About the Author

I have a Science Degree from Waikato University and have been lecturing at Unitec for 12 years in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (and occasionally Architecture) in the fields of Geology, CAD, 3D visualisation and animation. In recent years I’ve obtained funding for research projects for 3d modelling of the Auckland isthmus and digitizing the complex form. I’m the course coordinator for a level 7 paper named FilmCAD, which is about visualising CAD models using film techniques. In the past I’ve been a Radio DJ, computer programmer, freelance camera operator, award winning 3D environmental artist, photographer, scientist, + more.

I’ve always had a love for anything visual especially when it comes to the technology behind it. My love for technology lead to a science degree however I’ve always maintained my passion for the visual including film and television production. While studying for my degree I was exploring 3D graphics which at the time was in its infancy and ultimately lead to a job at Unitec teaching digital visualisation.

Unitec has given me a great opportunity to learn a plethora of software and visual techniques including 3D modelling, matte painting, rendering, compositing, editing, colour grading, lighting, and audio production, just to name a few. I’ve also built up and maintain a large amount of equipent needed for video production which I use in my classes and research projects. The students of my level 7 paper ‘FilmCAD’ each produce a short film where they get a crash course in film theory and are then required to script, storyboard, shoot, edit, as well as create 3D content for a 2-5 min short film. Most of these students enter the paper with no previous knowledge of film theory or movie making and many of whom produce some surprisingly good content. I’ve been teaching this paper since 1999 and have been the course coordinator since 2002 in that time the paper has produced well over 100 short films (see YouTube for examples ).

I’ve been involved in many visualisation projects including the Queens wharf design competition, Auckland city councils vision for the Wynard Quarter, and the governments proposal of a stadium on the water front, which I composited, edited, and recorded the audio for. For the last 4 years myself and two friends (Richard Thomas and Duncan Eastwood) have set up a small film studio in west Auckland (Sunset Studios). In the setting up of the studio I’ve done everything from designing the overall layout and sourcing of materials to accounting and marketing the business. Working with the many directors and crews on a regular basis has been a great learning experience. I often source equipment, give advice on the setup of equipment and describe techniques to get the look they are after. I’ve also been involved in many short films and music videos doing a variety of roles.

I have a Science Degree from Waikato University and have been lecturing at Unitec for 12 years in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (and occasionally Architecture) in the fields of Geology, CAD, 3D visualisation and animation. In recent years I’ve obtained funding for research projects for 3d modelling of the Auckland isthmus and digitizing the complex form. I’m the course coordinator for a level 7 paper named FilmCAD, which is about visualising CAD models using film techniques. In the past I’ve been a Radio DJ, computer programmer, freelance camera operator, award winning 3D environmental artist, photographer, scientist, + more.

I’ve always had a love for anything visual especially when it comes to the technology behind it. My love for technology lead to a science degree however I’ve always maintained my passion for the visual including film and television production. While studying for my degree I was exploring 3D graphics which at the time was in its infancy and ultimately lead to a job at Unitec teaching digital visualisation.

Unitec has given me a great opportunity to learn a plethora of software and visual techniques including 3D modelling, matte painting, rendering, compositing, editing, colour grading, lighting, and audio production, just to name a few. I’ve also built up and maintain a large amount of equipent needed for video production which I use in my classes and research projects. The students of my level 7 paper ‘FilmCAD’ each produce a short film where they get a crash course in film theory and are then required to script, storyboard, shoot, edit, as well as create 3D content for a 2-5 min short film. Most of these students enter the paper with no previous knowledge of film theory or movie making and many of whom produce some surprisingly good content. I’ve been teaching this paper since 1999 and have been the course coordinator since 2002 in that time the paper has produced well over 100 short films (for examples search for ‘filmcad’ on YouTube).

I’ve been involved in many visualisation projects including the Queens wharf design competition, Auckland city councils vision for the Wynard Quarter, and the governments proposal of a stadium on the water front, which I composited, edited, and recorded the audio for. For the last 4 years myself and two friends (Richard Thomas and Duncan Eastwood) have set up a small film studio in west Auckland (Sunset Studios). In the setting up of the studio I’ve done everything from designing the overall layout and sourcing of materials to accounting and marketing the business. Working with the many directors and crews on a regular basis has been a great learning experience. I often source equipment, give advice on the setup of equipment and describe techniques to get the look they are after. I’ve also been involved in many short films and music videos doing a variety of roles.

2004 – Welcome to the Major League (Short Film) – Editor, Music

2005 – Unmates (Short Film) – Producer, Camera, Editor

2006 – Nonsense (Play) – Audio effects/mixing

2006 – All’s Fair in Love and War is Hell (Short Film) – Producer, VFX, Grading, Editor

2006 – Stadium New Zealand (Architectural Visualisation) – Compositing, Grading, Editing, Music

2007 – How Jesus Got His Groove Back (Short Film) – Graphics

2007 – 1st Round – DHR (Music Video) – VFX, Colour Grading

2008 – Unsolved Mysteries of The Unexplained (Short Film) – Producer, Audio, Music

2009 – Morphing Wellington Terrain (Animation for Exhibition) – 3D modelling and Animation

2009 – Trash to Fashion Awards (Live Event) – Camera operator

2009 – Sleepwalkers – 8 Foot Sativa (Music Video) – Colour Grading, VFX

2010 – Murray Field pilot – (for Prime Television) – Additional Photography

2011 – Last Flight (Short Film) – Colour Grading, DoP (Studio Shoots).

If your looking for a freelancer please contact me on +64 21 535875 or email zane (at) sunsetstudios . co . nz

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