TE MAHI I TE AHUMAHI KIRIATA
Working in the screen industry
Screen Auckland, alongside Tātaki Auckland Unlimited colleagues and key screen sector partners, supports the development of a world-class, skilled workforce in New Zealand.
We are unable to directly connect job seekers with screen companies for employment, but have provided information on how you can start your journey to working in the film production sector.
How to get started
Although a qualification is not necessarily required to enter the industry, there are a wealth of programmes with screen or digital related courses on offer to help you define your interests and start developing your skillset. Some of the larger programmes in Auckland are run by:
- Unitec
Unitec offers a wide ranging selection of creative subjects and screen programmes with everything from short courses to degrees and masters programmes available. Subjects include production, direction, animation, technical, costume, acting, post-production, writing and more.
- Auckland University of Technology
AUT’s screen production major sits within the communications degree, a masters communications programme is also available. As well as screen production, graduates leave with knowledge of media theory, journalism, radio, digital media, advertising and public relations.
- Media Design School
With a focus on digital skills including 3D Animation and VFX, Game Design and Development and Creative Rechnologies, Media Design School offer everything from micro-credentials through to degrees and masters programmes.
- The University of Auckland
Students can choose a major in Media and Screen Studies as one of their two BA degree majors at the University of Auckland which includes a range of filmmaking skills. Postgraduate and doctoral studies are also available.
- SAE Creative Media Institute
SAE offers screen production courses at a diploma and degree level with a range of subjects taught including, directing, post-production, screenwriting, production, technical and more.
- Yoobee South Seas Film & Television School
Offering practical screen courses for over 30 years, Yoobee South Seas Film & Television School specialises in 1 – 2 year intensive courses. Students can choose from a range of subjects including screenwriting, directing, technical, production, post-production, acting, art department and more.
If you are looking for work in the screen industry, Screen Auckland suggests you monitor screen industry listings and diary services in New Zealand, and apply for jobs directly with New Zealand-based production companies.
If you are new to the screen industry, the skills and requirements outlined in the listings will help you work out whether you have the appropriate qualification and whether it is aligned with your goals.
For new crew members, gaining that initial experience can also help you work out which departments and roles you want to work towards, as well as making contacts.
- Listings and job sites
You can list yourself, or sign up to receive listings from:
- The Databook
- Crewlist
- Crew Auckland (and its counterpart, Crew Wellington)
- Filmcrews
- The Big Idea
More general New Zealand job sites will also have opportunities for media or screen related roles:
- Gaining experience
Check out opportunities like:
- Progressing your career
- Talent development programmes from the New Zealand Film Commission, which also often offer further development opportunities in partnership with the screen guilds.
- Join your guild and get networking! You can find the screen guilds of New Zealand listed on our Partners page.
These are industry organisations and membership groups that support filmmakers, helping people find their way in the industry, and depending on the craft or group of filmmakers the guild represents, may run regular events like workshops and networking opportunities, as well as career development, certification programmes, or awards. - Share The Knowledge run industry-led training courses, some of which are entry level, though they’re often better suited for mid-career and upskilling crew.
- Attend clinics or workshops from the festivals like Doc Edge, WIFT, SPADA, (and more)
You will also find a wide range of screen and film communities on social media, particularly on Facebook, which may include collaborating on projects or posts with job opportunities. These groups are often specific to a region, so search for groups where you plan to base yourself. Here are some examples:
- Community groups
- Stay up to date
Screen Auckland and New Zealand Film Commission newsletters provide updates on the local film industry, events, job opportunities, and filmmakers and films being funded.
Subscribe by following the links below:
