South Pacific Pictures’ Head of Drama Simon Bennett has an extensive directing and producing career in New Zealand television drama and theatre.
After graduating from Toi Whakaari/NZ Drama School in 1988 as an actor, Simon established a reputation for directing exciting, eclectic and energetic theatre productions, including musicals and large-scale touring Shakespeare productions. He has been involved with Shortland Street from 1996 to the present, initially directing and producing and latterly as Executive Producer. He was a storyliner and director on Mercy Peak 2 and 3, as well as Executive Producer and director on Outrageous Fortune.
As Head of Drama Simon is responsible for the production of film and television drama projects. Simon worked with James Griffin and Oscar Kightley on developing feature film Sione’s Wedding, and was producer of South Pacific Picture’s award winning children’s drama series Maddigan’s Quest, is the Executive Producer of award-winning TV3 drama series Outrageous Fortune and also directs occasional episodes.
At the 2007 Air NZ Screen Awards, Simon won the award for Achievement in Directing a Drama/Comedy Programme (Outrageous Fortune).
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