Pre-production is where the groundwork for the entire film is laid, and I place a strong emphasis on this phase because I believe it’s the key to a smooth and efficient production process. A well-prepared set results in high-quality work, saves time, and minimizes unnecessary costs. My approach is rooted in collaboration with the director and other creatives, ensuring that we have a unified vision before we even begin shooting.
What I Offer in Pre-Production:
Collaboration with the Director:
I work closely with directors to understand their vision, story, and themes. It’s important for me to understand not just what is needed visually, but the emotional undercurrent that will shape each shot. I don’t just follow instructions—I offer my own perspective based on my experience and expertise. This collaboration helps us align our creative visions and ensures we are prepared to execute it fully when production begins.
Storyboarding and Shot Planning:
I firmly believe in the power of planning ahead. Together with the director, I develop detailed storyboards to visualize the entire narrative. Every shot is considered in terms of its role within the story—how it drives the emotion, mood, and overall pacing. This allows us to troubleshoot potential problems before they arise, optimizing time and resources.
Location Scouting:
Once we’ve mapped out the visual direction, I participate in location scouting to find spaces that complement the story and the mood we aim to evoke. It’s not just about finding a good-looking space; it’s about ensuring the location can accommodate the technical needs of the shoot, such as lighting conditions, sound, and camera angles. I always keep practical concerns in mind to avoid surprises on set.
Previs and Animatics:
If the project timeline allows, I like to take it a step further by creating simple animatics or previs (pre-visualization). This process helps to give the entire team a sense of how the film will flow, how shots will cut together, and whether the pacing feels right. Watching a rough cut of the entire film in its basic form allows us to evaluate everything before we commit to shooting, saving valuable time later in production.
Equipment and Gear Preparation:
I own a Blackmagic camera, which I use for its cinematic look and versatility. However, I understand that the right tool for the job is crucial. I’m not someone who insists on using high-end gear like an Alexa unless it truly benefits the project. In pre-production, I assess the needs of the story and make sure that we choose the most suitable equipment, whether it’s a camera, lenses, or lighting. I ensure all gear is tested and ready, so when we hit set, we can focus on capturing the best possible shots without any technical distractions.
Budget and Schedule Alignment:
A significant aspect of pre-production is making sure that our ambitious ideas align with the budget and schedule. I work with producers and department heads to assess whether the scope of the project is feasible within the given constraints. I’ve worked on both small indie films and larger projects, so I understand how to balance creative vision with practical limits.
Why Pre-Production Matters:
In my experience, the better the prep, the smoother the production. Knowing exactly what we’re doing before we even pick up a camera allows us to focus on making each shot better instead of solving logistical problems on the fly. Pre-production is the time to be meticulous and make decisions that will pay off down the line, helping us stay on schedule and avoid costly mistakes.
In the production phase, I focus on maintaining a smooth, professional, and efficient set environment. Every shot is carefully planned, but I'm also ready to adapt to changes as they come. I work closely with the director to ensure their vision is executed to the highest standard, and I take pride in leading the team with clear communication and focus. My goal is to balance creativity with efficiency, ensuring that each moment captured serves the story, all while maintaining a collaborative and positive atmosphere on set.
Efficient and Focused Set Environment
On set, I prioritize creating a calm, organized, and efficient environment. While communication is key, I avoid unnecessary chatter to keep everyone focused on the task at hand. A streamlined, professional atmosphere helps the crew stay sharp, and I ensure that everyone knows their role and is working towards the same vision.
Collaborative Camera Operation
I approach camera operation with a spirit of collaboration. I work closely with the director to bring their vision to life through the lens, making sure the shot composition and movement align with the overall narrative. Whether it's framing, blocking, or choosing the right angles, I’m always thinking ahead, making sure each shot contributes meaningfully to the story.
Problem Solving on the Fly
Even with the most thorough pre-production prep, challenges can arise during filming. My ability to adapt and troubleshoot ensures that we stay on track, even when unexpected obstacles appear. Whether it’s adjusting the shot due to changing conditions or finding a solution when equipment fails, I’m quick to think creatively and solve problems efficiently.
Attention to Detail
During production, I maintain a strong focus on the details that contribute to the overall quality of the film. From ensuring continuity to double-checking the lighting, every element matters. I’m constantly reviewing the footage to make sure everything aligns with the vision and adjusting as needed to ensure consistency across all shots.
Flexible and Adaptive Leadership
While I maintain a quiet professionalism, I’m always approachable and open to input from the team. I understand that collaboration is key, so I’m always ready to adapt, whether it’s tweaking a shot based on new ideas or supporting the crew in whatever way they need. The film is a team effort, and I respect everyone’s contribution.
Safety and Set Etiquette
Safety on set is a top priority. I ensure that all necessary precautions are in place, from lighting to stunts, so the crew can focus on their work without concern. I also foster a positive, respectful set culture, where every team member feels valued and heard.
Time Management
Time is one of our most valuable resources, and I work to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality. I plan our shooting days carefully, ensuring that we hit all our necessary shots while leaving room for any adjustments. My attention to scheduling and time management ensures we stay on track and on budget, no matter the size of the production.
Post-production is where the film truly comes to life. It's a phase where the raw footage is crafted into a final product that delivers the intended emotional and visual experience. I focus on meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving to ensure the final cut achieves the director’s vision and maintains consistency in tone and style.
Comprehensive Editing
Editing is where the story begins to take shape. Whether working alongside an editor or handling the editing myself, I ensure the process is tailored to the client’s needs. From assembling the footage to refining pacing and narrative structure, I focus on maintaining the film’s rhythm and emotional impact. My goal is always to keep the story at the forefront, trimming excess and ensuring the final cut is both dynamic and engaging
Sound Design and Mixing
With a deep passion for audio as a hobbyist audiophile, I bring a heightened technical understanding of sound to every project. I pay close attention to every detail, ensuring dialogue, sound effects, and music are blended seamlessly to create a rich, immersive auditory experience. Whether working with a dedicated sound team or handling it myself, I focus on achieving clear, crisp audio that complements the film’s emotional tone.
Visual Effects (if applicable)
For projects requiring visual effects, I work closely with VFX artists to ensure that any necessary effects integrate smoothly into the final product. Whether it's enhancing practical effects or adding digital elements to the film, I maintain a collaborative approach to ensure the effects serve the story and don’t detract from the overall aesthetic.
Colour Grading
I have a strong passion for colour grading and take pride in my ability to craft a visually compelling final look that enhances the storytelling. With an intermediate to semi-professional skill level, I’m proficient in DaVinci Resolve and can achieve a wide range of cinematic styles, from bold, stylized looks to more natural, balanced tones. Whether I handle the grading myself or collaborate with a dedicated colourist, I ensure that the final grade elevates the mood and emotion of the film. The choice is always up to the client, as I strive to align the process with their vision.
Final Review & Adjustments
Once all elements are in place, I do a final review of the entire film to make sure every detail aligns with the vision. I fine-tune elements as necessary, adjusting color, sound, and pacing to ensure the film achieves its intended impact. This stage is critical for ensuring the final product is as polished and cohesive as possible before delivery.
Let’s Make It Happen
While my primary focus is on creating compelling stories, I understand that budgeting is an essential part of the filmmaking process. For pricing, I typically follow the NZ Screen Guild rate card as a guideline, though I’m open to discussing the specifics depending on your project’s scale and budget. If you're working with a tighter budget, let’s talk and see how we can make it work. My aim is to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life, no matter the financial constraints.