Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 25 August 2026
Grip Solutions:
The Craft of Camera Movement
For more than two decades, key grip Evan Pardington has been solving some of the screen industry’s most complex camera movement challenges — often in places where most people would never expect to see a film crew.
From the frozen landscapes of the Southern Alps to remote international locations, Pardington and the team at Grip Solutions have built a reputation for technical expertise, creative problem-solving and a willingness to tackle the impossible. Established in 2008, Grip Solutions has become a trusted name in New Zealand’s production industry, supporting local and international projects with specialist grip equipment, camera movement systems and on-set expertise.
One of the company’s recent standout projects was Tenzing, a production that pushed both people and equipment to their limits. Filmed around Mount Cook and The Remarkables, the demanding alpine shoot required meticulous planning, adaptability and a deep understanding of the environment.
Working in extreme conditions meant every detail mattered. Equipment had to withstand temperatures hovering around -12°C, helicopter weight restrictions limited what could be taken into the mountains, and every piece of gear had to justify its place. Among the custom solutions developed for the shoot was a winch system designed by Pardington, allowing the camera to be lowered into a crevasse for a dramatic sequence. A camera movement system in terrain more suited to mountaineering than filmmaking.
That problem-solving mindset has defined Pardington’s career since entering the industry in 1999. What began as a chance introduction to a commercial shoot became a lifelong career built on collaboration, craftsmanship and the people behind every production.
Another recent highlight was Netflix fantasy drama Sweet Tooth, a major international production filmed in New Zealand. Produced during challenging times, it showcased the capability and resilience of Grip Solutions and New Zealand’s screen workforce. Grip Solutions has also supported multiple international productions in Fiji, Wolfman, filmed in Glenorchy and Wellington, and War Machine, adding to its growing list of international production credits.
Alongside these productions, Grip Solutions has contributed to a wide range of screen projects, reflecting the depth of technical expertise within Aotearoa’s film industry. From international productions to local stories, the company’s work highlights the vital role specialist crews play in bringing ambitious creative visions to life.
While filmmaking technology has evolved from heavy 35mm cameras to compact digital systems, gimbals and remote heads, Pardington sees innovation as expanding—not replacing—the grip department’s toolkit. Modern stabilisation systems have opened new creative possibilities, particularly for smaller productions, but complete camera packages still require careful planning and technical expertise. Traditional grip equipment continues to work alongside newer technologies, giving crews more options to create complex shots while adapting to each production’s unique demands.
Despite rapid advances in filmmaking technology, Pardington believes the fundamentals remain unchanged: preparation, trust and teamwork.
“It’s always been about the people around you, the work is amazing, and you get to go to incredible places, but the biggest thing is the people you’re surrounded by.”
EVAN PARDINGTON, Grip Solutions
For Grip Solutions, that combination of technical skill, innovation and human connection continues to drive the next generation of filmmaking in New Zealand.
For more information visit www.gripsolutions.co.nz
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Grip Solutions
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