Managing Creative Studios

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, we chat with Nigel McCulloch, producer, writer, and co-founder of The Downlow Concept. Nigel shares how a love of comedy and a chance introduction to communication studies led him into film and television, eventually forming the creative team behind Off The Wire and the long-running comedy institution 7 Days. He talks about the realities of pitching, rejection, financing, and why understanding the business side of screen production is essential for creatives.Nigel also delves into his documentary and music-driven projects such as Scribe: Return of the Crusader and Hip Hop Stand Up, sharing insights into music rights, storytelling, and the emotional weight behind New Zealand hip hop history. With reflections on kids’ TV, mockumentaries, and building a career in a small but passionate industry, this episode is packed with wisdom for emerging filmmakers and seasoned creatives alike.The Down Low Concept Website: https://www.thedownlowconcept.com/7 Days: https://www.youtube.com/@7daysnzHip Hop Stand Up: https://www.rnz.co.nz/video/nz-hip-hop-stand-upBrown Peril (48 Hr Film Festival Winner): https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/brown-peril-tim-porch-story-2006Only Son (48 Hr Film Festival Winner): https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/only-son-2010My Favourite Dead Person: https://www.myfavouritedeadperson.com/Hounds: https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/hounds-episode-2012Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger: https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/bigger-better-faster-stronger-episode-two-2011Bigsies & Littles: https://www.rnz.co.nz/video/bigsies-and-littlesNZ On Screen: https://www.nzonscreen.com/

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, Susan Mann talks with Andrew McDowall, musician, composer, and audio engineer, and the founder of Digicake, a boutique sound studio based in Auckland, New Zealand.Andrew shares his journey through the world of sound, from composing music for children’s television and short films to mixing podcasts like the award-winning The Commune. He talks about how Digicake began, what it’s like running a small creative studio, and the balance between client work and personal creative projects.The conversation also explores the changing landscape of audio production, the impact of new technology and AI, and how Andrew keeps his creative practice fresh while managing the realities of running a business.Find Andrew's website here: https://digicake.com/

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, I talk with Bryan Millar, toymaker, cancer survivor and owner of Pioneer Wooden Toys, a beloved New Zealand brand known for its handcrafted wooden toys that have been delighting children for more than four decades.Bryan shares his career move from a corporate background into the world of traditional toy making, a leap that reconnected him with creativity, craftsmanship, and purpose. He talks about the responsibility of carrying on a legacy brand, his approach to sustainable materials, and the importance of keeping creativity alive in a world increasingly dominated by mass production.We also discuss Bryan’s dream of creating a Pioneer Wooden Toy Wonderland, a space where families can experience the joy of handmade toys, watch the process unfold, and even make their own. It’s a story about slowing down, valuing quality, and finding meaning through making.Bryan's Website: https://www.woodntoys.co.nz/browse/Bryan's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@www.woodntoys.co.nzBryan's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pioneerwooden/

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, Susan Mann talks with Alex Leighton, co-founder and creative director of Mukpuddy Animation, one of New Zealand’s most recognisable and enduring animation studios.Alex shares the incredible story of how Mukpuddy began over two decades ago in a small basement in Pakuranga and grew into a thriving studio creating shows like The Barefoot Bandits, Jandal Burn, Badjelly the Witch, and Night Eyes. He reflects on the persistence and passion that kept the team going through tough years, their focus on original IP, and how they’ve built a creative culture rooted in humour, collaboration, and heart.The conversation also explores the realities of running an independent animation studio in New Zealand, from funding and production challenges to the joy of seeing homegrown stories connect with audiences both locally and overseas.Check out Mukpuddy's website here: https://mukpuddy.com/

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, Susan Mann chats with Caleb Thompson, award-winning visual effects artist and founder of Masters of Reality, a leading New Zealand VFX studio.Caleb shares his journey from studying at Media Design School to working on blockbuster productions such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Game of Thrones, Jumanji, Spartacus, and M3GAN. He talks about what inspired him to start his own studio, how Masters of Reality has grown to a 20-person team, and the importance of building a supportive, healthy studio culture that avoids crunch time.The conversation also touches on the challenges facing New Zealand’s visual effects industry, including tax incentives and international competition, winning an award for his Game of Thrones episode “Battle of the Bastards,” and the exciting ways AI and machine learning are shaping the future of visual effects.Master of Reality Website: https://morvfx.com/

In this episode of Managing Creative Studios, Susan Mann talks with Dylan Coburn, a veteran storyboard artist, animator, and director whose career spans three decades in film, television, and animation.Dylan shares how he began in hand-drawn animation at Toonz in the 1990s, went on to found his own studio Karactaz, and led projects for global clients including Marvel, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros. He opens up about the realities of running a creative business, the challenges of scaling and eventually closing a studio, and how those experiences shaped his approach to collaboration and artistry.Now one of New Zealand’s most in-demand storyboard artists, Dylan reflects on working on major productions like Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Equalizer 3, A Minecraft Movie and Chief of War, and offers advice for emerging artists about persistence, mentorship, and knowing your worth in a fast-changing creative landscape.Check out Dylan's website here: https://www.idrawandwrite.com/