New series helps Massey film students find their feet in a toxic industry

“We wanna be seen as equals on set and off set,” says Elizabeth Hodgson, Massey graduate and executive producer of Snap Shot Shorts.  

New short film series, Snap Shot Shorts, is helping Massey film students jumpstart their career in what can be a toxic industry.  

Last year’s Wellington student association co-president Hodgson said higher-ups in the film industry are often so experienced that they are desensitized to the positive culture young people are trying to bring into the industry.  

“We’re mates now, we’re working together. I may have this fancy production title but in reality, I’m here just to learn as much as you are.”  

The idea of Snap Shot Shorts was to release a short film each month which promotes a different crew, genre, and story.  

“We’re tryna cover as many genres and show what we’re capable of rather than streamlining one genre or one approach.”  

“And you’ll have something different to look forward to every month.”  

Hodgson’s production company, Little Lizards Productions, along with Sailboat Films, wanted to create a safe and fun environment for all film makers.  

Hodgson naturally wanted Massey students to be involved in the series, “How could I not share this experience with my fellow peers?”  

The series had grown a community of over 100 film makers, with a large variety of people from different parts of the industry.  

Massey University had also supported the series by lending gear to the crew.  

Hodgson worked another job on top of the series, “This is my passion project, I dedicate all my free time to it.” 

The series was volunteer-based, with any monetization going back into making more films.  

AJ Johnston, 3rd year Massey Screen Arts student, said he found it hard to “find my footing” in the film industry, until Snap Shot Shorts.  

He said working in the film industry was about finding a balance of collaborating as equals, but also being aware of what your role is and what you have to bring.  

“Pretentious people are a toxic thing in film.”  

While filming their latest film, Date Crash, Johnston got to be lead lighting for the first time.  

He said while he was nervous, it was a great experience, “Each time you do something you get better at it.”  

He felt more confident going into creating his third-year film this semester.  

“I’ve got to work with a bunch of amazing people.”  

3rd year Massey Screen Arts student Anika Stonnell felt she was becoming part of a community which you can go to for help with other projects.  

She said making a short film in just a day or two helped her learn quickly, “You're thrown a lot of challenges and you figure out how to adapt to them quickly.”  

She appreciated having other Massey students on the set who she’ll get to work with again in class.  

You can find Snap Shot Shorts released films, One September in the Windy City and Date Crash, and future films on Sailboat Films’ YouTube channel (youtube.com/SailboatFilmsNZ). 

Their next film, Why I Stopped Babysitting, will be out this August.