Nau mai haere mai Welcome to

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.

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.

Copies are now available at the Children’s Bookstore !!

click for website

The book is 236 pages, full colour, scrapbooky type style and includes 51 film folk interviews.

The retail price is $57. NZD. ( around $30 USD) plus shipping if needed. (If shipping to the US, another Approx. $30 USD to ship)

I am developing a fixed-layout EPUB version as a cheaper, digital option on Apple Books. I will update as soon as it is available there.

Also, for my Europe-based friends and colleagues, I will make a print-on-demand service available via Bookvault in England. so hang tight. Thanks

I am sorry to say I have not yet found an affordable and reliable option for USA-based friends, family, and colleagues. Tariffs, shipping, and limited print-on-demand options in the USA for a full-colour book my size have…well, made it difficult. Apple Books may be the best option, or Book Vault or Children’s Bookstore will ship overseas if you are willing to pay for shipping.

Nga mihi nui- Big Thanks to you all! Therese

P.S. I have set aside some at a discounted rate for students or people between jobs who would like a copy. Email me if this is you.

squiggles

Additional content drops every month. Sign up to stay updated.

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