Echo Janman, Producer
Echo, tell us a little about yourself: your background,
work history and why you decided to pursue a career in film and
television.
I came to NZ in 2000 from the States to begin a postgraduate
degree in cultural anthropology. It was during this time that I met
Paul Janman, and in 2004 we packed up everything and moved to Tonga
together. We worked as teachers at a small school that challenged
the corporate model of education and championed a critical
understanding of culture and the classical spirit. Inspired by
their example, we returned to Auckland in 2006 and established our
own independent film company, Public Films.
Tell us about your most recent and current
projects.
As a husband and wife team we worked relentlessly on our first
feature documentary film,Tongan
Ark, for over 6 years. During this time we also produced
several short films and taught ourselves filmmaking from start to
finish. Being independent has allowed us to take our time to let
the the story develop and establish a deep relationship with our
subject. It is incredibly rewarding to be a producer on this
project and to see our first feature film now receiving positive
reviews, gaining momentum in the international festival circuit and
literally changing peoples lives.
I work full-time at the University of Auckland and currently only
produce projects for Public Films. Our next project is a
collaboration between Director Paul Janman and writer Scott
Hamilton creating alternative Aotearoa histories through the lens
of 'radical travel'. I'm also working on a short doco about an
ailing South Alabama jukebox company.
Why do you think it's important for women to have access
to the types of mentorship, networking and professional development
opportunities that WIFT offers?
It is a highly competitive and fast-moving industry to
say the least. I haven't pursued a formal education in film studies
or worked in television, so having the opportunity to attend WIFTNZ
workshops and seminars has been a tremendous boost. It has been so
encouraging to hear the experiences of others and get advice from
the experts. It has also been great to meet other women who have
stood their ground to tell stories the way they believe they should
be told, and to meet women working in all areas of the industry.
Interviewed 18 December 2012
View Echo Janman's membership profile.