ROLE DETAILS
Brand Producer
Video Production
As the sun sets on 2025, it is a natural time for reflection. In the fast-paced world of creative services at the University of Otago, the cycle of a year is often measured in frames, edits, and successful campaigns. For the Brand Content team, 2025 has been a year defined by intensity, immense pride, and the bittersweet nature of the creative journey: we meet, we create, and eventually, we say goodbye.
Leading Through the Noise
Stepping into the dual role of Video Producer and Brand Producer, my focus this year has been on more than just high-quality output—it has been about purposeful leadership.
Within the Brand Content Team, we operate as the visual heartbeat of the University’s Creative Services. While we remained a small, agile unit—particularly in the final months of the year—the scale of our impact was anything but minor. Leadership, to me, is about fostering an environment where a team feels safe to innovate and empowered to execute. Even during the most “full-on” periods where burnout felt like a looming shadow, the collective resilience of the team kept our standards unwavering.
The Mahi Behind the Lens
The role of a Video Producer in a tertiary environment is uniquely demanding. It requires a blend of technical precision and emotional intelligence. This year, our team delivered a staggering volume of content, much of which will serve the University’s brand equity for years to come.
However, the “final export” rarely tells the full story of the mahi (work) involved. To lead a successful production unit is to embrace the grind. I am incredibly grateful to my team for the sacrifices that happen behind the scenes:
- The Early Starts: Rising at 5:00 am to catch the precise “golden hour” light over the Leith.
- The Stamina: Navigating 12-hour production days and the physical toll of transporting heavy gear across our sprawling campus.
- The Technical Rigour: Pushing the boundaries of Adobe After Effects and surviving the dreaded “Version 20” of an edit to ensure every “small change” resulted in a better final product.
Cultural Connection and Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as Team Leader has been the cultural exchange within our office. As a leader, I have been a student as much as a mentor. I am grateful to my team for their patience with my English accent and for keeping me grounded with their “Gen Z energy” and fresh perspectives.
In New Zealand’s creative landscape, we often talk about whanaungatanga—the importance of relationships and a sense of belonging. Nothing in this world is permanent; people move on to new chapters and businesses. But the foundation of what we built together this year is a testament to what can be achieved when a team trusts its leader and each other.
Looking Toward 2026
The University of Otago has a storied history, and as a Brand Producer, I am honoured to be part of the team documenting its future. While 2025 was a year of “big asks” and high pressure, it has also been a year of profound professional growth.
As we sign off for the year, I want to thank my team for standing by me and giving their all. We have shared the late nights, the midnight edits, and the delivery hero moments.
I am looking ahead to 2026 with a renewed focus on storytelling, new opportunities, and the continued evolution of the Brand Content Team.
Brand Content Team forever.
