A Pathway to the Film Industry for Chinese Graduate | Study With New Zealand
The tutor suggested me as a candidate. And, after they’d reviewed my portfolio, I got the job.
Introduced to the idea of studying in New Zealand by a friend, Ted (Hening) Wang saw furthering his education in Wellington as a potential door opener to the movie world.
“The film industry is very prosperous in New Zealand. With so many wonderful movies like Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit made in Wellington, it was my dream to work there.”
Ted had previously studied film design in China and he saw the opportunity to upskill by completing an advanced course at Yoobee School of Design.
Moving to Wellington, Ted found the people supportive and enthusiastic, and appreciated the beautiful natural environment of New Zealand’s capital city.
Ted enjoyed his course and New Zealand’s approach to education.
“There were so many interesting briefs and we had the chance to work on real life projects as well. It was also great that the tutors used a range of teaching strategies to cater for different student needs.”
Ted found that, in the beginning, studying in English was a bit of a challenge but his teachers and classmates helped him a lot. And the school provided a lot of useful career information.
In fact, it was the strong relationship between the school and the industry that paved the way for Ted landing his dream job.
The Art Department on Mortal Engines, a major new feature film, directed by New Zealander Christian Rivers, was looking for someone who could draw and contacted the school for recommendations.
“The tutor suggested me as a candidate. And, after they’d reviewed my portfolio, I got the job.”
“So [I got to work] as a Junior Concept Artist on Mortal Engines!”
Ted found his study had prepared him well for the transition.
“Because I already had some real project experience as part of my course, I could adapt to the work easily.”
And what does Ted enjoy most about working in New Zealand? “People, atmosphere and the great opportunities.”
About the contributors
Linley Boniface is a contract writer for Education New Zealand. She is based in Wellington, her favourite city in New Zealand. A former journalist, Linley spent a year in Montreal, Canada, as a secondary school student.