Courtenay R.

Supporting the growth and operations of BentoLabs, a New Zealand-based furniture company specialising in vinyl record storage and home organisation solutions. At BentoLabs, I assist across a broad range of operational and backend projects - from coordinating manufacturing logistics with partners in Vietnam and China, to streamlining systems that keep the business running efficiently. My work covers everything from liaising with suppliers, improving supply chain processes, managing product timelines, to assisting with brand development and customer communications. Given BentoLabs' focus on quality craftsmanship and small-batch production, my role has required a hands-on approach to troubleshooting, optimizing workflows, and supporting the founder in preparing the business for sustainable growth. I balance this work flexibly around my freelance production contracts, operating remotely from Southeast Asia.

Experienced professional in film and TV production, specializing in logistics, resource, and budget management across various departments. Proven track record in overseeing complex projects, managing multiple stakeholders. Adept at maintaining smooth operations, solving problems quickly, and fostering collaboration in high-pressure environments. In my most recent Location Coordinator roles, I was responsible for creating, maintaining and tracking a multi-million dollar locations budget and coordinating the activities for all site support infrastructure for the on-site prep – construction, art department and greens builds on site – including utilities, sanitation, water, electricity, shelter across up to 25 remote locations, often many concurrently. My responsibilities include management of site location agreements, management of security and traffic control vendors and schedules, coordinating the planning and consultancy for building and resource consents and permits, rentals and purchases for all site equipment plants and structures, cultural & iwi consultations for sensitive locations, and ensuring health and safety protocols are met. Coordinated site preparation to support shoot days including over 400 crew and their vehicles, 30 support trucks and trailers, marquees, sanitation and reticulation. Financial management of site access improvements, earthworks for roading, hardstand parking, crew parking, site pads and drainage. Reporting to the Supervising Location Manager I managed an immediate team of 4 office staff, whilst overseeing the entire department of between over 100 casual crew members, including onboarding and payroll. I managed the total department expenditure and ensure production obligations were met to identify, catalogue and track all inventory and assets purchased over the course of the production. Strict guidelines adhered to meet studio regulations around the disposal and storage of inventory and assets on the wrap of production.

During the recent Hollywood industrial action, I used my time during industry slowdown to assist the new US owners (whom we'd sold the company to back in 2020) with their business operations. As a Contract Operations Manager, I spearheaded the comprehensive overhaul of business operations for a beverage brand with national distribution across the United States. This role required a strategic reboot of the entire supply chain and operational processes to enhance efficiency & reduce costs. In this position, my responsibilities encompassed managing and optimizing the entire supply chain, from procurement through to distribution. I led efforts in process optimization, identifying key inefficiencies and implementing strategic improvements that streamlined operations across the board, including managing the implementation of Cin7’s Omni ERP software. Managing vendor relationships was crucial to ensure the timely delivery of quality raw materials and finished products. I upheld stringent quality control standards to ensure all products consistently met regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Coordinating logistics and transportation was a significant part of my role, ensuring efficient product delivery to retailers and end customers nationwide. I was also responsible for managing all marketing events, including trade shows and venues such as sporting event sponsorships, enhancing brand visibility and engagement with key demographics. Additionally, I managed the brand's social media platforms, created an in-house brand ambassador product demonstration team, and handled all financial aspects of the business, including trade deduction management. My role extended to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, including the FDA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program. Financial oversight was critical, as I managed budgets, performed financial forecasting, and delivered accurate financial reporting.

As Locations Coordinator for the Locations Department for the yet to be released ‘Chief of War’ epic TV mini series, created and starring Jason Momoa, we recreated 17th century colonial Hawaii at breath-taking and remote NZ Locations.

As the founder of an e-commerce health-shot beverage brand specializing in all-natural and nootropic ingredients, I led the development from initial concept through to market launch and ongoing operations. My role involved creating and scaling up an innovative product that catered to health-conscious consumers, leveraging digital platforms to reach a wide audience. In this capacity, I was responsible for the comprehensive research and development of product formulas, ensuring they met market demands and regulatory standards. I managed the entire production process with our co-packer from sourcing ingredients to packaging, maintaining high-quality standards throughout. For marketing, I crafted and implemented a dynamic strategy that included digital advertising, social media engagement, and content marketing to build brand awareness and customer loyalty. Operational duties encompassed the setup and management of the e-commerce platform, ensuring a seamless user experience from browsing to checkout. I also oversaw logistics, coordinating with suppliers and shipping services to optimize inventory flow and delivery times. Financial management was a critical aspect of my role, involving budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting. I ensured the business met its financial obligations while scaling operations to meet increasing demand.

On Taika Waititi’s ‘Our Flag Means Death’ Series, we managed 17th century desert island locations for this pirate love story.

For Amazon Studios ‘Rings of Power’ we reimagined the Lord of the Rings around NZ with ‘the highest tv series budget in the world’.

As the Rigging Department Coordinator for Amazon Studios' "Rings of Power" I oversaw the coordination of department personnel, ensuring efficient and effective team operations. My responsibilities included managing equipment bookings, such as scaffolding, truss, chain motors, and access equipment, essential for the dynamic demands of high-value production film settings. I maintained strict compliance with testing and certification safety regulations, a crucial aspect of my role. Additionally, I managed the department's budget, carefully allocating resources to meet production needs without compromising efficiency or safety.

When James Cameron bought his epic Avatar Sequels to Auckland to film in Auckland’s wet stages I helped manage the accommodation for over 300 cast and crew over a 4 month period throughout many Auckland hotels and apartments. Additionally I helped to coordinate the facilities for the visiting production.

As the co-founder of a coconut water company, I help lead the company’s launch and expansion into high-end bars and hotels across six countries. I managed the entire production process, from sourcing high-quality ingredients to overseeing the packaging design, maintaining rigorous quality standards throughout. For marketing, I developed and executed a sophisticated strategy that included targeted advertising in industry-specific publications, strategic partnerships with luxury hospitality brands, and influencer marketing campaigns to build brand recognition and consumer loyalty. Operational duties included establishing and managing relationships with premium distribution channels, ensuring a seamless supply chain from production to delivery at exclusive venues. I also oversaw the logistics, coordinating with international suppliers and shipping services to optimize inventory flow and ensure timely delivery to diverse markets. Financial management was a crucial aspect of my role, involving detailed budgeting, meticulous cost control, and comprehensive financial reporting.

Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert returned to Auckland to produce the Evil Dead TV series based on their original movie franchise. This production was housed in three large warehouse complexes around Auckland which I helped to source and lease and set-up for the production to move into. This involves soundproofing and blacking out large warehouses, ensuring power meets specification, building temporary structures to house overflow departments and managing adequate site parking and managing all IT infrastructure, I was heavily involved with site safety compliance, collaborating with fire system designers and engineers to recertify fire systems when necessary due to built sets, special effects activities, or capacities that exceeded building classifications. I obtained my Dangerous Goods Handler certificate, devised and implemented site protocols for Dangerous Goods and ensured the site maintained compliance with the protocols. I managed all site vendors, including tradesmen, builders, security, waste and telecoms. As the main site contact in the event of emergencies or issues I managed any remedial works to ensure the site could re-stablish ‘business-as-usual’ as soon as possible.