Linda Hughes

Work History

• 

  Production Executive

  New Zealand Film Commission

  April 2022 - December 2023

  Auckland, New Zealand · Hybrid

  Managing and administering productions funded by the Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund (Te Puna Kairangi Premium Fund), including assessing feasibility of projects and exercising approvals across budgets, shooting schedules, cashflows, drawdowns and production methodology. Contributing to the preparation of board papers, policy guidelines and panel assessments for the Feature Film Finishing Grant, International Co-Production Grant and Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund (Te Puna Kairangi Premium Fund).
• 

  VFX Coordinator, LOTR

  Amazon

  September 2020 - August 2021

  Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand

  VFX Coordinator for Season One of Amazon Studio's LOTR:
  • Supported Associated Producer to generate shot breakdowns and coordinate vendor bids.
  • Responsible for shot, asset and artwork progression through visual effects / post pipeline.
  • Relationship management and comms logistics with VFX vendors, VFX Supervisors, department heads and production teams. Communicated supervisor, showrunner and director briefs and creative notes to VFX artists.
• 

  Arts and Culture Project Manager and Team Leader

  Auckland Council

  May 2018 - June 2020

  Auckland, New Zealand

  Team leader and project manager delivering public art projects to the city. Managing team workflow and redesigning and implementing Agile project management system.
• 

  Central Production Coordinator

  Wētā FX

  August 2016 - May 2018

  Miramar, Wellington

  Strategy and coordination, overseeing comms, workflow, resource management, forecasting, projections, system review and redesign for the Production Department.

• Film Producer

  Last Post Productions

  September 2011 - August 2016

  Freelance film producer.
  
  - About Bloody Time (short documentary, 2020)
  
  -Me, You, Mankosi (feature length documentary, 2011)
  
  Official Selection: Durban International Film Festival, Zimbabwe International Film Festival, Jozi Film Festival, Encounters Film Festival Cape Town
  
  Opening Film: Vancouver African Film Festival

• Literary Administrator

  Last Post Productions

  August 2011 - August 2016

  International literary administration and account management for best-selling author Linda Olsson.

• Freelance Director - Documentary

  Last Post Productions

  August 2009 - August 2016

  Auckland, New Zealand

  • Director | Just Different (2016) - short-form documentary for client ADHD Association NZ
  • Director | Me, You, Mankosi (2011) - Feature-length documentary. Opening film at Vancouver African Film Festival 2011 and official selection at Durban International Film Festival 2001, Zimbabwe International Film Festival 2011, Jozi Film Festival 2011, Encounters Film Festival Cape Town 2011. National television broadcast on SABC 2012
• 

  New Business Assessment

  Weta Workshop

  July 2009 - September 2014

  Freelance script assessment for Weta Workshop
  • script / project viability assessment
  • script breakdowns for conceptual design, miniatures, props, armour, weapons, dummies, prosthetics and special make-up
  • generating deliverables lists & bidding packages
• 

  Production Manager and Creative Director's Assistant

  Weta Workshop

  April 2007 - August 2009

  Wellington

  Production management and bidding support for films in pipeline: Script assessment, viability reports, pitch presenting, crew/director/producer relationship management
• 

  Production Manager / New Business & IP Development

  Weta Workshop

  January 2008 - July 2009

  Key responsibilities:
  • to pursue and manage commercially viable creative ventures through innovative strategy, planning, and resourcing
  • development, production, sale and distribution of all lines of business for company-owned intellectual property, including high-end collectibles, merchandising, publishing, online, TV, film and video and interactive gaming
  • management of IP promotion, press, and marketing
  
  This position involved:
  • production management for all new business media (including behind-the-scenes movies, showreels, promotional DVDs, and pitch packages)
  • script / project viability assessment
  • script breakdowns for conceptual design, miniatures, props, armour, weapons, dummies, prosthetics and special make-up
  • generating deliverables lists & bidding packages
  • forecasting and negotiating budgets
  • account management & sales reporting
  • networking and relationship-building with local and international associated companies and Governmental bodies
  • developing innovative strategy, planning & resourcing
  • fostering client & associate organisation relations and streamlining workflow, communication & organization within business to maximise profitability and promote new business ventures in the local and international film industries
• 

  Production Assistant to Creative Director

  Weta Workshop

  May 2007 - December 2007

  Job Description: shadowing Sir Richard Taylor in all daily activities on the workshop floor.
  
  Key responsibilities:
  -- meeting with clients and crew (directors, producers, production heads of department, film crew and artists) and acting as primary liaison between in-house workshop crew and out-of-house production teams / key creatives
  -- reading and breakdown of scripts; and pursuing new business ventures
  -- assisting Sir Richard Taylor in preparation, debrief and action / follow-ups from meetings and gained a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the film making mechanism.
• 

  Operations Manager

  TeaWonderland

  May 2006 - September 2006

  London

  All-round production manager, office support and client liaison for boutique film trailer company:
  • operations management (day-to-day office admin, finances)
  • production management of film trailers from concept to final delivery (media workflow, negs and prints between studios and post houses; final QC for colour & grade of checkprints)
  • BDM for key accounts Universal Pictures / Working Title Films (planning marketing strategies for new releases, forecasting and negotiating budgets)
• 

  Production Manager

  Discovery Networks

  May 2005 - June 2006

  London

  Production managing cut and shoot-based promos for the Discovery Channel, London, from script development to on-air broadcast.
  • Managing all pre-production needs (including managing budgets, sourcing and contracting high quality and cost-effective international crew and talent, developing and editing copy and creative solutions for final production)
  • Creating and monitoring shoot budgets
  • Managing production (ie organising all crew bookings, visas for overseas shoots, call sheets, release forms, risk assessment forms, location permits)
  • Negotiating fees with freelancers and external suppliers
  • Participating in script development, location scouting, casting and crewing
  • Monitoring annual spend for the on-air department
  • Acting as Senior Production Manager when heavy workflow demanded
• 

  Account Manager

  Television New Zealand

  October 2002 - April 2005

  Auckland, New Zealand

  Advertising account manager - agency based:
  • initiating and coordinating innovative television advertising and sponsorship placement for agencies.
  • liaising with agencies, negotiating deals, strategising on-air advertising and sponsorship campaigns, and managing on-air placement
  • media planning, buying and monitoring of day-to-day advertising activity
  • nurturing an up-to-date and thorough understanding of the media industry, in-depth knowledge of growing media trends, and a sound familiarity with global marketing and advertising strategies
  

• Account Manager - Radio Advertising

  95bfm

  June 2002 - September 2002

  Job Description:
  To secure advertising revenue by initiating and coordinating innovative radio advertising and sponsorship placement for agencies.
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  • to secure advertising revenue for Auckland’s premier alternative radio station by developing successful creative strategies (sponsorship, event association and advertising) for direct clients to successfully reach audiences
  • to assist with event organising, station promotions, and voice talent
• 

  Account Coordinator

  Television New Zealand

  January 2001 - June 2002

  Auckland, New Zealand

  To assist in the on-air placement of television advertising and sponsorship for agency clients.