Taulua Moimoi

When did you join the film industry? And what was it that attracted you to film?

I joined the Film Industry in 2000 as a Runner for a TVC Production company. When the Office Manager left to work on Jackson’s Wharf I took over her position. As an Office Manager, I was fortunate to work with experienced Production teams, and see first hand how they operated. My role was basically to assist with Production, Directors, shoot preparation and day to day running of the Company, and most importantly - making coffee.

I became interested in freelancing and looked into Location Scouting, this was mainly because it was always difficult to find and book a Location Scout. Location Scouts were always busy, and in my mind this was a good indication that I would be guaranteed work.

After speaking with a couple of very experienced Location Scouts I went freelance. Being a Location Scout was an opportunity to shoot a location in a way that filled the brief, and from which a Director might see the potential to shoot at the location option presented. My intention was never to manage, but I kept being asked, and after assisting, and on set managing I earned my stripes so to speak.

Storytelling was and still is what attracted me to film.

What do you enjoy most about the work?

I guess I mostly enjoy reading a script, envisaging the location, and then looking for it. Finding the right location that ticks the boxes is most rewarding. Having a location shoot day run smoothly is also great, but surely there’s nothing better than a good park up? Lol.

Why did you choose to join the Techos’ Guild? What do you want to get out of your membership of the Guild?

This is a really good question, and one that I’ve thought over and not taken lightly. I’ve always looked at the Techos’ Guild as an organisation that helps to mediate problems, or unfair working conditions. I’ve never had time or good reason to join until recently.

I am extremely fortunate that I was mentored by someone that really taught me the ins and outs of the Locations role. Most recently I’ve observed the Locations role as one that is only becoming more and more challenging. The time it takes to build relationships with location owners, the time it takes to put film permits together, navigating which organisation deals with what within the permitting process, and the amount of time that consultation takes can be huge - depending on the location.

What concerns me is where there are short cuts, or unreasonable expectations asked of the Locations Department without the right amount of resources, time or information provided to manage these expectations.

I’m not sure if the Techos’ Guild is able to ensure fair and equitable workplace practices, but I think it’s a good place to start, and a good organisation to be involved with in being an advocate for change for better working conditions.

What is your career path? What work would you like to be doing in the future? What might stand in your way?

Hmmm my career path? Retirement? haha. In the future I’d like to be doing something creative - don’t we all!

I’d like to think that nothing would stand in my way however, time is the one thing that I may be short on.

What do you want to see the Guild doing in the future?

To be honest I’m not sure, as I’m still trying to get my head around exactly what the Guild does, but I’m definitely keen in finding out what that is.

Ask me next year, I’m sure I’ll have a much better answer for you then!