Lisa Marshall
How long have you been in the industry and how did you get started?
I started out studying photography prior to 2013 when I trained at South Seas School of Film and Television, specialising in camera, lighting and audio. I was drawn to the technical side and the creative flair of this sector of the industry. While I was studying I jumped at the opportunity of work experience on a low-budget sci-fi called ARA (still in post-production). We filmed over the weekends for about five months. This is where and how I really cut my teeth and grounded my passion in all aspects of filmmaking. There have been so many other highlights – I was thrilled to be offered an internship at Greenpeace in their AV department, work experience as a 3rd AD on Terry Teo and the Gunrunners, a day as camera trainee on Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II and as a camera assist on Fair Go and Luna’s World.
Why did you choose film/TV as a career?
I started out because I love the storytelling aspect of film/TV and the ability it has to communicate and affect emotions and to convey concepts to individuals, to educate, enlighten and entertain. I have a lot of respect for the power that the medium holds. Through my studies and work experience I’ve found a career that I have a lot of passion and energy for. I love being part of a crew.
What has working experience taught you that study didn’t?
All the hands-on real daily practicalities of making films/TV series/TVCs. It’s helped me to develop my set eyes and ears in a way you can never learn at school. Then it’s all the awesome tips and tricks people take the time and pleasure showing me and teaching me. Just before graduating, I was offered an internship at Greenpeace in their AV department and had to learn all aspects of videography, from conception to completion. I learnt to produce, direct, shoot, edit, etc. This experience has been invaluable, and through it, I’ve learnt that I love all aspects of videography, filmmaking, etc.
Are you able to make a living in the industry? Do you work outside of it at all?
Last year it was very hard but I got offered a lot of freebie work, which I jumped at, and some paid work mostly as a production runner/assistant. This year has been much easier. I’m still not fully surviving off industry work, but the majority of work I do is now in the industry. Things have picked up, and it’s made it easier for a newbie like me to pick up work.
What have you learnt about your department as a whole? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your department?
That technology is advancing so rapidly, and great tools are being made available across the whole industry that are opening up a myriad of creative and productive possibilities in filmmaking, which is awesome. But the advancement in technology has seen quite a few of the ‘trainee’ roles disappear. I’ve heard many camera department crew say it’s more difficult these days to get a foot in the door with a trainee role because of the changeover to digital. My work experience has spanned across three different departments. In all, I’ve learnt that a good set of set eyes and ears is invaluable. Being able to pre-empt a request or need helps the production run smoothly in all aspects. Everyone makes mistakes (once that is). Effective, brief, concise, and accurate communication is vital. There’s a lot to be learnt and many great teachers.
How easy or hard is it as a newbie in the industry? What are attitudes of other crew like to you?
It’s hard in the beginning, learning all the ropes and all the ins and outs. The crews I’ve worked with have been awesome though, very supportive and encouraging, always willing to answer my stupid questions. When they could, they’ve taken the time to share their knowledge, debrief, share stories (especially the ‘mistake I made’ stories). I could name so many people who have contributed to my journey, supported me, made me feel comfortable, and helped me out, but the list would be rather long. All I can say is if you’re reading this and have worked with me and have been one of those people, thank you so much.
What strengths do you think the NZ industry has? What could contribute to a more sustainable industry?
The amazing can-do attitude, number 8 wire across all the departments. So many times I’ve witnessed a crafty crew member or a team of crew members create what’s required to get that shot, and it’s awesome. Committed people that create for the love of it, dedicating their weekends to being part of a crew that just love what they do. Huge talent, great energy, vibrancy, creative storytelling, quirky tales, commitment, dedication, and passion are just some of the strengths that I see in getting projects across the finishing line.
Funding is always sought after but I see currently there are some great schemes that support up and coming filmmakers. It would be great to have more outlets for viewing some of the amazing projects that are going on out there, some kind of promotional hub that allows Kiwi filmmakers across the board to get their work out there.
Continual support of the big projects both kiwi and international that give us all the opportunity to earn our living loving what we do.
