepaku, we share snacks, refill water, and I make sure that we've had at least two or three jokes cracked before we start back up again. Those five minutes will save the shot, the day, the shoot, 10/10 times.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

This year in my directing course at The Actor's Program, I was given the opportunity to write and direct a story of my own. I tossed and turned for ages until my parents told me the story of how they bought the cutlery set I've grown up using. When my Dad was telling me the story and my Mum was reminiscing about it with him, I realised just how rich of a story that seemingly small anecdote could be. I immediately knew exactly how I wanted the film to look, how it should feel, and what I wanted to say with it. Cut to me standing in front of my own monitor, calling 'Tīmata' (action) for the first time on the first take, and being able to look around and see not only all my hard work but all the hard work of the people I asked to join me along the way. That moment will stick with me forever.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope that I'll go on to tell stories that are for the daydreaming kid. Stories for the teenager who is taking drama classes despite what the bullies say. I want to create avenues for kids like me who grew up not knowing their reo and their connection to te ao māori who dream of being able to tell our ancestors' tales. If I can tell a story that gets one person to feel represented, seen, or heard, then I'll have made it as a filmmaker.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

At this stage in my career, I'm most excited to tell stories that I haven't thought of. As someone who did drama classes in high school where we had a small closet of a rehearsal room, with no money for rights to scripts, I've learned to be self-sufficient in my storytelling. But I know that I'll always be able to draw on that so I'm really looking forward to being able to hear someone's idea, read someone's script, and be able to say to them "I have an idea for that"

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I think some of the most memorable moments of assisting someone or helping out have been when I'm crouched below an actor, holding a prop in place so they can do their action without worrying about it. In our first J.A.F.A (Just Another F&cking Apocalypse) Episode: Pit Stop, one of our actors needed to hold their backpack at a specific height for the shot. So there I was, calling the shots, whilst lying down in the middle of a dirt path. What it meant was that we could quickly buy that take, dust off my pants, and keep going, no harm no fuss. Sure it might've looked strange, but I genuinely love helping others and helping my village as much as I can. Because I know that in the future, if I ever need someone's help holding up my prop backpack at a certain height for a shot, that someone else can say, "I'll help, I've got it this time"

Veisinia Moalapau'u

Age: 26

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Writing/Directing

How & why did you get into your area?

I didn't actually "get into" film until mid last year, when a friend of mine asked me to jump on her music video - and it was then that everything just clicked for me. I came to Aotearoa after graduating high school in Tonga, Vava'u to pursue tertiary studies, and I ended up changing my degree about three times before committing to a LLB. While studying, I did some extra work on Panthers and Sis the show solely to get a bit of money out of it, and I never thought much of it at the time. It wasn't until the music video that I realised where I truly belonged. Growing up in the islands, the arts are not as glorified as education was - and we also never had the resources to do so. But I spent most of my early and late teenage years writing poems and short stories about everything I was experiencing, and I had a passion for recording family stories. I was mostly intimidated by the technicals of film-making because after all, I was just a kid from the islands - but I realised very quickly after having a little 'light-bulb' moment on the set of the music video that this was not foreign territory, and that at the heart of film is a story, and I had plenty. Making the decision to switch gears into film however was not easy. At this point in my life, I had two kids under the ages of 4, I was going into my final year of my law degree and my husband and I were struggling to pay the bills. I spent weeks going back and forth on the decision, but my husband made me feel like I needed to do this, because it was right. He and I knew that I owed it to myself to pursue something that finally felt right and more than anything, I wanted my children to see that it's okay to follow what you love. So here I am - in my final year of my law degree, doing film school and prepping to shoot my short film next month, while working full-time and being a mum of two young kiddies. I sure do love film enough to still be here.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

The heart of film is story-telling, if you have the drive and stories, you're in the right place.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

I am always eager to learn, even if it means learning through failure. Coming into film school for the first time, I had little to no knowledge of the technical side of filmmaking. As a woman who grew up on a little outer island called Vava'u, I often felt out of place at film school when more seasoned students talked about lenses, lighting, and film language. Even though I was older than most of my cohort, I felt like I was playing catchup and starting from absolute ground zero. Still, I worked tirelessly — staying up late after my mummy duties were done — to catch up and make sure I was giving my all to learn and grow. Now, when I look back at the projects I've written and directed this year, I feel genuinely proud of the filmmaker I've become. What motivates me most are the storytellers in my community and back home in the islands — those who are simply trying to survive, yet carry so much wisdom, strength, and creativity. I think of my children and the stories I'll one day share with them, and I think of those before me whose stories have shaped who I am. That's what drives me to take on challenges and to lead with purpose in my filmmaking journey.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I am inspired by my own lived experiences as well as the stories that my grandmothers and aunties used to tell me growing up. I was always fascinated by my family's genealogy and the layers of history woven through it. I spent the late years of my teens and early years of my adulthood recording a lot of my family history/stories that have shaped who I am and how I see the world. I have a life back home in Tonga that comes with a much different set of responsibilities that I have here in my life here in Aotearoa. I feel like there are nuances in my life that I could only really tell/express through art (poems, short stories and now film), where I could feel the fulfilment of telling my truth but still having a strange kind of privacy behind my art. Although I am only 26 years old, I do have a unique perspective - being the child of first-generation New Zealand-born Tongans, and then being sent back to my motherland, the birthplace of my ancestors, for most of my life, and returning to the land of my parents' birth while navigating having one foot in the diaspora and one foot in the motherland. Seeing both perspectives in their full richness, and having experienced many things in my life that can contribute to the rawness and honesty I hope to bring to my stories.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

In my little experience in the film industry so far, I have learned that collaboration is actually what makes a film. I can write and direct a whole script, but that doesn't mean anything if I don't have my producer, my DOP, my AD(s), the light and audio department, editors and continuity, art department, costume and all of the above contributing to the story I have written. I have learned that people and their specialisations matter, and I have seen the amazing things that have been put out as a result of having an entire team that is invested in a project. When I have written and directed a project, it was always paramount that everyone had a say in what they think would help drive the story. A simple prop, or a different light setting sometimes was the thing that helped make the film make sense. So having a team understand what a story means to me, and what the heart of it is always helps - being a kind voice and a good communicator.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Take a breather, it's always good to just take a minute before carrying on! As someone who doesn't like to waste time and just truck along, Ive learned how crucial it is to really decompress before carrying on - it helps you to keep a good attitude for much longer and it takes you out of all the voices of doubt.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Yep! It is definitely the short film that I am preparing to shoot next month called 'Firstborn'. It is a story about a wedding, a birth and a death happening almost all at once - inspired by my real lived experience of caretaking for my terminally ill grandmother while planning a wedding and being heavily pregnant. This year marks her fourth year anniversary for her death, and I never really thought I would make a film about it but here I am! lol. When I took part in the 'dragon's den' at film school (a pitching competition), I didn't really think much of it, but I ended up winning the competition, getting a $200 prize and a trophy. This was the first trophy I had ever won in my life lol. Then I made the decision to go through with making my short film about this story. I wrote the script, and got so much push-back from my tutor who just couldn't get his head around the story and it making sense, but I felt determined to push and do it. I started a boosted campaign, which helped us gain a bit more traction - attracting many other Tongans from Australia and America who were keen to see this on the screen. It felt very daunting, after all, it was JUST a student film. But I realised very quickly that this wasn't just a student film, this was MY story and my film. After many conversations and meetings with the camera, light and audio departments, they are all super excited to shoot this film with me. Art department, costume, makeup, film composers, continuity and post-production are all on board, and I feel really scared, nervous, but mostly excited to have a talented team who share this vision with me.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope to tell honest stories. There are many things in my community that are tapu (taboo) or hard to talk about and my hope is that I am able to bring some of these conversations to the forefront of my films/stories in a respectful but necessary way.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I am hoping to perfect my writing a little more. I also want to be a better director - I want to learn from other strong women in the industry, how to juggle family life with such an exciting career that might demand lots of time and energy. Writing and directing excites me because writing and telling stories is all I've ever done, the only other element that I've thrown into the mix is bringing 20+ more people (crew) into the story to help bring it to life to a wider audience, which makes it a bit scary but more exciting. It excites me because I feel like women are really doing amazing things in creative spaces and although society have never really been approving of women in these fields, I think we're coming around and seeing that it is infact the women who have the heart and the eye for film-making. I cannot wait to learn more from female industry professionals.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

Yep. This was sort of just a mental thing for me, but I volunteered to shoot a music video for the school to show on their 'vibe show' and so I was allocated one day to shoot this. My location was at a bar and I had a whole plan mapped out. I had planned to have an intro, the main part of the story and then an outro. In the end, we had to wrap about 1.5hrs early due to patrons wanting to come into the bar early and we could not get the outro. When we wrapped the whole crew were super happy with what we got, but I was super disappointed that we couldn't get the last bit of the story and the outro. I felt like I failed but I didn't want the crew to know how I was feeling because they did an amazing job, I just was super tough on myself. I took a minute outside. I reflected on what we did get. I reflected on how much effort the crew put into this. and in the last 30 seconds of my reflection, I picked myself up and took myself back into the bar where the crew was and thanked them and got over myself. Fast forward to a few days later in the edit, I realised that we actually got some beautiful stuff, and the crew came into the edit really excited to see what we had cooked up. We made it work in the edit and we didn't need that outro. I really had to get over the perfectionism in me because I feel like if I had not taken a minute to just get some mental/emotional clarity I would've really let my crew down, and to this day - that music video was one of our favourite shoots.

Dylan Poihipi

Age: 25

City: Tāmaki Makaurau

Area of expertise: Writer, Director

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Patience, at least from my experience so far, has been one the biggest layers within making a film for me. In context of yourself, time, people, making and ideas. It sort of finds itself being needed from the beginning to the end.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

We were shooting a scene for Bogged. Something wasn't working for the scene, it just felt clunky. Then I talked with the actors and they offered up an idea, we tried it. I thought, okay somethings here. Then one of them made a strange sound and then BOOM. This new idea hit me like a truck! It's one of my favorite scenes in the film. @bogged_film @dylan_poihipi_

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope to tell stories that keep getting closer to the ideas as I see them in my mind — and for someone to feel or see something in them.

Isaac Giles

Age: 25

City: Ōtautahi

Area of expertise: Any creative area

How & why did you get into your area?

I've been making films since I was 6. I have always loved the art of film and have been wanting to be a director for as long as I can remember. I have learnt to be a very self-motivated person when it comes to my art. My team (PlanetFoxFilms) are always trying to enter as many film competitions/festivals as we can each year, we all want to be artists full-time. It's not always an easy journey; there is not a single obvious path to take in getting to where I'm wanting to be, but that'll never stop me from doing what I love.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

If you want to make films, start making them. Don't wait for anyone to give you the thumbs up. If you a truly passionate about creating films, or doing anything within the arts, that starts with you. If you have a need and desire to create, you will force a way to make it happen no matter your circumstance. Even if you're not where you want to be just yet, every single piece of art you create you will learn something new to add to your kete and you will grow as an artist.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

If I have an idea that I like, that's usually enough to motivate me to start working on it, I try to rope as many of my friends into the project that I can. I get really excited when my team show me what they've been working on and seeing them grow in their particular field of art as well.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

If you've seen any of my team's and my films, it's obvious that we're all inspired by practical effects. We just like to have a lot of fun on set and bring stories to life that we have great time watching together and are excited to show other people. I personally feel there is a lack of fun goofy films in the world, so I'm trying my best to make the goofiest films I can.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

I'm very lucky that I have friends who are just as passionate as me in creating art. We (PlanetFoxFilms) are a very collaborative group, each one of my friends brings something unique to our team, so when we get together, we build, push, and uplift each other to create art that we are all very proud of.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Good kai! During the 48Hour film festival this year, my wife cooked us all a big roast and I could see everyone's spirits lift from all that yummy food! Also, as the person who usually falls into the director role on our projects, I do my best to listen to everyone's perspective, I want everyone to feel like they're an equal part of the team no matter their role. If the sound person has a better idea than I do, I'm going to listen to them, because they're just as an important member of the team as I am, and the overall quality of the film is more important whether I want my ideas to be the last and final.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Earlier this year I started releasing a webcomic called Bug City under the name Kea Comics. With help from my friends, I decided to make an animated short using the same characters. It was a really intense time getting it done in terms of the workload, but I am so proud of my team and the final product. There is still a lot I want to improve on in terms of my own animating skills, but it's an exciting start to my animation journey and I'm excited to see what my team and I will do in the future.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I have heaps of script ideas floating around in my head, I hope one day I can get a millionaire friend who is happy to lend me money so I can create as many cool films as I want. It's always nice getting feedback

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I would love to master every aspect of filmmaking; however, I think if you get to a point where you feel you have mastered something, your ego has grown way too much. You can never get to point of perfection in anything, you'll always have something you can improve on or try something new and fresh that you've never done before.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

In our most recent 48 Hour short the True Story of Billy the Horse, we ended the film where one of the characters says a joke. The two lead actresses ended up laughing kind of awkwardly. I thought this was pretty funny and left it in the rough cut to surprise the rest of the team (I was secretly hoping that the rest of the team would like this moment, and we would leave it in the final cut). The team did end up liking this moment and we did leave it in which I was really happy about. I love finding little off-the-script moments like that, that we include in the film that really uplifts it and adds a layer of charm that you could never get out of a script.

Izac De Castro

Age: 23

City: Christchurch

Area of expertise: Directing, Writing & Cinematography

How & why did you get into your area?

The earliest I've "directed" was definitely when I still played with Lego minifigures in their own sets, just like any children playing with their toys, and I guess I just never grew out of it! But the most integral turning point would be when I got an iPad and I would start making videos of whatever and editing with iMovie before putting it on YouTube - from then on I ended up realizing my passion for storytelling and filmmaking when I would ask myself "How would I have done it differently?" after every film I watch. That then leads me to "why?" Well the earliest recollection I have of my first films were Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films like 'Castle in the Sky', 'My Neigbor, Totoro', 'Spirited Away', etc. Those films transported me into another world that is so magical and inspiring, the stories were heartfelt and powerful... and now I want to be able to inspire the next generation of young filmmakers when they watch my craft and really continue the cycle of humans creating beautiful things for years to come.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

It's all about surrounding yourself with people who hold just as much passion, kindness and perseverance because you need them - these are the key figures in your journey who will elevate you to the whatever you want to reach.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

Every project, I want to be able to provide an opportunity and/or a creative space where everyone can showcase their talents, creativity and wider imagination because I am very much interested in what people are capable of creating and being a small stepping stone in their journey is already a big achievement.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

My storytelling is really inspired by what happens to everyone and everything around me and taking bits and pieces of information from them because I often find that everyone and everything is interesting in their own way and I try to elevate that by experiementing with the themes and aesthetic of the world I set them in and really find out what is more captivating and unique while keeping the story meaningful.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration is an important factor in this industry and without it, it gets boring and pointless. The magic happens when you collaborate with other people, it's a way of learning and growing. I always aim to bring those who helped me get to my goal get to their goal each step of the way - we're only as good as our previous project and we strive to be better and grow each time.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

As a director, I always find myself in the centre of attention where everyone is relying on me and putting their trust on me, and once I show some signs of frustration, nerves and feeling like I'm not good enough because certain things aren't working out, the chances are everyone will feel it too. So believe me when I say this; a simple smile goes a long way.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

With my recent unreleased short film "Mother Duck" which I've envisioned to be a1950's spectacle, there was a scene where we had about 15 children as extras that needed to go through a doorway, walk toward and past the camera before a car pulls over and hit their mark to be precisely in the centre of the door frame. As soon as we get to rolling it and seeing the entire thing unfold in video village, I already knew that we've already achieved something that is truly magical and something to be proud of. I was sucked into what I and the crew created that I ended up jumping up and down in excitement and joy like a little kid along with the crew and some of the kids who watched playback. I always look for that feeling whenever I'm on set - it's one of the best feelings in the world.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

It's hard to say what kind of story I hope to tell in the future because there are unexpected things in life that inspires you to tell a story - but one thing is clear; they need to connect to the audience and most importantly to me and the people making it because if we don't put any love and care into it, it becomes soulless. I want people to be transported into whatever world I present them in and come back out with the love and passion I poured into it and use it to create something their own that then impacts the next person. I hope to influence the next generation just the same way the previous generation inspired me.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I am a perfectionist and it's not a good thing. Yes, it's nice to be able to see the small things and having a keen eye for details, but it also becomes a burden when you spot something and it bothers you for a very long time or it consumes a lot of your hours trying to fix it. I've come to notice that I've learnt of letting the small things go because I think mistakes are what shapes us to be better and I think it's a lot more interesting if you're not perfect. In addition, I was very much a lone wolf when I was starting out - before and during the early days of film school, I liked doing things alone, making decisions by myself and only letting my vision come true. But I've learnt that the fun in filmmaking is in collaboration with other people and really building and exchanging ideas together to create a bigger picture. Now, I am a lot more open and I do often find myself in need of other people now compared to years ago because multiple creative minds are always better than just one. It excites me in the long run because I know I will meet new people with new backgrounds and experiences that I can learn and benefit from.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

My first project outside of film school, there was a scene where I was finding it difficult to navigate due to a change of circumstances with a talent that hindered them from executing the scene. We were forced to change our plans but couldn't find the right one and this was off of another very intense scene. I was lucky enough that one of the actors is also a very talented director who is much more experienced than I was, so I turned to him and asked for advice and he was open to figure it out with not just me but with everyone... and in the end, we figured it out. As a director, you always don't have the answers and it's okay to ask for help or advice. Be open and transparent and you will realize how powerful that can be.

Elizabeth Hodgson

Age: 24

City: Wellington

Area of expertise: Producing, assistant directing, production management

How & why did you get into your area?

I got interested in producing films in my final year of film school at Massey and have been producing short films, music videos and other creative projects ever since. I love assist directing as it gets me on set and allows me to explore and further my collaborative and organisational skills.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

If you get knocked down (someone didn't like your film, something didn't go the way you planned etc) dust yourself off and do it again. Filmmaking doesn't get perfected over night and those who succeed are the ones who value the failures as much as the wins.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

Knowing that I'm not afraid to be loud and make myself known, and that I can uplift my filmmaking community while doing so. I am only as strong as the filmmaking village I surround myself with, so investing in the people that support me is highly important.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Being on everyone's level as a producer will reward you with their respect. The moment you begin to disassociate yourself from the production or become unapproachable is the moment you lose collaboration.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

That the stressful feelings are temporary and as long as you're putting your best foot forward. Take every challenging moment as a valuable lesson because this will shape you for the rest of your career.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Seeing the reactions at the Snap Shot Shorts S1 premiere night. Truly epic.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope the stories that I can help bring to life are ones that challenge people but also make people laugh. I want the stories to have connection both on and off screen, between everyone involved in making it. A well made film shines when you know that the crew and cast involved had a blast.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I want to learn more about the different styles of assistant directing that are sharped with the different forms of media (I.e: music video vs commercial)

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I believe I've elevated the short film productions of Snap Shot Shorts S2 where I've cooked a lot of the catering meals for cast and crew. To me, when everyone feels nourished and cared for, the film moves and operates on a higher level. I've learnt how to make a mean as vegetarian lasagne too.

Giselle Ilaoa

Age: 25

City: Tāmaki Makaurau

Area of expertise: Directing, ADs/Onset PA, Production, Art Dept

How & why did you get into your area?

My start in the industry came in 2023 after film school, when I first began as an Art Intern on Ahikāroa, and met many connections in local productions where I would jump roles depending on availability at the time i.e. Production Runner, Art Assist, Onset PA or 3rd AD. I was and am still interested in getting to know how the industry works, how each Department function, in hopes to gain as much skills as I can as an aspiring Director.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

To believe in yourself and to remember the reason why you want to share your story, oftentimes self-doubt can be your greatest hurdle, but learning to quiet the voice and take action is better than doing nothing at all. Join guilds! Support local art workshops. Attend networking opportunities - it's how I got my first job in the industry!

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

As a Pasifika filmmaker, I want to see more of us in this industry. We have such beautiful stories waiting to be told and if I can inspire others to tell them, then it motivates me to keep going too.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

Love. As corny as it sounds, I feel that the love I have for my community fuels my passion to get stories that align with my kaupapa out there, and I truly believe that everyone brings their own fresh perspective to any story they want to tell.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

The journey of a film means nothing without the people that have your back to ensure that the mahi gets done. To me, collaboration is the heart of a film, we all bring our unique talents and creativity into a project that can exceed expectation. I'm all about letting people bring their own flavour to a project because then, we all have a hand in creating something that we are proud of.

Alex Farley

Age: 24

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Directing / Writing / Producing

How & why did you get into your area?

In no other professional can you truly create another world.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Keeping making shit. The more you preserve the further you get.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

I lead because I love working with people. The synergy of a set is remarkable. Everyone working in tandem to perfect ones vision. I persevere because it get to do so with the medium I love and individuals I adore.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

Female driven storytelling is at the heart of my vision. Creating a filmic world where women are free to do bad things, love messily and elbow their way through life. I write what entertains me, what inspires me, what demands my attention.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

The privilege of film making is the community you get to create along the way. Collaboration is the backbone of cinema. Many hands work to create one vision. With dedication, enthusiasm and ample kindness a team is bound for success. To date I have had the privilege of working with so many incredible film makers. Notably I have had the pleasure to co-found Far Out Productions with my friends and collaborators Melissa Shao and Rachel Sung. Our work seeks to push boundaries, creating space for female centred narratives that subvert and elevate.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Remembering that your health and welling being is more important than any project. Cherish your relationships not your showreel.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Wild Nights, Wild Nights was a creative triumph. I watched my actors and crew meld into one beautiful neon-coated dream. It was remarkable watching my vision move from a screenplay to the big screen.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope to keep telling stories that move and affect an audience. I love film that transgresses boundaries, leaves you in awe and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Griffin Kilfoyle

Age: 19

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Directing + DOP'ing

How & why did you get into your area?

I do both directing and DOP work as when I started out as a filmmaker, I had to film all my own projects. This meant learning how to use a camera (including all the correct settings etc). Eventually, I became good enough at the camera to work as a DOP/Camera Operator on others shoots to help bring their stories to life - however my favourite is still being a director of my own projects - but it is pretty cool to help other people out in the more technical department (camera, lighting etc) on their own projects as well.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

If you've got an idea or a script - just make it. Put out EVERYTHING you create online and never delete it. Reflect back on your original older work so you can see how far you've progressed in terms of skill, story and performance.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

Challenges are what make the job fun. Part of the excitement of beginning a shoot is the unknown. Problems and surprises will arise and it's part of your job to deal with them head on and become a good problem solver. Eventually, you'll see coincidences and be able to solve problems that you may have experience before on previous sets or jobs, and your able to help others by letting them know what to do and how to solve the issue.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

Real experiences inspire my storytelling. The more you experience life, for the better or worse, the more stories you have to tell. Sometimes totally irrelevant stories can come to your mind after experiencing something funny, but also something tragic. You have to consider what makes the story unique - and how can you build upon that to make it more memorable to the audience. The more unique the idea, the more it sticks with the audience. Sometimes your work doesn't even fit into a genre, which is good because it means the viewer will talk about it to others and say "I don't really know how to describe it, you just have to watch it".

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Working with others is EVERYTHING. It's what makes the story and the final product better. Every project I work on, I always try to make the crew bigger and bring on more people who I trust or who I believe in - even if they haven't worked on other projects before. Some of the best work I've done has come from others recommending ideas to me during pre production or even filming. The most important part of storytelling is knowing how it will resonate with others, and by collaborating with people during the process you get their opinions and thoughts about the film as their experiencing it for the first time - you get to view it from a different perspective with fresh eyes.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Always have humour. No matter what happens you need to be able to make fun of yourself and see the humour in situations. Also snacks - lots of snacks and coffee help keep crew spirits high during long days. Learn from mistakes and reflect on how you can prevent it from happening on bigger jobs in the future, which makes you more experienced, wise and professional.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

During the most recent music video I directed for the song "Fresh Out Of Air", we didn't have any funding or budget. This meant we had no lighting equipment - just a camera and some lights we had lying around my house. However despite having no funds to make the video - we decided to do it anyway just to see how it would turn out. During the week of shooting, the weather was terrible on every single day. However on the day of shooting (even in the middle of winter) - the sky was almost totally clear and we had the most beautiful sunset resulting in a perfect golden hour that lasted for about two hours - more than enough time for us to shoot what we needed. The video ultimately ended up reflecting the look and vibe the band (Where's Jai) wanted and actually ended up looking better than our reference photos in our mood board. It was the first project that exceeded our expectations, despite the fact we had absolutely no money to make it with.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope to tell stories that haven't been told yet - or that have been told but flew under the radar of the general public. I'd hope to tell stories that have a big enough of an impact to change people's perception or opinion about the topic they're covering - which is hard and done very rarely. I want people to say "oh, but did you see in that film how it actually happened?" and cover existing stories or even new fresh topics, whilst hopefully even changing some people's view on the subject.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

Directing is certainly the most appealing to me. I've wanted to be a director since I was a kid - I've even got a directors chair with my name engraved on it (I know - it's a little bit pretentious). Leading a team and bringing a story or idea to life has got to be one of the best feelings I've ever experienced. The leap from having an idea to actually making it happen (ie assembling a crew - getting funding etc) can seem like an unpaved road, but once the final product is finished and published for the world to see, it makes the journey totally worth it and even encourages me to do it all over again - even if success isn't promised.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

There's many times that I can remember other incredible people on set contributing to solving a problem - but for myself it's hard to remember as everything moves so fast. One of the coolest issues I've been able to solve (with the help of others on set) was when we went to film a music video on a beach. The ending was supposed to be a crowd of people chasing a boy who was experiencing hallucinations. During pre production; we planned who we were going to bring along to be part of the crowd, but it seemed like everyone always bailed on us or didn't end up coming (the location was also quite far away - it was another zero budget project). When we got to the beach, we planned to just cut the scene entirely; but coincidentally, we saw a huge group (25+ people) of what appeared to be tourists walking together on the beach. It was like we'd won the lottery. They ended up being a group of international marine biologists - but the group was so big and diverse it looked like a crowd of random people of different ages. They chased after our lead actor at full speed and even did it several times so we could get different angles. Definitely one of the best times we've lucked out and just been given a sign from the universe not to give up and settle for a less cool idea. The end result was incredible and gets talked about whenever I show the video to someone.

Patrick Ranson

Age: 28

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: I find it all incredibly interesting, but the only roles I trust myself in are writing and directing

How & why did you get into your area?

In early adulthood, I started writing film scripts with no real sense of purpose. It was only when I met my partner, Lucy Timmins, who was already much further along in her film career, that I started scaling back my ideas to be shorter and lower budget. Only then did becoming a director feel like the next obvious and tangible step.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Purely for selfish reasons, I would like people to create fun, unique, and stylised films, so that I can go watch them, eat some popcorn, and have a great time.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

A crippling fear of nine-to-five jobs, an overactive imagination, and a can-do attitude.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I draw inspiration equally from real-life events and the fiction/media I consume. The moments in life that leave an impression tend to linger in the back of the mind, waiting for the right opportunity to be woven together with countless other experiences. People often say that nothing is truly original, but I believe each individual is. It's through our unique perspectives that we're able to uncover something new within the shared human experience.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration can feel like giving birth to a child and then handing it over for someone else to raise—or, at times, like co-parenting. Either way, the true reward lies in watching it evolve into something beyond your own expectations. I like to think I inspire those I work with by placing genuine trust in their specific expertise; if they flourish in their role, so does the script, and so does the film.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

I believe it's important to focus on yourself first. Especially as a director, you need to demonstrate complete commitment and passion for the project; otherwise, you risk lowering the morale of the entire production. Strive to set an example for the rest of the crew, and remember to take the time to ensure everyone's comfort—regular breaks, good food, and plenty of water go a long way.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

A moment that stands out to me is the opening of Little Knight, where we push into an extreme wide shot of our two protagonists nestled in a small clearing within dense undergrowth, illuminated by the warm glow of a campfire. The sheer level of detail, the culmination of months of planning, and the seamless coordination of each independent role working in harmony far surpassed my expectations.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope to continue expanding the world of Little Knight in the near future—it's a world that brings me a lot of joy to explore. In the long term, however, my goal remains the same as it's always been: to create something that leaves a genuine impact on both myself and others, even if it were to resonate with only one other person.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I want to continue improving my writing, as the script is the base on which everything is built. Build a strong enough foundation, and the sky is the limit. Of course, it can go the other way, but it's the risk that excites me.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I remember when I made the man inside the Little Knight suit (my friend Alex) repeat the same wave over and over again until it felt like we were in a Stanley Kubrick movie, traumatising everyone on set, all because of my inability to re-enact the wave in the specific way I had pictured. However, despite my own sheer incompetence and to Alex's credit, we did get the wave I so desperately wanted.

Lucy Timmins

Age: 29

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: I operate in a bizarre combination of producer and prop master

How & why did you get into your area?

Producing happened out of necessity: a desire to make films, and a love for lists and spreadsheets. My immersion into art department happened more recently, when I had the realisation that producing fantasy films (my favourite genre) was possible with the right level of time and effort.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Use references for everything. You can make your films look incredible by drawing inspiration from art and life, and handing it over to your trusted collaborators.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

I love it! I am an incredibly hyper-focused person, and will obsess over a project for months or years at a time. I find collaborators to crew on my projects with similar tastes to share the excitement of bringing a project to life. The buzz of working with people as passionate as you, on something ambitious, is unbeatable. I don't think I have a choice but to keep producing films.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I look for scripts with a strong visual identity, with opportunities for tactile production design. I believe fantasy is a great genre for pulling people, especially younger audiences, into the world.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

The best version of a film could not be made without collaboration. Filmmaking is a complex art form, and each department takes years to master. I make sure to hire people who I enjoy spending time with, and who get excited by similar aspects of filmmaking to me. This often results in a crew willing to take risks, and the motivation to put in the time to execute ambitious concepts.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Always listen to your crew. If something isn't working, let your ego go and discuss alternatives with the people you are working with. Challenges are part of creating a film, and can be as rewarding as they are frustrating, as long as they remain collaborative.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

For my most recent (currently unreleased) fantasy short, 'A Day in the Night', I have handcrafted a menagerie of NZ Bat Fly puppets. After months of work, research, and feeling as though they weren't coming together, we finally had our test shoot with our DOP. The puppets look exactly like director Patrick Ranson's concept sketches, and read well on camera. This encapsulates the thrill of handmade practical effects, and reminds me why I fell in love with fantasy after wrapping our previous film, 'Little Knight'.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I am currently focused on using the fantasy genre to educate and excite New Zealanders about our native flora and fauna - specifically the "creepy" crawlies. I hope to put a spotlight on an often hidden part of our unique ecosystem, and believe the more love there is for something, the more action will be taken to protect it.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

My current project involves highly detailed production design; shots where you can feel months of work. I am enjoying handcrafting these sets, but I am focusing on how to carry this experience over to more collaborative projects. My goal is to work with a team of New Zealand creatives to bring ambitious, visually stunning films to life.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

We shot the entirety of 'Little Knight' in just one day. This took months of preparation, and a crew that could collaborate with total confidence on the day. For me, as producer and prop master, this meant putting time aside for every single person on set before the shoot, making sure everybody knew exactly what the vision was and what they needed to help us get there.

Caleb Ryan

Age: 20

City: Christchurch

Area of expertise: Directing, cinematography, editing

How & why did you get into your area?

Ever since I was five years old, I was fascinated with not only the art of films, but the art of making them. Creating countless home movies on the family iPad as a child turned into a serious passion and a love of the craft. Moving from media studies in secondary school to studying screen production as tertiary education has helped me produce my best work thus far and further the dreams of five-year-old me.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

Just start. Whether it's developing an idea and then figuring out how to bring it to life, or starting with the technical side and then figuring out what to actually make, you can't go wrong. Grab a sheet of green fabric and a camera and learn how to clone yourself. Write a script and try to direct your friends. Just make something with whatever and whoever you have access to. If you don't have a fancy camera, film on your phone. Gear can come later, but skills can be gained at any point.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

My storytelling is inspired by the world and people around me, and the ideas that I find most interesting. I always try to make something a little different, something that isn't the first and easiest idea that comes to mind. My goal is to create work I can be proud of, that feels uniquely mine, and that shows real care and effort in every detail.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration is everything in filmmaking. You can make short projects alone when you're learning, but when it comes to making something great, you need a team: people you trust to shoot, edit, produce, and bring their own creativity and skills. As for inspiring others, I try to lead by example. If I'm doing my job well and putting in more than what's expected, that energy tends to spread through the whole team. It lifts everyone's work.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

My documentary "That's Andrew Lyons" is probably the project where I felt my creative vision was most fully realised. It's often easy to get disappointed with how a project differs from what you imagined, but with this one, I felt genuinely satisfied with how it came together. In many ways, it exceeded my expectations and became something even stronger than the original idea.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I want to tell stories that take unexpected angles and play with storytelling conventions to turn what could've been an ordinary story into something special, whether through how it's told, what it's about, or both.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I'd really love to master the more technical side of editing: all the fine details that separate a good edit from a perfect one. A lot of editing is about rhythm and feel, but I want to reach a point where I can get the technical details right every single time. It can be the difference between a good film and a great film.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I always aim to be thorough and resourceful on set. Filmmaking is full of constraints: time, budget, gear. But those constraints often foster just as much creativity as any other part of production, and push you to be more imaginative. In a short film I directed, I wanted a dolly shot to open the film… but we didn't have a dolly. So we improvised: we used a wooden trolley, pulled it with a rope, and got the shot. Was it a fancy piece of kit? No. Did it achieve roughly the same effect? Absolutely. You don't always need the best or most expensive equipment to get the results you want. The best tool you have is your creativity.

Rend Anodyne Hollow

Age: 29

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Writer/Director

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

My advice to anyone wanting to make films, regardless of department is to remember that this is collaborative art, and most people are here for the love of it. So I would always say to find the people in this industry that you get along with, and make beautiful art with your friends.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

My motivation comes from my desire to find community. I have lived a very troubled life, with gang involvement, therapy, hallucinations, self harm, and even suicide attempts in my past. I had my issues, and I was aware of it, and yet I still struggled to seek the help I knew I needed. Because each time I did, I would have to explain everything, and each time the person I was explaining it to didn't get it. They couldn't help me, because they couldn't understand, and I couldn't get people to understand, because I was so ashamed and dysfunctional I couldn't communicate properly. So the reason I am pushing so hard, and calling in many industry favours to build my writer/directing career is so I can create content to help people like me. To create content that can share an experience that is deeply seeded with shame, and self isolation in the hopes that it can make it less shameful for those going through it, and less scary for those looking in. I want to create a safer world for people like me, and I want to do it so people don't have to go through the years of struggling and feeling alone like I did, and that is the thing that keeps me motivated in this process.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

My story telling was initially inspired by my nightmares. It started as short stories, where I would write down my nightmares as a way to turn them into fiction, and take away their power over me. Eventually I started creating my own worlds, and characters, and before I knew it I had 3 books worth of short stories on my website. www.enterthehollow.com It is this back catalogue of stories that I am using as a base for my film making ideas, and the way I am bringing a fresh perspective is by trying to take my personal experience with delusion and hallucinations and using that to influence the way I display the story I am trying to tell. Using the strange way my brain perceives the world to create camera, audio, and lighting designs that feels new and exciting.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

My first project as a director was for a friends music video, which got released this year. (Zola Nova - Dreamer) This was a big learning curve for me, both in skill and creative design. My friend trusted me with a couple of very strange set ups, the intro, and the mid piece. Both of which I was able to put together an abstract concept that I absolutely love. And my favourite part about looking back on it is both being happy with my work as a first time creator, but also being able to brainstorm about how I would do it differently with the knowledge I have now.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I hope that I will get to tell stories that show alternative ways of living, and experiencing the world that is out of the norm. Multiple perspectives and drives around concepts that feel homogeneous in the real world. Touching on topics of death, work, self exploration, mental health, and relationships in all their forms. I hope that by demonstrating alternative thinking to these common place life experiences I can help show people new ways to live their life that might be more aligned with them as people than the status quo they live in currently.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I have had very little experience with editing and colour grading, two things that currently feel like magic to me. I have a strong desire to make very technically complicated content and currently my lack of knowledge in this area is holding me back from being able to design shoots that align with my goal of technically interesting, and unique. I really enjoy the process of trying to come up with new concepts, or combinations of shots that feel new, and once I have a better understanding of what can be achieved in such a technically complex craft I am sure what my brain will be able to conceive will be amazing.

Raphaella Holder-Monk

Age: 27

City: Tāmaki Makaurau

Area of expertise: Directing/Camera

How & why did you get into your area?

There's two answers to this question! I started as a trainee in the camera department on Cowboy Bebop and instantly loved all the technical elements of the department, as well as getting to be in the thick of it and learn from watching the crew work together and solve problems (of which there are many). In terms of directing, I got into it because I wanted to be involved in more of the creative part, and found that it allowed me to incorporate my long-time love of story writing. I directed my first short film last year called Mondae and am currently in post-production for my second film called Exit. The creative process of both of these projects has most definitely given me the filmmaking bug.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

If you have the creative craving to make movies - it is very likely it will stick with you! So, you should go out and get stuck in. There are so many different ways to learn. I have certainly gained so much knowledge from watching people problem-solve in different departments on set, but it's also important to start learning about your own tastes and style by just making something start to finish.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

I think since I was a little kid there have been tiny moments that stick with me for some reason; the way someone says goodbye, enters a room, tells a joke, holds something in. It is all of these tiny moments that you can elevate in filmmaking, and give them the platform they deserve. Because I suppose I believe that there are so many everyday-moments in everyone's lives that are actually huge, epic and worth making a massive deal of. So it's my goal to make people leave a cinema feeling like their life is bigger than they previously thought. This is certainly what my favourite movies have given to my life.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Collaboration is the most enjoyable part of the filmmaking process for me. Once I've written a script (which is quite a solo process), I suddenly get to include all the brainpower of different people I admire from different departments, and have them all pitch in to help bring the story to life. It's important to know that as a filmmaker it is the making/collaborative process that you are left with - far more than the final movie. The collaboration is the main meal and the final product is desert. In terms of inspiring - that's hard to say! I think excitement is contagious, so if I'm really excited about the project and put lots of time into it, I know people can feel that and feed off it.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Good food! I cannot express this enough. Good catering is essential. My lovely sister has come up to cater for both of the short films I've directed, and she is a magician in the kitchen and I am forever grateful. The crew works very hard and needs delicious sustenance. The other thing is just accepting that all your best laid plans might go out the window when it comes the actual shoot day - and that you have to trust you can rebuild something awesome in the edit with the footage you can get!

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

We recently finished shooting my second short film Exit, it's set in the early 2000's and there was a scene I wanted to do with a slow zoom in on a bus. So I hired a retro bus and got a bunch of friends to come be extras, our costume designer Ella-Mae got them all in Y2K wardrobe, we set up the shot and even on the very first rehearsal it looked even better than I'd hoped. It felt like a movie!! I think this was me and my DOP Bayley's favourite scene to shoot. It was magic.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I want to make people feel like their everyday lives are important. All the small moments, messy moments, hard moments - I just want people to be able to see it all in the larger context of the whole movie/their whole life, and appreciate it all - the way we do when we see a character go through moments in their stories.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

At the moment I'm super passionate about the screenwriting side of things. I just feel like a good scene can open the door to so many iconic and unusual visuals/cinematography - and that is a huge part of what sticks with me when I watch a movie. A script is also like a blueprint, and when it comes to the enormous amount of collaborating and communicating that's required to make a film, a strong blueprint is so important. There is infinite amounts to master, but it's a skill I really love working at.

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

I really love working as a camera assistant, and one of the more hard-to-master parts is actually marking the actors, as it requires a lot of attention, timing and understanding of the shot they're trying to achieve. I worked on a Disney musical recently which had a large cast and plenty of complicated moves. The times when I felt like I was managing the marking of a scene effectively, I could definitely see how it was elevating the scene by helping the actor, as well as the camera operators and gaffers who have set up to hit very specific angles and shots.

Matilda Boese-Wong

Age: 28

City: Tāmaki Makaurau

Area of expertise: Producer, Art Direction, Directing

How & why did you get into your area?

Being taken to see films at NZIFF as a child and competing in the Vista Foundation 48Hours as a teenager made me realise that there could be a space for me in filmmaking. I was film obsessed as a kid, but it took a long time for me to realise that it could be an option for me at all because I wasn't seeing people like me represented. Seeing Roseanne Liang's work and meeting her was instrumental for me, as I realised this was something I could pursue as an Asian New Zealander. Plus, she gave me my first ever on set experience on Flat 3! Without realising it during my time making films in high school and university, I naturally moved towards a producer role based on my skillset. Even from early on, being able to nurture and support a director's vision and see it through was hugely gratifying. I've always believed wholeheartedly in creating a safe and welcoming set environment and when you are in the producer role, you are instrumental in making this happen. For art dept, I am very obsessed with attention to detail, something that always inspired me when watching films was all of the set dressing. I love getting to know a character by seeing their bedroom and what they surround themselves with and how that defines them as a person in their world. I am obsessed with miniatures and a constant crafter, so working in art department satisfies my desire to create with my hands. I have been lucky enough to direct some music videos and it was truly meaningful for me to be able to step into this role and be trusted with these opportunities. Connecting with musicians and visualising their art was such a dream challenge for me and taught me a whole lot about creative problem solving.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

I know it is really easy to get caught up in self doubt and when you first start, the gap between what you want to create and what you can feasibly achieve feels so large. But, you just have to start somewhere! When you are younger and first starting out, you will be surprised by how many other people are out there who also just want to start creating. All you need to do is take the first brave step and start. Competing in the Vista Foundation 48Hours is a really great chance to force yourself to create, with real pathways into the industry. It doesn't matter what level you are at or what resources you have access to, it is a great opportunity to create, experiment and strengthen your collaborations. These films also count on film applications! Music videos are also a great way to get a start and flex your creative muscles, our music industry is full of amazing talent and getting a music video made is such a great mutual opportunity, that is much faster turnaround than a film.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

The deep desire to express and connect with others.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

One of my driving forces for entering the film industry was to contribute to changing representation in the screen arts. It is so important to ensure proper consultation and make sure that if marginalised communities are being represented that they are being properly heard. Ultimately my goal is always to make people feel seen or find connection with what they are watching on screen.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

Film is the most collaborative medium. I always try to reinforce with my team how lucky we are to all be contributing to a shared vision. I try to make sure that everyone to feels that their unique contribution is of value. I make a big effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to freely communicate and I actively check in with the whole team to make sure they are feeling heard on set. It only works if everyone can do their part, so it is integral that everyone is having a good time and able to thrive.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Making sure to acknowledge everyone's feelings and not brush over anything. Validating that there are challenges, but that we never have to face them alone. But at the same time, if there are moments where I can protect the crew from difficulties and solve them myself or with a few other people, that can be useful too.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

Working with someone like Gabi was honestly a dream come true. To find a collaborator like her was beyond special because we share such similar tastes and style. We were very ambitious with Gloss Finish and had a clear shared creative vision from the beginning, to be able to pull all of those concepts off was such an unbelievable joy. The trust we had in each other not only as director and producer but as shared production designers meant that we could see all of our ideas come to fruition. I was so proud to sit in the cinema and see all of our efforts finally culminate on the big screen.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

I got into film because of the lack of representation and misrepresentation. I want to make sure that the stories I am telling are uplifting, and are platforming voices that are less heard, less understood and under appreciated. I also have a big love and passion for surreal and magic realist genre elements and I want to create more of the weird and challenging on screen.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

As a producer, I have been really excited to step up into bigger roles and bigger scale projects from music videos to series and short films. It is so gratifying to realise your capability and what you can achieve. When I directed the music video Gradient for the band Recitals, I had a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve; hyperstylised and miniature focused. To create an end product that I was proud of, in a very quick turn around, proved to me the potential of my ability. It is a real luxury to work on something and actually be proud of it in the end, so it is important to treasure those moments!

Can you describe a moment where you contributed to elevating a project or solved a problem on set?

In Gloss Finish, Gabi had such a special attachment to Desperate Housewives and the themes it reflected to her in young adulthood. However, we were absolutely never going to afford licensing any of that footage or material. I suggested we recreate the show and make it our own, as "Despairing Homewives". It was such a special part of the film that I was very proud of.

Adam Scholz

Age: 27

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: Editorial

How & why did you get into your area?

I've always been fascinated by both technology and film. I started editing initially because I was curious about the software and quickly learned that it was the most accessible way for me to start creating the sorts of things I was interested in.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

WATCH MOVIES. Filmmaking is a language, especially editorial, and the best way to learn any language is to immerse yourself in it. It's easy as a filmmaker to spend all your time watching camera reviews or scene breakdowns or whatever your YouTube algorithm feeds you, but I think to make great films you need to have an understanding of the great films that came before you.

What motivates you to take on challenges and lead others in your filmmaking journey?

The impending sense of doom I feel when I'm not creating something. Maybe I'm wired wrong, but it often feels like making things is the only way I know how to express myself, so if I go too long without pouring myself into making some form of art, even something stupid or fun, I start to malfunction.

What inspires your storytelling, and how do you approach bringing fresh perspectives to the screen?

In editing, it's often the story itself that inspires me. There's generally a moment in every film I've cut where I find the aspect of the story that really clicks for me. Many of my directors have gotten long strings of excited texts from me at three in the morning where I'm rambling about some scene that I've fallen in love with or something I've found in a character that, just reading the script or watching the dailies, may have not been apparent. It's these parts of the story, the special little things I find along the way that I realize I can bring to life, that get me most excited about whatever film I'm cutting.

What does collaboration mean to you, and how do you inspire those you work with?

I think collaboration is the core of what makes filmmaking special; the interplay of ideas and approaches to a story. Each person brings something new to the table that no one else could have brought because our brains all work differently. My favorite example of this is in the director/editor relationship, when a director will say something along the lines of "I never would have thought to do it that way, but that works!" Usually, whatever choice I made simply seemed natural in the context of the coverage or the story to me, but to them I've just fundamentally changed the scene or beat we're working on. Hopefully I inspire others with the things I bring to the table in the same way they inspire me.

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

Surround yourself with talented hardworking people, first and foremost. When everyone on set shares the same goal; to make the best piece of art they possibly can given whatever set of constraints, no challenge is insurmountable. On an individual level, I think it all comes down to tenacity. Making movies is hard as hell and if you're the one on set causing problems, freaking out, or generally adding any additional stress to an already extremely stressful process, you're not going to last very long. If you want to make movies, recognize this is a team sport and be ready to give it everything you've got without being a pain to be around.

Can you share a project or moment where you felt your creative vision truly came to life?

No. But again, I think that's what's special about film! I don't hold my own creative vision in such high regard that I am singularly interested in achieving it, because I don't think any great film (even if some directors like to make it seem this way) was guided by a singular creative vision. Every film I've ever worked on, regardless of my position, has been vastly different from what I may have initially seen in my head reading the script; they're often better because tens to hundreds of different artists all contributed something along the way that couldn't have possibly been there in the initial script or storyboards.

What kind of stories do you hope to tell in the future, and what impact do you hope they'll have?

As an editor, I want to cut for any director who has a story that's meaningful to them. As a writer and a director, though, I want to tell stories that can be comforting to people like me in such a loud, overwhelming part of human history. My favorite films are the ones that make me feel less isolated in the world; films that highlight the power of human solidarity and collaboration, awaken class consciousness and—perhaps not quite as constructive, but fun; make the people who have chosen to spend their one life on earth making it worse for others, look like the soulless ghouls they are.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

Right now I'm really working on becoming a better writer. I absolutely love editorial and want to do it for the rest of my life, but I've realized I have a lot more to say than I previously realized, and writing lets me express those thoughts in a much more personal way than I can through editing.

Vavaki McNaughton

Age: 19

City: Auckland

Area of expertise: I am interested in Drama Script Writing and Drama Directing

How & why did you get into your area?

I grew up immersed in the film industry and have always seen the magic of storytelling and world building. The fast pace, high risk/high reward, bubbling energy of a set has always been intriguing and exciting for me.

What advice/tips would you give to others who want to make films?

It can be scary but I always say "do it scared". Put yourself and your stories forward because the worst that could happen is that you learn something, which is actually the best thing that could happen! If you make a mistake, learn from it, try again, and do it better next time! Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!

What are your tips for keeping morale up during challenging moments?

When things get really tough and I don't really know what to do, I typically laugh about it! Because at that point, what CAN you do? A tantrum isn't going to help anyone. Laugh it off, breathe, and then troubleshoot with a clearer mind.

What's a specific area of your craft you're passionate about mastering, and why does it excite you?

I try to incorporate Māori tikanga daily into my mahi from development through to delivery, so I'm really eager to master the industry lingo/calls in Te Reo Māori. It's already a rush for me to be on set and hear the calls being made, but to hear and speak the calls in Te Reo Māori would be a really beautiful, proud moment for me!