What DJ and Bevan did in the Shadows

NZCS Presents: What DJ & Bevan did in the Shadows
Prepping for fast-paced, multi-cam mayhem on What We Do in the Shadows

Join us for a laid-back evening with cinematographers DJ Stipsen NZCS and Bevan Crothers as they share their experiences working on the Emmy-winning comedy series What We Do in the Shadows — a show where mockumentary meets mayhem, and prepping for chaos is just part of the process.

DJ was the series DP from the beginning, before stepping into the director’s chair for episodes across Seasons 4 and 6. He brought Bevan on board to take over as DP, and together they navigated the show’s unique creative and technical challenges — from long takes and fast turnarounds to improvisational actors, evolving LED lighting tech, and high-VFX sequences.

In this relaxed, show-and-tell style session, DJ and Bevan will:

• Talk through the show’s premise and signature mockumentary style, including working with creators like Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement
  
• Unpack how the show’s lighting evolved across six seasons — and how LED tech advanced alongside it
  
• Break down key episodes from Season 6, including:
   – Episode 6: a VFX-heavy, technically complex shoot that took a well-known studio set on location
   – Episode 9: Directed by DJ and shot by Bevan — they’ll share how they co-designed and created key scenes from this fan-favourite episode

Expect plenty of visual material, honest insights, a few laughs, and practical takeaways for anyone interested in fast-paced, collaborative shoots.

WHEN: Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 6 PM
WHERE: Department of Post, Auckland

Free for NZCS members | $35 for non-members
Seats are limited. Members get first dibs. RSVP essential.

Doors open at 6 PM for drinks and nibbles. Presentation starts at 7 PM sharp.

Not a member yet? Join now and attend this and other great events for free. Learn more about membership here.

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