Member Spotlight: Adrian "Wookie" Hebron

What/who inspired you to start working in film?

As part of my electrical apprenticeship at the local power board they sent me to Avalon Studios for 3 months. From the moment I walked in the door I was hooked. I was only part of the electrical maintenance team but I loved the vibe the place had. They had just introduced rope light in NZ and Avalon had some to try and as luck would have it it had a fault and I was tasked with repairing it and taking it to set. It was being used in a music video being shot at Avalon by TVNZ crew for the band Body Electric and the song was Pulsing. From then on I wanted to get into film or television and as luck would have it 9 months after I finished my time a vacancy at the National Film Unit came up for a maintenance sparky which I was fortunate to get. Six months later I transferred to the film side looking after the electrical side of the sound stage and joined the lighting world.

Who have been the biggest influences or mentors in your career?

Those who supported me early in my career would be Gaffers Danny Williams, Dave Brown, Greg Nalder and Gerald Morse. They all believed in me in one way or another and repeatedly employed me during my time as their assistants. With these guys we worked with wonderful NZ and overseas DoPs who all passed on their knowledge in one way or another. This work was mainly TVCs which was what Wellington was pumping out and the occasional TV drama/feature. Once I started gaffering it was the likes of DoPs David Paul who I did a lot of drama with that helped me progress.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

The most satisfaction comes from seeing new crew succeed

What’s one lesson the screen industry has taught you?

You are only as good as your next job!

How do you define success in your work?

You are only as good as your next job!

How do you think the NZ screen industry could better support crew?

A fully functioning SIWA.

What changes would you like to see in the next five years?

I would love to see the government tax incentives/rebates whatever you like to call them be such that we are competitive in the world market.

What do you think makes NZ crew unique?

Our number 8 wire mentality still exists and we use it all the time. And that we all muck in to get the job done.

What’s one thing you wish every crew member knew about the Guild?

That you cannot afford not to belong to the guild!

Coffee order or go-to snack on set?

Everyone who works with me knows I drink vast quantities of tea preferably english breakfast the colour of a well tanned forearm in a large mug, keep them coming and I am content

Favourite filming location in NZ?

Anywhere this country has amazing locations and studios

What’s one skill or habit that helps you get through long shoot days?

The rest of the crew

If you weren’t in film, what would you be doing instead?

I would most likely be doing something that meant I could work without worrying where and when the next job is and earning a comfortable income

‍

‍