Michael Hacking

After learning how to cut film at legendary indie company Pacific Films in the 1970s, Michael Hacking moved into directing while working for TVNZ. After directing two episodes of 1987 series Journeys in National Parks, his work as a director, producer, and writer for Natural History New Zealand took him around the globe. Michael Hacking died in March 2022.

Wildlife film crews need a lot of nerve. Imagine filming grizzly bears or leopards, and one comes right up to your hide. It could all go horribly wrong — but you keep filming. I have huge respect for the people I’ve worked with who’ve done that most of their lives. Michael Hacking