Building a film career
In 2022, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington film alumnus Tom Field created a short documentary for the course FILM311: Documentary Production. In 2023, this film screened at New Zealand’s DocEdge Film Festival, with hopes that 2023 will also see it screen at festivals around the world.
The short film, Big Kids, centres on LEGO creator Daniel Mulholland. After many years of working in difficult environments, Daniel suffered a mental health crisis. LEGO became a crucial part of his therapy, and he now gives others access to the same help through the Brick Engaged Foundation. Big Kids tells his story.
“This film came from my own experiences of mental health challenges and having to find ways to manage and be kind to myself,” Tom says. “I found that people like Dan and a lot of the AFOL (adult fans of LEGO) community were similar in this way and carried themselves on this central value of kindness. I really look up to someone like Dan as a person, and as a LEGO builder, and thought that he was well-overdue to have his story told on film.”
Tom worked together with four other students—Elora Battah, Jono Norton, Sophie Orr, and Zac Matson—as well as University staff to create the film. He says the most crucial part of creating this film was working together as a team, including Daniel Mulholland, to overcome challenges and tell the story they wanted to tell.
“Some trial and error with stop motion was also required—we all had next to no experience with stop motion, but after a few YouTube videos and clicking random buttons, I think we produced something pretty awesome.”
Tom also credits producer Elora Battah as well as the University’s Associate Professor Paul Wolffram with keeping the production on track: “I think having that guidance was really important.”
The whole team was “over-the-moon” to have their film accepted into DocEdge.
“I don't think we anticipated we'd get the reception we've had so far to it, even with audiences, which has been wonderful to see,” Tom says.
“Being a part of the Doc Edge film festival was great. For no entry fee, it was an experience that provided us with a lot of great connections and allowed us to get to know more like-minded filmmakers. It was also amazing to have our film screened at the Roxy Cinema.”
Tom is currently working for NZ On Screen as a video editor. His dream is to either work for LucasFilm in a creative role or to continue working in the world of animation.
“Continuing to hammer on the door of the film industry and make myself known is the current goal—but I'd love to continue exploring different film genres going forward in my own work.”
Tom says he chose to study film at Victoria University of Wellington because he wanted to be in the film capital of New Zealand. He says the highlight of his degree was “making some really great friendships and being able to find people who also are passionate about being creative”. Although Tom says he struggled as a neurodivergent student at times, he says Disability Services were incredibly supportive.
“My degree has been helpful for meeting many people who are extremely passionate about film, and I really hope to continue working with them and seeing them around going forward. I also learned to believe in myself and my abilities, and that those abilities and my work are of interest to people other than my friends and family! I hope to continue showing my art to other people for the rest of my life.”
Tom has two pieces of advice for up-and-coming film students. The first is a practical tip: FilmFreeway is a great way to submit your films to festivals, and Tom and his team have used it to submit Big Kids to over 50 festivals. The second is about behaviour and beliefs:
“Be kind to yourself, others and people who aren't like you. Kindness and respect goes a long way in my opinion. If you build a good core set of values you will inherently attract that to your space,” Tom says.
“Also, remember that whatever you create, from a 5 second stop motion to a short film, everything you make should be celebrated. You also have to back yourself, so promote your stuff! Even if it's handing out flyers on the street to get your movie a single view, just believe in yourself no matter what and things will align.”
Find out more about Tom’s upcoming projects and where to see the film in person by following him on Instagram @tield_.