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The Reel Deal-Crew

Real Talent, Tips, and Tales - An insider’s look at Aotearoa’s ( New Zealand’s) film crews.

Above: Terrence Turner ( Props maker), Thomas Sutcliff, Anton Carter ( Greensman) Helen Stanbridge ( Set Dec), Mel Moors (Standby Scenic), Kay Buchanan( Leather Artist), Sam Brown, Elise Kowitz ( Standy props), Matt Austin ( Onset Art Director). Photo courtesy- Kay Buchanan

Mission Statement

  • This website and the accompanying book can inspire students, and anyone checking it out, to not only keep on keeping on but also to find joy in our choices and processes. Even when things get tough, we are not in it alone. It takes a village to accomplish the impossible, and the impossible is accomplished daily in the film industry.

  • To call attention to both known and unknown talent and roles from various departments and share their journeys, advice, and a few techniques to exemplify some of the hard work that happens before and behind the scenes in film. This will prove to be very useful and interesting to students, fellow film/theatre workers, and any interested NZ film fans. Also to let the world to know about the talented workforce available in New Zealand.

  • Aiming to achieve this by delivering down-to-earth interviews, real tips, and tales from folks in the film industry. Many film workers comment on how their families and friends don’t know what they do even though they spend so much time doing it. I look forward to shedding a little light.

  • Everything in and around the entertainment industry tends to be, well, entertaining. Whether it is film, TV, theatre, museums, game design, etc. The people who find work in these arenas are often connected and larger than life. I believe their stories to be pretty dang interesting.

Therese “Bobo” Eberhard

Born in Palo Alto, California, in 1965, and now a proud New Zealand citizen, Therese brings over 25 years of experience in scenic and prop painting across film, television, theatre, and museums. She has worked on high-profile projects, including Avatar, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Mulan, The Power of the Dog, The Hobbit trilogy, and Ghost in the Shell.

Since arriving in NZ to work on ‘King Kong’ in 2004, she has made Wellington her home and is also a passionate educator and mother. As a dyslexic and a parent of a neurodiverse daughter, she advocates for inclusive creativity and believes deeply in supporting others to find joy in their own paths.

Undergoing treatment for a form of blood cancer, Therese enjoys discovering a purposeful outlet that matches her energy, allowing her to share both her scenic techniques and the wider film crew’s tips and tales with you all. To build on what was started in her book.

Content creator

It all started with a book.

The Reel Deal: Real Talent, Tips, and Tales

A Journey Through the New Zealand Film Community

By Therese Eberhard

The Reel Deal is a colourful, behind-the-scenes exploration of Aotearoa’s celebrated film industry—from the perspective of the people who paint, build, design, and breathe life into its visual storytelling.

Part memoir, practical guide, and celebration, this book weaves together behind-the-scenes stories, career journeys, tips, and tools from more than 50 creatives. Scenic painter Therese Eberhard ( Avatar + sequels, The Hobbit -Trilogy, Mortal Engines, King Kong, etc) combines humour, honesty, and decades of experience to showcase the real work and remarkable people that drive NZ’s screen success.

Offering a deeply human and often humorous insight into the artistry behind the camera.

You can purchase your own copy at….

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