INTERVIEW
the New Zealand culture that makes us combine more readily than other people’s cultures.” He does however acknowledge that, “we have had individual successes that are disproportionate. If you look at the extraordinary success of Lord of the Rings, what other country could do this? Not very many, but apart from that and Whale Rider what else? It doesn’t take much in a small country for us to look good. If you’re doing this in the States you’re striking much higher.” According to this industry veteran, secrets to success include planning, teamwork and great leadership. “A film crew is like a well oiled military or sports machine,” he says. “Like rugby, you know someone’s going to pick it up and run with it. You expect people to be prepared and ready; collaboration is important. Good leadership is important in bringing that together.” He’s not exaggerating when he references the military. The detailed planning list for each shoot sounds like a battalion should be on call at all times: people know what they’re shooting, when, and how; there is a report that you start the day with and another that you end the day with. Nothing happens that hasn’t been planned and reasons for deviation go into the report at the end of the day. However, he explains: “At the same time you have this creative thing going on. That requires you to juggle these two things [planned and unplanned activity]. Leadership is the difference. You look at the projects that worked, the audiences that went WINTER 2009
there, those that are critically acclaimed, and you know that somebody got the best performance from everyone on the day. “In an odd way none of the outcomes of the arts are planned,” says Barnett. “I doubt if there is a painter who says: ‘The next thing I do will be the next big New Zealand thing.’ The reality about art is that nothing any of us do will make a change. What makes the change is making something that captures the imagination of people – so they make that change for themselves.” The film sector is embattled however, and heavily dependent on government support. “The fact is that the product we make in film and literature has a very tiny domestic market and yet the cost is not much different from the cost of making them internationally. I hope the government support doesn’t disappear. “If you open up 500 BurgerFuels or supermarkets you’d dominate the market. In the arts, someone can make something singular and personal and that becomes the new benchmark. In some ways that’s the most capitalist thing there is. You create something and the audience tells you if it’s good. Having got to that point your profile is raised and their willingness to listen to you in the future is bolstered.” Unfortunately that recognition doesn’t always equate to a dollar value unless you’re a smart businessperson like Barnett. “Leaders in the arts are making statements on the worlds they operate in, they don’t have to talk about politics and the economy – they are already making statements”. 23