Andrew Galt

How long have you been in the industry and how did you get started?

I got started at the NZ Film and Television School in Wellington and I’ve been working since I graduated from there in December 2014. I have been lucky enough to always have something on or coming up so I’m fairly busy.

Why did you choose film/TV as a career?

Because it’s a challenge mentally, physically and emotionally. Movies and TV is where you can experience all those things that real life cannot always offer. To me there is nothing cooler than being involved in making that come to life.

What has working experience taught you that study didn’t?

The mood of a real set and the mindset of others working in the industry. How people are making it in the real world and how projects come together. To keep working as often as you can, you are going to meet fantastic people. I’ve learnt a lot about how projects come together in the real world.

Are you able to make a living in the industry? Do you work outside of it at all?

I currently can’t make a living in the industry but I am getting closer and closer. I work a full-time casual job during the week. I think it’s difficult for a lot of people to make a living solely within the industry.

What have you learnt about your department as a whole? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your department?

I have learnt that, as with all departments, it is important and complex and can be artistically rewarding. I enjoy gripping because it’s a good physical job but I would like to work in the future in a position with more creative input.

How easy or hard is it as a newbie in the industry? What are attitudes of other crew like to you?

I believe it is totally up to the individual and whether or not they make it easy or hard for themselves. In saying that though I do think filmmaking is an inherently challenging endeavour, with or without the economics, but that is partly what makes it worth doing.

What strengths do you think the NZ industry has? What could contribute to a more sustainable industry?

I couldn’t say this early on. I don’t think I have enough experience or grasp of the big picture to comment on the NZ industry specifically but I would say to me it feels like a good time to be in the industry, there is a good atmosphere. As far as a sustainable industry is concerned, it’s like anything as long as it’s quality, people will keep coming back.