Industry Momentum and Reflections

Hi all,

Jeebers, what a couple of months it has been. The industry roller-coaster appears to be heading nowhere but Up right now, without much sign of slowing down. But, we know that all things must pass and all bubbles must burst, as our friends in the US, the UK, Asia and around the world are finally getting closer to being able to resume a normal working life, so it will be that some of the deluge of jobs that have poured into Aotearoa in the last 12 months will slow down.

But, there is also every reason to believe that even when the tide does finally go out, it still won't be going out as far as it once did, with greater studio and crew capacity available in Aotearoa than we had a year ago, and even more productions having seen what this incredible country and industry has to offer, it's probably safe to bet that the golden days won't evaporate back to nothing anytime soon.

The necessity of taking on and training up new crew, in all departments, has never been greater. Unlike the trades, there is no government certified 'apprenticeship scheme in film, so it is up to us to keep the new blood coming in.

The idea of an official apprenticeship in film is an intriguing one, and smarter people than me are discussing what such a scheme might look like. We hope to have a story on the possibility soon.

In the meantime, welcome to issue 88. It's been a beast to get out, mainly because yours truly has been on set most of the last few months, happily back on the tools on a fantastic Wellington-set feature film and then a bunch of TVC's. But, planning and production of this issue has been squeezed in around long days at work.

Inside, you'll find a farewell piece from Annabelle Sheehan, who is leaving the NZFC to return to her home in Australia. She has been on our side of the pond during one of the most tumultuous and unpredictable years imaginable and her contribution to the New Zealand film industry will be remembered.

And, sadly, you will find an obituary for Paul Richards, written by his great mate Neil - Stich – Stichbury. It's a timely reminder that the dangers in this industry aren't always the obvious ones. In our next issue, we will be running a detailed piece on the dangers of Melanoma and skin cancer for all outdoor workers, especially, in New Zealand. In the meantime, we can mourn, and hopefully also reflect and learn.

In this issue we also remember SPFX legend Paul Verrall, who died in a tragic accident in February.

All best,

GT.