Robert Hagen

Robert Hagen is a specialist in making music and entertainment programmes — part of a long career which has included sound engineering, directing documentaries, and producing programmes and events. En route, Hagen directed Aotearoa's first episode of Dancing with the Stars, at least eight Christmas in the Parks, and 23 years of live Lotto draws. He has worked with everyone from Kiri Te Kanawa to Howard Morrison.

The story comes first, then everything else after that. It’s very difficult with music. It might not seem that clear to people, but that’s what I’m trying to do. You might be trying to interpret the music for those that are watching without them actually realizing that’s what you’re doing. Robert Hagen, on capturing musical performances on-screen