Daan(31)

I studied animation and visual effects at HKU in Utrecht. After graduating I worked three years at a VFX studio in Amsterdam, mainly on commercials and Dutch films. But the big projects — Marvel, Avatar, Lord of the Rings — those are made in London, Vancouver and Wellington. When Weta FX (formerly Weta Digital, founded by Peter Jackson) posted a vacancy for a junior compositor, I applied immediately.

Weta FX is one of the most prestigious VFX studios in the world. They worked on Avatar: The Way of Water, the Planet of the Apes films and the Lord of the Rings series. The application process was tough — three rounds with portfolio review, a technical test and an interview. But I was hired. Weta arranged an Accredited Employer Work Visa within four weeks; the film industry is a priority sector for INZ.

Wellington is New Zealand's film capital. Besides Weta FX there's Park Road Post Production, Weta Workshop (physical effects and props) and dozens of smaller studios. The government offers tax incentives up to 25% for film productions made in NZ — that attracts international projects. The industry atmosphere is different from Europe: less hierarchical, more hands-on, and from day one you work on the big projects.

Life in Wellington fits the film industry perfectly. The city is compact — you can walk or cycle to work. The creative scene is vibrant: there are indie cinemas, game studios, music festivals and a buzzing nightlife on Cuba Street. Rent is high (NZ$400-500 per week for a studio), but the salary compensates — as a mid-level VFX artist I earn NZ$95,000 per year.

The downside of the film industry is its project-based nature. Big film projects last 12-18 months, and then it can be quiet. But Wellington has enough studios that you can usually go from one project to the next. And if you freelance, the legal minimum for contractors is NZ$50 per hour. With VFX experience you can charge NZ$80-120 per hour.

My goal is to grow at Weta to senior compositor and eventually VFX supervisor. After three years on my work visa I can apply for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category. My advice to creative professionals: New Zealand's film industry is smaller than Hollywood, but the quality is just as high and the lifestyle is incomparable. If you're in VFX, animation or game development, Wellington is the place.