Remembering Debbie Sinton

On June 10th, the New Zealand film industry lost one of its true greats. Sadly, the wonderful Debbie Sinton passed away after a fast and fierce battle with cancer. A battle she fought with quiet courage and grace.

My first job with Deb was about 18 years ago at Flying Fish in Sentinel Rd. I had been told to expect a ‘tough cookie’ so I was a little apprehensive to meet her. She was all set up and ready to go by the time I arrived at 8 and hammered me with a dozen pertinent questions. I answered them, we had a laugh, admired each other’s shoes, then she just sat down and got on with the job. We hit it off straight away. Her knowledge and experience proved invaluable to me on that project and I knew I’d found a gem.

From that point on, when a job confirmed, Deb was my first phone call. And when she said she was available, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and said to myself, “Thank God I’ve got Sinton!”

I knew she’d be all over it and think of all the little things I hadn’t. Her technical knowledge far surpassed my own and I came to rely on her for sorting all things camera, grip, and gaffer related. Much to the relief of the camera, grip, and lighting departments.

If Deb was PM, crew were assured that they would have all the gear and support they needed to get the job done.

Deb had a reputation for being tough but in all the years I worked with her we never exchanged a cross word. I witnessed her putting some newbie production assistants through their paces, but if they survived Deb’s production boot-camp then they would more than likely survive a future in production in the film industry. Deb was quick to spot talent and our industry has benefitted enormously from her mentorship and wisdom to those smart enough to listen and learn.

Deb’s incredible support has been vital to me over the years and for that, I will be eternally grateful. She worked incredibly hard and had an eagle eye for detail. She made me look good and always had my back. She was so much fun to work with – easy to laugh and happy to be laughed at (essential qualities for working in the film industry).

I feel incredibly lucky to have known Deb professionally, and equally lucky to have had such a gracious, kind-hearted, honest, trustworthy, and loyal friend.

We have lost one of the great ones. Deb, you will be sorely missed. Look after your bits, Mrs.