Kayleighsha Wharton
How long have you been in the industry and how did you get started?
I started out working in live television and events in Auckland but decided I wanted to change direction. I was passionate about film, so I moved to Wellington about two years ago to study filmmaking and get started in the industry here and have been in the film industry for roughly a year now.
Why did you choose film/TV as a career?
When I was younger I was interested in acting, but the more I became involved in what goes on behind the camera, I realised that this was more the career I wanted to pursue. I worked in different roles of camera operating, lighting, floor managing, and found I absolutely loved it. Film was the next step.
What has working experience taught you that study didn’t?
Working out in the industry has taught me the importance of making connections and lasting relationships. Who you know is just as important, if not more, than what you know. I have found most people are willing to teach you on the job if you are keen and come recommended. Also, seeing how a professional crew works on a job is definitely a great way to learn about the craft of such a hands-on, experience-driven industry.
Are you able to make a living in the industry? Do you work outside of it at all?
Again it’s about connections and lasting relationships. People remember your work ethic and I find they call on you for the paid work based on how you approach any job, even the ‘freebies’. It is hard to always be available for film work if you work outside of the industry, but from my experience there is always work in filmmaking, you just have to have the right connections and attitude about looking for it, whether it’s paid or a freebie.
What have you learnt about your department as a whole? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your department?
Production should be a well-oiled machine, when it isn’t it affects the shoot and especially the crew. Having worked in production and on set, you hear both sides of the story and it has definitely taught me what to do and what not to do for future projects. Everyone being aware of how every department works helps the whole shoot to run smoothly.
How easy or hard is it as a newbie in the industry? What are attitudes of other crew like to you?
It was difficult at first, but I have found most industry professionals come to respect you the more they see you on set. Getting on set is the best thing to do, no matter what your role is. It is definitely easier to get there if you are willing, hardworking, and follow on-set protocols.
What strengths do you think the NZ industry has? What could contribute to a more sustainable industry?
The NZ film industry has a real can-do attitude and I have found that everybody is keen to lend a hand on set in order to have the best possible outcome for the film. Our industry can only grow and if bigger-scale productions continue to be made in NZ, I believe we can become more sustainable.
