Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 2026
Stage Freight:
Getting Productions from A to B
Moving a screen production across borders, coordinating equipment and navigating the many requirements of international freight takes a particular kind of expertise. It’s a side of the industry that often goes unseen, but one that Stage Freight NZ knows well.
Co-founded by Dirk van den Eykel and Luke Douglas, Stage Freight NZ grew out of a shared history in international logistics, with roots in the touring music industry. The pair began working together in the UK more than 20 years ago, supporting touring artists and navigating the complexities of moving productions around Europe and the world.
Between them, Dirk and Luke bring around 40 years of experience in logistics. Along the way, they’ve built an international network of trusted contacts, united by a shared understanding of the industry and a practical, solutions-focused approach.
After returning to Aotearoa New Zealand, the pair recognised an opportunity to apply their touring experience to film, television and entertainment logistics. Stage Freight NZ was established in 2021, building on more than a decade of work in the screen industry.
Much of what the team does happens out of sight, but the details matter. From coordinating local suppliers and international freight to navigating customs requirements and regulatory paperwork, every movement needs to be carefully considered. Time-critical shipments, weather, traffic and unexpected changes can all affect a production schedule, making preparation and reliable relationships essential.
As Dirk explains, planning is central to the process, often beginning well before production gets underway. Understanding what needs to move, where it’s going and what’s required to get it there, helps ensure logistics support the production rather than become another challenge for the crew to manage.
That experience is reflected in a diverse body of screen work, with credits spanning projects including The Power of the Dog, Sweet Tooth, Our Flag Means Death, M3GAN, Minecraft and East of Eden.
More recently, Stage Freight NZ has moved into its own facility, providing storage and workspace for the team and its clients. It’s a practical development that supports the company’s continued growth and its work alongside productions and industry partners.
For Dirk and Luke, the focus is on making complex logistics feel straightforward. Drawing on decades of experience, they bring a practical understanding of what can go wrong, how to plan for it and when a creative solution is needed. It’s this behind-the-scenes expertise that helps keep productions moving, even when plans change.
As Aotearoa’s screen industry continues to connect with projects and partners around the world, having experienced logistics specialists working behind the scenes remains a vital part of getting those productions across the line.
For more information visit www.stagefreight.nz
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Stage Freight
CONTACT STAGE FREIGHT
Unit 41/21 Masefield Street, Trentham 5018 Wellington, NZ
+64 27 395 4483
Dirk van den Eykel & Luke Douglas