Gavin Legge

Gavin Legge is a Wellington-based SPFX technician and trainee who has rejoined the film business after a career in many other tech-based industries. He took the time out to tell us a bit about himself.

What have you done in your working life before you started in film?

Mechanic work, lots of telecommunications (many platforms and networks), movie camera technician (Film Facilities/Panavision), own business (technology). About 10 years ago, a contract to connect different technologies together to help build a motion base.

What attracted you to the film industry? Or did you just find yourself doing it by accident?!

I fell into it briefly 10 years ago, after being asked if I might be able to get some systems talking together to help create a motion base. I then went back to telecommunications after enjoying a taste of the film industry and enjoying the people and diversity of work.

You must still like it because you have joined the Guild. What is it about the film industry that’s keeping you here?

I’m hoping to get more and more involved, and help to service/operate and maintain existing equipment as well as help develop future equipment. I enjoy the people and diversity of challenges. I’m still adjusting to the independent working – that is not have a direct boss (in the traditional sense). It’s a challenge after many years in the corporate world.

What are you hoping to get out of your Guild membership? And what would you like to contribute and put back in?

I hope to keep in touch with the industry and stay up to date with events and changes. Also, I hope to be able to be more in touch with other members. I’ll be happy to contribute however I can as time allows. I’m still pretty new, so its hard to say at this point.

What’s been your best day on a film set? And what has been your worst?

The best day so far would have to be the day the SPFX crew blew up a structure recently. It was really quite something to be involved with, and to see the result of several tasks blended together on set the same night. It was really great!

The worst? Hard to pick. I like to feel as though I achieve something most days, so when things are slow with little going on, it can be a challenge.

What do you think the NZ film industry can do better? What do we already do very well?

I feel like I’ve been in the game for such a short time, I don’t really have an opinion on this yet.

Thanks Gavin. We look forward to seeing you on set!