Beyond Blockbusters: Virtual Production On A Limited Budget

Virtual Production (VP) isn’t just for blockbusters anymore. From indie dramas to short-form content and commercials, creatives across Aotearoa are integrating LED volumes and real-time environments into locally made projects—often with tight budgets and lean teams.

This event is your chance to hear firsthand how Virtual Production is being used on the ground in New Zealand. What works, what doesn’t, how to plan for it, price it, and integrate it at the writing and development stage. Whether you're a director, writer, producer, technician, animator, or VFX artist—this night is for you.

Presented by the Visual Effects Professionals Guild, Women in Film and Television and Massey University | National Academy of Screen Arts.

Who Should Attend:

VFX Artists | Directors | Writers | Producers | Technicians | Animators | Advertisers | Marketers

Learn how to:

• Incorporate VP into story development & preparation
• Understand practical uses for small-scale production
• Hear from those already doing it in NZ

What to Expect:

• A walkthrough of Massey’s purpose-built Virtual Production Stage
• Two expert panels covering feature films and short-form projects
• Networking with fellow creatives, collaborators, and VP professionals
• A cash bar, light refreshments, and an after party at Havana

Panel 1 – Short Form & TVC

Moderated by: Nicci Lock | Strategic Advisor, Producer & Post Production Producer

Nicci is Strategic Advisor, Producer and Post Production Producer with 30 years in screen, education, and government. Her expertise spans governance, production, and business development in VFX, post, animation, and tech. For 15 years, she has strengthened industry-education ties, advocated for investment, and expanded exports. She is an investor in genre film company Admit One Entertainment and Terror-Fi Film Festival and owner and CEO of of Goldilocks Productions.

Richard Bluck | Cinematographer

Richard Bluck, NZCS, is a New Zealand Cinematographer who has worked in the Screen Industry for 45 years. He has worked as a Cinematographer on Avatar: The Way of the Water, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, The Hobbit trilogies, Mortal Engines, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, The Monkey King 3: Kingdom of Women, Black Sheep and many other feature films.

Matt Eastwood | Director

Matt Eastwood's dry wit combined with imaginative visuals creates a subtle absurdity that makes his work distinct and entertaining. From the odd and offbeat to the dark and heartfelt, Matt’s versatility spans genres. Drawing nuanced performances and striking visuals, he has established a body of work that is unified under his distinct conceptual eye.

Adrian (Wookie) Hebron | Gaffer

One of NZ’s most experienced Gaffers, Wookie has worked on some of New Zealand's largest productions including Pete's Dragon, Krampus and Lord of the Rings. Over his 35-year career, he’s seen the role of Gaffer transform alongside major advances in lighting technology.

Jacob Luamanuvae-Su’a | Animator

Jacob Luamanuvae-Su’a is an award-winning Samoan animator with 20 years at WētāFX and over 40 blockbuster film credits, including Avengers: Endgame, Deadpool, and Black Panther 2. He earned an Annie Award for animating Thanos and now leads Song of Sina, a saga retelling Samoan legends. He's currently working on Avatar sequels.

Panel 2 – Indie Features

Moderated by: Sharon Lark | VFX Producer

Sharon is an independent VFX Producer, based in London for 30 years working on major international features: Prince of Persia, The Chronicles of Narnia and Casino Royale, among others. After relocating home to NZ, she has worked on co-productions: Thunderbirds are Go, The Luminaries, Australia's Cleverman TV Series, and A24's Mr Corman as well as many other NZ & Australian productions. She is passionate about advocating for the NZ VFX Industries' future and wahine in the workforce.

Jonathan King | Director

Jonathan King has written and directed feature films Black Sheep, Under the Mountain and Realiti. His graphic novel for kids, The Inkberg Enigma was published internationally by Gecko Press in 2020. He teaches Film in the Screen Arts programme at Massey University and is in pre-production on Black Sheeps – the sequel to his debut feature.

Charlie Tait | VFX Supervisor

VFX Supervisor with over 30 years of experience in the visual effects industry, including more than two decades at Wētā FX. With over 60 major feature film credits, Charles has contributed to some of the highest-grossing and most iconic films of all time. His work includes multiple entries in the Avatar, Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes, and Marvel franchises — films that have defined modern visual effects and global box office records.

Event Schedule:

5:30 PM – Tour of Massey University’s VP Stage

6:00 PM – Networking (nibbles provided, cash bar) & Tours of Massey University’s National Screen Arts Academy

7:00 PM – Panel discussions

9:00 PM – After Party @ Havana Bar

Tickets:

$25 Non- VFXG Members

$10 Student (non-member)

Free for VFXG Members, WIFT Members and Massey University’s Students and Staff

Venue:

Massey University Screen Arts Academy – Virtual Production Studio

Old Museum Building, Entrance D, Top of Tory Street, Wellington

Grab your tickets now!: https://www.vfxg.nz/event-calendar#!event/2025/7/24/virtual-production-event-massey-wellington-save-the-date

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