In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Paul Campion, an accomplished VFX artist, concept artist, director, and screenwriter.

It all started with a young boy fascinated by special effects & early sci-fi & fantasy films who took this fascination and turned it into a passion and then a career working on some of the most iconic films like Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and Sin City.

Paul discussed the challenges of breaking into the film industry, the importance of traditional skills in a digital age, and his experiences at renowned special effects studios.

Paul Campion shares his journey from working at Framestore to becoming a key player at Weta Digital during the production of 'Lord of the Rings'. He discusses the challenges and excitement of creating iconic characters like the Balrog.

Very early in his career Paul realised the significance of specialisation and networking in a competitive field and how opportunities in the industry were previously difficult to find and you had to be industrious in order to secure roles.

Also, we look at his transition from visual effects to directing, and the lessons learned from his independent film 'The Devil's Rock'. Campion reflects on the film industry's complexities, including the impact of piracy and audience expectations.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Veeshayne Patuwai, a prominent figure in broadcasting and Māori empowerment.

Veeshayne’s entry into broadcasting came from an unexpected place, but this non-linear path led to her flourishing in the industry and in the same breath incorporating cultural pride and authenticity.

We learn how the little town of Moerewa shaped her upbringing and how matriarchal figures inspired her tenacity and resilience.

Her experience working at the then newly established Mai FM, which went from being treated as a bit of an underdog to becoming the behemoth that it is today in the Mediaworks catalogue.

Additionally we touch on the evolution of representation of Maori media in New Zealand and why media helps establish cultural pride when our own voices are reflected to our communities. In addition to the absolute need for government support which is lacking currently.

Finally we speak on the significance of empowering women and highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder women’s leadership, while also touching on the role of young people in driving social change.

--This interview was recorded just after the controversial passing of the pay equity law in New Zealand dated May 2025. References to this can be found in this podcast --

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To learn more about Veeshayne’s work in the community you can check out the following links:

Mana Wahine Aotearoa (Facebook Community Group for and by Māori wāhine)

Mad Ave Community Trust (Community Organisation)

Relative Media (PR Comms with focus on Wāhine and Whānau Māori)

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following:

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with New Zealand sports journalist & commentator, Nick Bewley.

Growing up a bit of a nomad Nick moved around during his childhood and early on developed a massive love of sports.

This love started on the field with him lacing up his own boots to eventually follow those who were going on to play at the professional level.

With a furious passion and keenness to get stuck in, Nick managed to score a crucial mentorship gig with a crew of talented journalists who began to help guide him on this initial step.

Throw in the 2011 World Cup and he was well on his way to achieving his dream of working in the industry after getting stuck in.

With a established career in NZ he then went on his big OE in the UK, working for ESPN producing content and travelling.

Despite a few curveballs in the mix, Nick has pivoted and explored other areas of the media sphere and remained adaptable which has seen him thrive in what can be a tough industry in New Zealand.

We touch on how timing and luck can play a part in the journey of a lot of broadcasters, but how his main belief has always been that your best ability is always availability.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with UK-based New Zealand imaging producer & imaging business owner, Chris Nicoll.

If you have never heard of the imaging industry or are looking to find out more about this unique sect of the audio landscape this is a must listen.

Chris was born and raised in Hamilton, New Zealand but it wasn’t long before he jumped into a much bigger pond, becoming a key player in the global radio industry.

We cover a lot in this episode including Chris's early influences, the importance of hands-on learning, and the role of failure in creative endeavors.

Plus we take a look at how he navigated significant career choices, the impact of education on creativity, and how passion is a huge driver in this industry.

Chris even takes the time to acknowledge how ego can be a big barrier and how high expectations he set for himself led to burn out at times.

It doesn’t stop there since Chris pivoted into creating his own business Wizz FX which comes with its own challenges but a key part of his business has been mentorship and mentoring talent. (Even mentoring me at one point)

Of course we can’t not mention AI and what he envisions is the future for imaging in the sphere and changing audiences and consumption.

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with UK-based New Zealand journalist / producer, Charlie Dreaver.

Charlie shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of her career in journalism, the cultural shifts she experienced, and the skills she developed along the way.

We discuss the intricacies of navigating interviews, the unpredictability of live shows, and the stress of crisis management.

Additionally we delve into her personal story of exploring endometriosis, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in storytelling and the impact of societal expectations on career and family aspirations.

While also touching on the challenges of transitioning from the New Zealand media landscape to the competitive environment of the UK and why family support has been a huge part of her journey.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with New Zealand director and producer Isla MacLeod.

Isla shares her experiences growing up in and her transition into life in New Zealand, and her educational journey through high school and broadcasting school.

We touch on the challenges she faced in making friends and finding her place in a competitive environment, as well as her aspirations in directing and producing.

Exploring the resilience required to overcome doubts and the challenges of creating original content and the pressures that come with ambition in a competitive field.

And finally, the significance of attitude, networking, and the evolving landscape of New Zealand's media industry, particularly with the influence of streaming giants.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with New Zealand media /music consultant and owner of Ridler Consulting, David Ridler.

David shares his journey from a music-obsessed teen in Palmerston North to becoming a key player in the broadcasting industry.

He reflects on his experiences at Radioactive, the influence of Channel Z, and the challenges he faced as a young program director.

We reminisce on the audience backlash he faced during the re-branding of Radio Hauraki and the importance of mentorship in broadcasting.

Before shifting the conversation to look back at his pivot between commercial radio and NZ On Air, exploring the evolution of the New Zealand music scene, particularly the rise of hip hop in the early 2000s and the role/global impact of NZ On Air in promoting local talent.

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If you would like to contact/connect with David:

Website - https://ridlerconsulting.com/

Email - david@ridlerconsulting.com

Insta - @davidridler.nz

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In the first episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Ryan Foster, a New Zealand radio producer with nearly a decade of experience.

We delve into Ryan's journey from growing up in Christchurch, his unexpected entry into radio, and how he navigated his career path, including his time at broadcasting school and his first major role at Mai FM.

Also we discuss the importance of relationships, support from family, and the serendipitous moments that shaped Ryan's career in the broadcasting industry.

In particular Ryan emphasises the resilience of radio in New Zealand and its enduring personal connection with listeners.

If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com