ScreenTalk Legends - Dave Gibson

Dave Gibson is the man behind many beloved television shows, including Cuckoo Land (1985), Away Laughing (1992), and The Insiders Guide to Happiness (2004). For over 30 years he led Wellington production company Gibson Group, producing everything from children’s television to comedy shows and movies. As Chief Executive of the NZ Film Commission from 2014 to 2018, he championed a wider diversity of films, and introduced an on-demand service for local films.

In this ScreenTalk Legends interview, Gibson talks about:

• Discovering a passion for filmmaking while studying at teachers college, and never looking back on teaching (2 minutes in)

• Arguing to get public funding into the hands of producers creating the content, rather than television networks (4 minutes) 

• Taking the Australian government to court with Project Blue Sky, while fighting for equal access for New Zealand television in Australia (7 minutes)

• Working with legendary writer Margaret Mahy, and his simple litmus test for successful creative collaborations (8 minutes)

• Choosing which projects to take on at Gibson Group, and the company's philosophy of climbing "more interesting mountains” (9 minutes)

• Scouting comedy group Facial DBX and other fresh comedic talent at university revue shows (11 minutes)

• Feeling proudest of the more "unusual" shows he has produced, including acclaimed drama series The Insiders Guide to Happiness (15 minutes)

• Managing risk, and struggling to keep up a positive front when Gibson Group was close to going under (16 minutes)

• How he has evolved as a producer over time (26 minutes) 

• Focusing on getting a wider range of films made, during his time as Chief Executive of the NZ Film Commission (27 minutes)

 

Interview Rosie Howells. Director/Camera Chris Terpstra/Rocket Rentals. Sound Recordist Michael Kerslake. Editor Tom Field. Producer Fran Carney. Exec Producer Kathryn Quirk.