Member Spotlight: Monty Sansom

For Monty, great productions are built by great people. Whether it’s learning every crew member’s name or making background performers feel valued, he believes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

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

‍My first film job was as a Production Assistant on an independent horror feature. Although I'd studied film academically through a BA and Master's degree, my first day on set showed me just how many moving parts are needed to keep a production running and gave me an appreciation for how every department contributes to the finished product. It also taught me to appreciate what every department needs to do its job well - something that's invaluable for anyone pursuing a career in the AD department.
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One smaller lesson that's stayed with me is how much people appreciate being addressed by name. It's a simple thing, but I still make a point of learning the names of crew members, especially background performers, so they feel seen and valued.

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

‍Watching great ADs balance organisation with people skills made me realise that's the department I want to work in. Louise Spraggon has been a particularly influential mentor across various productions. She has taught me what to monitor as an AD, from keeping an eye on the current shot and the next setup to anticipating the needs of background performers and other departments. She's also shown me how clear communication and a positive, approachable attitude can keep both the crew and background engaged, even during long waits or challenging shoot days.

What part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?

‍Wrapping background performers at the end of a shoot day and seeing them leave with smiles on their faces despite the early call times, unpredictable weather and long hours is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Whether they're playing wedding guests, an angry crowd or a horde of zombies, I love helping create an environment where they feel like an essential part of telling the story. Background performers often spend long hours waiting between setups, so if they leave feeling informed, appreciated and excited to have been part of the day, I know I've done my job well.

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

‍Never stop learning. One of the things I love most about this industry is that every production offers the chance to learn something new. I've had opportunities to work across casting, locations, hair and makeup, and production, and each experience has given me a better understanding of the challenges those departments face. Watching hair and makeup repeatedly reset blood effects on Spartacus or knowing what goes into locking down a location has helped me appreciate the weight of the requests we make as ADs. This curiosity has made me a more thoughtful collaborator and continues to shape how I approach every production.

What keeps you passionate about working in film?

‍The wonder I had watching films at the cinema as a child sparked my love of storytelling and solidified my desire for creating those stories one day. Having the privilege of turning up to work alongside incredibly creative people, each with their own unique skill set, and telling stories in one of the most beautiful countries in the world is still what gets me excited to come to work every day.

How do you define success in your work?‍

With our industry being collaboration-driven and reputation-focused, I find success in knowing that I’ve earned someone’s trust that they want me on their team again. Being an AD and interacting with crew and cast, success looks like being a person on set that everyone genuinely enjoys having around - someone who’s organised, reliable, calm under pressure and makes other people's jobs a little easier.

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

I think continuing to invest in training of emerging crew through opportunities to shadow HODs, access practical workshops and build industry networks can make a huge difference to someone's career.

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

‍The Blue Book has been an incredibly useful resource. It has provided clear guidance around industry terminology, turnaround, travel and working conditions, giving me a much better understanding of both my responsibilities and my rights as crew.

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

‍With everything getting more expensive over the last few years, the Guild discounts can easily save you the cost of your annual membership alone.

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

‍I sound exactly like my dad when I say it but being prepared by staying hydrated, reapplying sunscreen and wearing supportive shoes goes a long way towards maintaining focus on a busy set.

‍Coffee order or go-to snack on set?‍

If the unit team blesses me with a creamy oat matcha latte with a dash of cinnamon, my day is made. Otherwise, green tea keeps me going. I’m trying to stave off relying on coffee as long as I can.

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