JohnKing
- Director
- Writer
- Editor
In 33 years at the National Film Unit John King rose through the ranks from production trainee to producer. Along the way, as writer, editor or director, he made a wide range of films documenting the landscape and people of New Zealand — from humble TV filler to full-length colour feature.
Biography
When the National Film Unit was sold in March 1990, and ceased making films, the longest-serving production staff member was John King.
A London blitz-kid, he finished his schooling in New Zealand and joined the public service. In 1957, after leaving the NZ Broadcasting Service’s station 3ZB, he joined the NFU as a production trainee, believing it offered better prospects for entering the world of television production. Before the year was out he had taken one small step towards his goal by writing the commentary for a 60-second “TV filler”, Thundering Mountain. The start of regular TV broadcasts was, however, still three years away.
Screenography
Awards
1979 International Festival of Cinema (Italy)
Grand Trophy of the Gulf of Salerno: The New Zealanders
“We have a tradition at the film unit that everyone is expected to become a crew member. There are no bosses. All have to cooperate as a team.”