Elena Watson
Every issue we like to profile a newbie to the Guild. Meet Elena Watson. She’s following a long-held dream and working her way into the industry one job at a time. We’re stoked to feature her here.
How long have you been in screen production and how did you get started?
I’ve only been working periodically for one year in the industry. After receiving NZ residency at the end of 2014 I decided that I would go for it. I played with the idea of attending a film school but after doing some research and singling out the jobs that would interest me, I dismissed that idea. I already have most qualities necessary to do the jobs from running my own businesses and any details I can learn on the job much better.
I found two websites that listed available crew and talent jobs and waited. My first job was with a promising independent film. I helped with casting, locations, making props (I have about $50,000 of fake money sitting at home) and even filling a small acting role. After that one stalled, I got a call from the MTV production office to help out as a runner on Shannara and it went from there. I signed up with Filmcrews and the last job I got through Sioux was in November as 2nd AD, going up to The Pinnacles, joining a group of lovely people doing aerial pick-ups for Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
I’ve had my eye on screen production since I drove my son around Florida for his acting career back in the States. Whether it was a student film or big-budget production, it was obvious that people loved what they were doing because the operations were running like clockwork. I loved watching the different departments coming together and creating a piece of magic, the work atmosphere was amazing. That’s when I realized that this business is for me. I’ve never experienced that kind of commitment in any workplace, and I’ve tried a lot of different things. To me, working in film and TV is exciting, every day brings new challenges. Nothing is ever the same and one has to be flexible and sometimes improvise to get the job done.
I’m sure there are also days when people get it wrong and tempers are colliding but so far I’ve not experienced that.
What have you learnt on the job that no one ever told you?
How to use ‘walkies’!
Are you able to make a living out of working in film, or do you still take employment out of film?
No, not at all. I am still helping in our family business, which lets me be very flexible if film work comes up. I’d love to be able to work full time or at least have a good freelance work schedule going. I know that will come in time but – I just can’t wait!
What have you learnt about your department? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
I haven’t quite done enough work to decide on a department to answer that question. At present I would still take on any position really to get more on-set experience and eventually work my way up to an AD position, continuity, or possibly something in props or art department.
At the moment I’m learning about continuity and editing from books, as it is close to impossible to get a trainee job in film or TV. I’ve managed to find two positions now, that I will be script supervising and see how I get on with that.
What are the NZ industry’s greatest strengths? Where do you think it could improve? How could we become a more sustainable industry?
From what I’ve experienced and read, NZ has quality crews that can make mountains move. I also know that a new big state-of-the-art film production hub is in the planning and that would definitely make the NZ film industry even more competitive internationally. I believe that it could be beneficial to run short courses or training workshops for the commonly used industry softwares.
What role do you see the Guild playing in your career and work conditions?
I joined the Guild to be able to get guidance and help if I come to a crossroad.
