Jymi Best

How long have you been in screen production and how did you get started?

I started in 2003 when I attended the NZ film and TV school in Wellington. I was one of the very early classes at the school, class 6 or 7 I think. The industry professionals I met at the school as tutors, were the first people to give me a chance as a technician. Namely Ken Saville, cheers for that mate.

Why did you choose film/TV as a career?

Even from a young age I never wanted to do anything else. I was a huge film and TV nerd. I planned to become a director but got sucked into camera dept, and never found my way out.

What do you believe the industry - and the government - should do to strengthen the industry?

Investment in building more professional facilities, having forethought and planning for the future. There is a lack of trainees coming through resulting in very 'green' people being shoehorned into roles beyond them.

Possibly a subsidy to encourage production companies to hire more trainee staff and crew who'll have the time to train them properly.

This will future proof the industry and legitimise film work as a career.

Why have you chosen to join/rejoin the Guild. What do you want and expect of the Guild?

I’m interested in getting more involved in industry issues and the advice and guidance of the guild will be invaluable.

What strengths do you think the NZ industry has? How do you see New Zealand's industry growing in the future?

I think our biggest strength is our hard working and skilled crew, who approach film making from a unique perspective. If we invest to capitalize on the current world climate, which sees NZ as a very attractive place to film, growth should be positive not just for the short term but into the future.