Beyond Blockbusters: Virtual Production on a Limited Budget
Thursday 24 July 2025 | Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
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 VFX Guild and Massey University | National Academy of Screen Arts
Who Should Attend
VFX Artists | Directors | Writers | Producers | Technicians | Animators
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 – 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.
Panel 2 – 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.
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.
Matt Henley | Director of Photography
Matt Henley is an Award winning director of photography, shooting films, TV, music videos, special effects, animation commercials and broadcast programming. Recent credits include The Rule of Jenny Penn, The Mountain and Bad Behaviour. He has recently been working with virtual production technologies.
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.
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 and Massey University students and staff
Venue:
Massey University Screen Arts Academy – Virtual Production Studio
Old Museum Building, Entrance D, Top of Tory Street, Wellington