Tim Cooper (Edenz Director) Tim started NZFA in 2002 as an independently run creative arm of Edenz Colleges, which began more than 20 years ago in 1989. His love of drama and delight in film making were the motivation. He had the vision to develop an academy of film and TV which would offer the latest in techniques and be able to call on the services and ideas of successful current film makers. Nick Ward (Scriptwriting and Script Development) As the writer and producer of the 2001 film "Stickmen", Nick Ward is one of New Zealand's top screenwriters. He has successfully pitched projects to companies in New Zealand and Hollywood and has had years of experience in the film industry. He has also written nine other screenplays, done several short films and written scripts for television. Kahra Scott James (Sound and Sound Design) Kahra has been involved in the media, arts and entertainment industries for twenty years covering a broad range of mediums and roles within digital media production, education and project management with a specific focus on sound design, music and audio post production. Screen credits range from short films to features, interactive 3D movies, television series and documentaries. Currently she runs Entirely Sound Ltd. Jason Wetzel (Camera/Post Production) Jason has been involved in the media, arts and marketing industries since 1986 after completing training in Art and Design. Since then he has worked as a freelance photo-journalist and marketing consultant, and has progressed through into the world of moving images. In the last five years, Jason has operated as a freelance editor and cameraman, doing projects and contracting to; Discovery Channel, Sundance Channel, Rialto Channel and Sky Sport. Adrian Bennett (Art Direction and Set Design) Bio to come. Ian John (Production and Directing) Bio to come. Paulus Romijn (Performance Trainer) Paulus specialises in training performers and directors to be effective communicators. He has formulated a specific intense session with the NZ Film Academy to give students the ability and depth to relate to and communicate with actors. Paulus has worked as a performance coach with TVNZ and Disney Studios (Sydney). In business coaching he has worked with Coca Cola HO (Atlanta) and Colmar Brunton. He has written scripts and taught screen acting at Studio 111 Screen Acting School, and he established The Presenters Platform training course in 2004. Scott Alexander Young (Production & Script Developement) Scott has been in the entertainment business for 25 years, when he first stepped onto the stage of the Court Theatre in Christchurch. Later he worked for TV3's 'Candid Camera', and was a film reviewer on TVNZ's 'Good Morning Show'. Internationally, he has written and produced for Fox Networks, Channel 5 UK and the British Sci-Fi Channel. Recently, he has played a KGB spy in 'The Company', and a posh addict in the forthcoming 'Last Night in Buenos Aires'. Scott brings all this experience to the NZFA, mentoring students in the developmental stages of their productions. David McLaughlin (Film & Broadcasting Law) David McLaughlin is the principal of McLaughlin Law (www.mclaughlinlaw.co.nz), an entertainment law firm based in Auckland. David provides advice to clients across the film and television industries on all aspects of their businesses. He has developed a tailor-made program for the New Zealand Film Academy, teaching film and broadcasting law, copyright, and contracts. Ash Robinson (NZFA Manager) Ash grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the lower North Island of NZ. He studied Business (Entrepreneurship & SME management) at Massey University in Palmerston North. In 2004 Ash moved to Auckland, and spent four years working as a production and camera operating contractor in the local film and television industry. He has worked on feature films, tv shows, music videos and commercials. He brings his knowledge and specialist skills to the NZFA, running it as closely as possible to a working production house.