We’re proud to welcome back acclaimed director, producer and writer Toa Fraser to the Big Screen Symposium for an exclusive masterclass exploring his dynamic approach to TV directing.
Toa is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary New Zealand film and television. With a body of work that spans critically acclaimed films like The Dead Lands and No. 2, as well as directing on international TV projects such as Sweet Tooth and Daredevil, Fraser brings a unique perspective to the art of directing.
In this TV directing masterclass, Toa will delve into his creative process and discuss his experiences, from crafting powerful narratives rooted in his Fijian and New Zealand heritage to navigating the fast-paced world of episodic television. Attendees will learn how he brings authenticity and intensity to the screen and have the chance to engage in a thoughtful conversation with a storyteller who is constantly pushing boundaries.
For this session, Toa will be joined by the brilliant first AD Teuila Field, and together they will discuss practicalities and share insights about working in these demanding environments. This masterclass is a must for aspiring and mid-career directors wanting to develop their careers in TV.
(Photo Credit: FIFO)
SPEAKERS
TOA FRASER
Toa Fraser is a New Zealand filmmaker whose work spans theatre, feature films and television. After establishing himself in cinema with award-winning features including No. 2 and Dean Spanley, Fraser made a successful transition into international television directing. His television credits include Penny Dreadful, The Shannara Chronicles, Into the Badlands, Marvel’s Daredevil, The Affair and The Rookie. He served as producing-director on all three seasons of Netflix’s acclaimed seriesˆ, and most recently, on season one of Murderbot, for Apple+. Fraser brings a distinctive perspective to his television work, drawing from his background in both theatre and film to create compelling visual narratives that bridge different storytelling mediums.
TEUILA FIELD
Teuila Field is a Samoan-New Zealand mother of three. Based in Auckland, she was born in Wellington and comes from the villages of Neiafu and Vaisala in Savai’i, Samoa.
Teuila is a 1st Assistant Director, most recently wrapping on the Netflix adaptation of East of Eden. The series was written and executive produced by Zoe Kazan and follows a multi-generational family saga from the perspective of Cathy Ames, played by Florence Pugh. Teuila worked with Director Laure de Clermont-Tonnère on Episodes 5-7.
Teuila’s credits also include Time Bandits, with Directors Taika Waititi and Jackie van Beek for Apple TV+; Sweet Tooth for Netflix; Spartacus: House of Ashur, with Director Toa Fraser for Starz; and Miki Magasiva’s feature film Tinā.
A film industry worker since 2009, Teuila is passionate about her role as a creative collaborator in the story-telling process.
