Andrew Hughes and Olivia Wix's nationwide tour of the job market reaches the capital.
Here in Wellington, the job market is totally different to some of the places we've been so far on the trip. The contrast between the mines of Greymouth and the movie studios in the capital couldn't be much greater.
To kick off our morning we went to Toi Whakaari, the
national drama school. It's the most exclusive school to go to if you want to become an actor. It's produced the likes of Cliff Curtis, Robyn Malcolm, Michael Galvin and almost every other Shortland Street actor.
Here we met Helen Grant, a third year drama student wanting to cut her teeth in theatre. She is one of 200 people who auditioned to get into her year, and one of 20 who were successful enough to get in.
Working nine to four each day, and up to seven days a week during rehearsals, it's the university that prepares you for the 'real world' and has a wealth of credibility to back up your qualification.
She's not too sure what kind of acting she wants to get into: "Theatre at the moment, because I like Shakespeare, but TV probably one day." So what's the next step for Helen? Well with one year to go, it's the first time of many throughout the day where we hear it's all about extra-curricular activities, and networking like crazy.
But after next year, she knows what's needed. "I'll need to get an agent, someone who can get me work."
Next we headed to the home of New Zealand movies, Weta. We met a couple of young 'runners' for Weta Digital (the computer special effects department).
Amy and Craig, 30 and 26 respectively, started as runners in an attempt to break into the film industry. Both have done design degrees, with Amy wanting to break into the art department, and Craig wanting to get into post-production.
As runners they are responsible for meeting the needs of all the designers and other team members in the department.
They make coffees, run props, fill in for motion capture actors, make platters of food, and get to meet people like James Cameron and Prince Edward.
To break into the industry both of them acknowledge they are in the best place to get into their dream careers. Amy said even if it's just getting a coffee for someone and showing some interest in what they're doing, it will show that you are interested and a good worker.
She also said that her position is like a constant job interview, and she always has to work to a high standard, knowing that it might make or break her career.
In the afternoon we met aspiring filmmaker Tama Hape. Tama finished his film and media degree last year, and this year is doing a course in film production at the National Film School.
He says that he would happily do any job in the film industry, but directing or editing would be his dream. Through his course he has learnt all aspects of film making, including directing, editing, filming, and writing scripts.
He says the most valuable part of his course has been meeting important people in the industry and working on their films. But Tama says he is aware that jobs such as runners are inevitable if you want to break into the industry.
He says that while it's not where you want to be after spending four years at university, it is unavoidable if you want to get into the right companies.
He also agrees with Helen, in that extra-curricular activities are key to being recognised. He's done the 48-Hour Film Festival over the past few years, and says he's aware people from within the industry are always keeping an eye on the young up-and-coming talent.
Tomorrow we're rounding up our time in Wellington with interviews with local musician Myele Manzanza, Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and Minister of Social Development Paula Bennet.
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