Voluntary Efforts in the Industry

It never fails to surprise me how much people do for free in this industry. I’m not just talking small budget projects and ‘one-offs’ for students or mates. It’s bigger than that. Actually, in many ways, ‘freebies’ keep the Techos’ Guild going. Ironic really when one of our core objectives is advocating for fair pay.

But it’s inspiring, those who willingly (and happily) put time and effort into pushing our Guild forward. Among those are our president, vice president, executive committee and branch committees along with others in the industry, like some of the bigger production companies (you know who you are) who give time, money and support. Even us on the Guild’s payroll (executive officer Karla Rodgers and myself), put in many more hours than we actually get paid for. It just sort of comes with the territory.

The ‘Behind the DoP’ workshops were held across the country in October and November, a prime example of good people making things happen. What a delight it was to hear from Alun Bollinger on some of the issues with shooting Goodbye Pork Pie, it’d sure be a logistical nightmare to do now! Great also were the workshop highlights from fellow DoP Simon Raby.

Our second feature is another illustration of voluntary efforts. Wireless Users New Zealand (WUNZ) is a voluntary organisation aiming to raise awareness about the threat posed to radio mic users with the analogue to digital TV changeover.

It seems we have a pattern here.

Lou Taylor shares with us about a voluntary project she is working on to help Auckland techos keep up with their Wellington counterparts, only in terms of 3D technology that is.

Psychologist Jocelyn Handy tells us about our industry’s extreme highs and lows. It’s common that many attempts are made before a person actually successfully gives up this industry, addiction perhaps?

NZTECHO issue 55 for summer 2012 is itself an example of many hands helping out.

I thank all who contributed to this issue, in particular** Nick Treacy** and** Alun Bollinger. **A special thanks also to our designer Justin Westgate who does wonders with what he is given.

Merry Christmas for now.

Carolyn Brooke, acting editor