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Profile image for Simon Bennett

Simon Bennett

Director, Producer

Simon Bennett's extensive CV includes producing and directing episodes of long-running successes Shortland Street and Outrageous Fortune — including helming Fortune's keenly-watched final episode — and producing fantasy series Maddigan's Quest. Bennett began in theatre, and has gone on to spend time as head of drama at South Pacific Pictures, the production house behind all three shows.

Stamina, the ability to remain clear under stress, the ability to understand what everyone does on a production and communicate clearly with them so they all share the same vision. Strong critical faculties. Diplomacy. Simon Bennett, on the qualities needed in a good producer

Thumbnail image for Simon Bennett: On producing and directing the big TV dramas…
Interview

Simon Bennett: On producing and directing the big TV dramas…

Interview, 2013

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street: Inside an Icon (25th anniversary)

Shortland Street: Inside an Icon (25th anniversary)

2017, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for NZ Wars - The Stories of Ruapekapeka

NZ Wars - The Stories of Ruapekapeka

2017, Co-Director - Web

Thumbnail image for Westside

Westside

2015, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - 2015 Christmas cliffhanger (hostage siege)

Shortland Street - 2015 Christmas cliffhanger (hostage siege)

2015, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Chris and Rachel's wedding

Shortland Street - Chris and Rachel's wedding

2014, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Death of Sarah Potts

Shortland Street - Death of Sarah Potts

2014, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Pele Kruse's birth

Shortland Street - Pele Kruse's birth

2014, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street cast sings 'Anchor Me'                              (2013 Christmas episode)

Shortland Street cast sings 'Anchor Me' (2013 Christmas episode)

2013, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for The Blue Rose

The Blue Rose

2013, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Sione's 2 - Unfinished Business

Sione's 2 - Unfinished Business

2012, Director - Film

Thumbnail image for The Almighty Johnsons

The Almighty Johnsons

2011 - 2012, Producer, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for The Almighty Johnsons - First Episode

The Almighty Johnsons - First Episode

2011, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Spies and Lies

Spies and Lies

2010, Director, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Go Girls - First Episode

Go Girls - First Episode

2009, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic Immunity

2008, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - The Ferndale Strangler finale

Shortland Street - The Ferndale Strangler finale

2008, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Diplomatic Immunity - First Episode

Diplomatic Immunity - First Episode

2008, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Scotty and Shanti's wedding

Shortland Street - Scotty and Shanti's wedding

2008, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - The Ferndale Strangler revealed

Shortland Street - The Ferndale Strangler revealed

2007, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Maia and Jay’s Civil Union

Shortland Street - Maia and Jay’s Civil Union

2006, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Outrageous Fortune - First Episode

Outrageous Fortune - First Episode

2005, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Maddigan's Quest

Maddigan's Quest

2005, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Maddigan's Quest - First Episode

Maddigan's Quest - First Episode

2005, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Outrageous Fortune

Outrageous Fortune

2005 - 2010, Director, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Made in New Zealand - Margaret Mahy

Made in New Zealand - Margaret Mahy

2004, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Dominic meets a fiery end

Shortland Street - Dominic meets a fiery end

2004, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Tina-Anne Harrison's birth

Shortland Street - Tina-Anne Harrison's birth

2004, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for P.E.T. Detectives

P.E.T. Detectives

2003 - 2005, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for P.E.T. Detectives - First Episode

P.E.T. Detectives - First Episode

2003, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - 2002 Christmas cliffhanger (Rachel's car crash)

Shortland Street - 2002 Christmas cliffhanger (Rachel's car crash)

2002, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Nick and Waverley's wedding

Shortland Street - Nick and Waverley's wedding

2002, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Mercy Peak

Mercy Peak

2001 - 2003, Director, Writer - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Musical episode

Shortland Street - Musical episode

2001, Executive Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Riding High

Riding High

1995, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street

Shortland Street

1997 - 2000, Producer, Director - Television