Member Spotlight: Louise Spraggon

Louise (Lou) Spraggon works where timing, structure, and people meet - the part of a set that keeps everything moving. Whether as an assistant director or a safety supervisor, the work relies on experience, instinct, and staying calm when things don’t go to plan.

 What was your very first job on set – and what did you learn from it?

My first job on a set was as a stop motion animator, shooting maybe five seconds a day. My first live action role was as a 3rd AD on a TVC - much faster! I learned pretty quickly that I prefer a faster pace.

What or who inspired you to start working in film?

I’d always wanted to be a filmmaker. I loved Morph, and I used to write plays as a child. I always knew I’d end up doing something creative in the moving image or theatre world.

What advice would you give to those starting out in the industry?

Be on time, be proactive, watch, learn.

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

To be honest, many people have enabled me to develop professionally. I know I’m a lifelong learner, so I’ll never stop watching, developing, and hopefully inspiring others emerging in the industry to grow.

What keeps you passionate about working in film?

I enjoy the ever-evolving environment - no two days are the same. That’s not to say the days are always good, but even the challenging jobs are a good learning experience. Read into that what you will.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

Making the day. Planning, delivery, safe processes, clear and concise information, collaboration, and doing it all with a joie de vivre.

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

Plan finances well (more a reinforcement). Always having an alternative career has been very useful, especially last year.

How do you define success in your work?

Consistent work. Feeling a personal sense of achievement. “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two impostors just the same…”

What do you think makes NZ crew unique?

We certainly have a can-do attitude, friendly, honest, efficient, and world-class, with an embedded sense that people matter first. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

How do you see technology shaping the future of our industry?

Not a short answer to a very large question. VFX has already enabled so much - drones instead of helicopters, safer methods, and potentially fewer or different human resources required. The real risk is humans becoming superfluous to filmmaking - handcrafted versus mass-produced. Stop motion animation faced a similar shift when CGI became cheaper and faster. Perhaps the future lies in bespoke, niche work.
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We have the power to embrace or reject technology. Hopefully, we make the right choices to preserve and cherish the genius of human creativity.

How has being part of the Guild supported you or your peers?

The Guild is great. Without a common voice, we are divided. It’s a wonderful, often unsung team of highly knowledgeable individuals who truly want to support and champion crews, writers, and performers in Aotearoa.

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

They are here to help. When you need guidance, they know or will know - people who can assist.

Coffee order or go-to snack on set?

Long black.

Favourite filming location in NZ?

Queenstown - can’t beat the mountains or the air.

A film or show that inspired you to get into this industry?

Morph and Sally Wainwright.

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

Laughter and sleep.

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

Something creative. I’m a qualified teacher as well as an assistant director and safety supervisor, so likely teaching, lecturing, or otherwise herding cats!

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