First Work Placement Announced WELLINGTON PARANORMAL
“Jemaine and I have always been supportive of developing younger talent and crew on Wellington Paranormal in the past. We recognise the value Kahurangi Toi Ātea has in educating the next wave of workers we need to maintain the high standards the local film and TV industry has set. We look forward to meeting some of the new students on set as we bring back this crazy local comedy later this year.”
Kahurangi Toi Ātea participants will begin their 2026 work placements with Wellington Paranormal, with six selected participants working alongside experienced mentors on set. This provides a valuable opportunity to gain real world industry experience and see their classroom learning put into practice within a professional film and television environment.
Participants will work towards agreed learning goals, supported by regular checkins with the Kahurangi Toi Ātea team and industry mentors. The placement is designed to build confidence, practical skills and an understanding of the expectations of working in a specific role on a professional production.
2026 COURSES
ON OFFER
- Technical (Level 3) – Camera Assist
- Technical (Level 3) – Grip and Lighting
- Production (Level 3) – Production Assist, Cast Driver, Production Runner
- Art (Level 3) – Costume Assist
- Art (Level 3) – Make Up Assist
- Art (Level 4) – Props, Set Dressing and Specialty
The Industry Professionals
VICTORIA DABBS
Intro to Screen/Production
Victoria Dabbs is a producer at one of New Zealand’s leading production companies VELVET MOSS. Victoria is an international Producer, Line Producer and Production Accountant who has worked on films and television series in Europe, Asia and Australasia.
EMMA SLADE
Intro to Screen/Production
Owner of the prolific New Zealand-based film and television company, Velvet Moss (previously known as Firefly Films), Emma Slade is known for cultivating a diverse slate, with dynamic film makers and talented cast.
ALIX WHITTAKER
Intro to Screen
Alix’s focus is on developing and producing work by strong, authentic Kiwi voices. Alix was one of 12 fledgling film producers picked by the New Zealand Film Commission for the inaugural ‘A-Z Producing Course’ presented by AFTRS in 2017.
CARLY TURNER
Intro to Screen
Carly Turner has been in post production for over 21 years, starting out editing children’s TV and documentary in Australia. She moved to assistant editing when pursuing a career in feature dramas, and was the first assistant editor for several large budget US films.
DAVID GOLDTHORPE
Intro to Screen
David is an experienced and in demand Locations Manager and Scout for Feature Film, Television and Commercial work, based in Wellington, New Zealand. David’s experience ranges from local independent feature films to international studio TV series
HELEN PRICE
Intro to Screen
Helen is a a Chartered Accountant with over 35 years’ experience. She has a strong fiscal and management skills, and a law degree with knowledge in contract and employment law.
TAINUI STEPHENS
Intro to Screen
Tainui Stephens is a Kiwi screen taonga. Since joining Koha as a reporter in 1984, he has brought many Māori stories to television, and worked on everything from Marae to Māori Television’s version of It’s in the Bag.
LISSY TURNER
Costume
Lissy Turner is a New Zealand–based Costume Designer and experienced costume creative whose work spans feature film, television and commercial production across New Zealand and Australia.
TONY KEDDY
Grip and Lighting
Tony Keddy has been a key grip for over 35 years. He has worked on all sizes of films from LOTR to Tina. He has trained many grips working in the screen industry and has enjoyed watching them excel in their various roles.
PAUL EVANS
Grip and Lighting
Paul started working in the Film Industry in 1995 under the tutelage of his father Tony Eversden. His father had been a Gaffer since the 60’s and passed on his knowledge, skills and craft.
ALISON BREWER
Make Up
Alison Brewer is an Auckland-based hair and make-up artist and designer with more than 25 years’ experience across New Zealand’s film, television, advertising, fashion and commercial industries.
DANIEL BETTY
KTA Pastoral Manager
Daniel Betty is an educator who has trained as an actor and worked in the creative industries for over 25 years. He is the pastoral care manager and lead assessor for the Kahurangi Toi Atea programme.
IMPORTANT DATES
All participants must be available to attend all parts of the course. There are three main parts to complete to obtain your Certificate in Screen Skills.
- Introduction to Screen (21 – 25 September) presented online
- Classroom Learning (27 September to 4 October) in Auckland.
- Work Place Learning (2 November to 23 December) in Wellington
TRAINING STRANDS
The Art Department in a film production is responsible for creating the visual look and feel of the movie.
The Production Department is the core team responsible for overseeing all aspects of a film’s creation, from pre to post-production.
The Technical Department includes camera, sound, lighting, grip, and rigging teams. They manage all technical aspects.
The Logistics Department manages the coordination and movement of resources crucial for the production’s smooth operation.
The Post-Production Department on a film and TV set manages the overall project that will be delivered to an audience.
Our partners delivering the Kahurangi Toi Ātea
NATIONAL SCREEN
SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME:
