Founders
Our founders cover the breadth of international screen sector within New Zealand, including physical production, finance, studio infrastructure, equipment supply and post-production.
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Mel Turner - Producer
Mel has 27 years’ experience in physical production for international film and television. As Co-Founder of production service company, Ground Control, she has delivered five feature films and a three-season series for international studio partners since 2019. Mel is committed to a sustainable screen sector and a consistent global production pipeline for New Zealand.
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Mike Urban - CEO, The Rebel Fleet
With over 15 years in New Zealand’s screen industry, Mike Urban is CEO and Co-Founder of The Rebel Fleet, delivering technology that streamlines production workflows. He led the development of Konsol, a metadata platform that unifies pipelines, and is passionate about innovation, efficiency, and collaboration in filmmaking.
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Pip Gillings - UPM
Pip has over 30 years in New Zealand’s screen industry, first in TV commercials prior to long-form drama. Known for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 2, The Rings of Power, Alien: Covenant, MI6: Fallout, Time Bandits, Alien: Earth and Predator: Badlands. Pip supports a stronger, consistent future for international production in Aotearoa.
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Harry Harrison - X3 Studio, Xytech
Harry is Executive Director of Business Development at Xytech Group, overseeing X3 and BMR Studios, and X3:XR Virtual Production. Pivotal in establishing Kumeu, X3, and BMR studio facilities, Harry brings deep expertise in locations, production attraction, and studio management, and advocates for strategic incentives to keep New Zealand globally competitive.
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Honor Byrne - Producer
With many years working in practical production, Honor has worked as a Producer since 2007, overseeing both international and domestic film and TV projects in New Zealand. She is committed to strengthening the New Zealand screen sector through international partnerships and consistent production opportunities
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Axel Paton - Producer
With over 30 years in the industry, Axel began as a First Assistant Director and now produces international projects. As Co-Founder and Director of production service company, Ground Control NZ, he partners with global studios and advocates for stronger representation and a unified voice in the international screen sector in New Zealand.
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James Brookes - CEO, Department of Post
James is Co-Founder and Post Supervisor at Auckland’s Department of Post, overseeing a wide range of domestic and international projects each year. Committed to accessible, high-end post solutions, he’s driven to strengthen the screen sector through collaboration, streamlined workflows, and economic growth.
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Andy Archer - Executive Director, Acclime
Andy is an experienced advisor to the screen sector, having supported a wide range of live-action, PDV, and co-productions over the past seven years. He specialises in the regulatory and commercial aspects of production, drawing on highly experienced, pragmatic taxation expertise from his former role as senior partner at Ernst & Young.
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David Rowell - Financial Controller
With 40 years in the film industry, David Rowell is a trusted Financial Controller for international productions in New Zealand. He has worked with major studios including Disney, Fox, Sony, Paramount, and Amazon MGM, and is committed to a competitive international screen sector.
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Neil Radley - CEO Director, Pro Services
With over 25 years in the hire industry, Neil is a trusted supplier to New Zealand’s screen sector. Through his company, Pro Services, he provides access gear, specialised equipment, and premium cast trailers, supporting a more consistent, year-round workflow across the international screen sector.
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Phil Gore - Director, Acclime
Phil is a chartered accountant who has worked in the screen industry since 2002, advising international and domestic productions. After eight years as a freelance production accountant in Australia and New Zealand, he now specialises in screen sector advisory with Acclime New Zealand.
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Simon Ambridge - UPM
Simon has over 40 years’ experience in New Zealand’s screen industry, spanning a wide range of productions. He was primarily an Assistant Director before becoming a Unit Production Manager in the mid-2000s. Simon supports a cohesive, growth-focused international screen sector in New Zealand.
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