It’s no secret there’s been a long, hard battle in Hollywood for women to get the recognition and roles they deserve – and here in Aotearoa women in film have been fighting a similar battle.
Two New Zealanders at the forefront of that movement are co-producers Ainsley Gardiner, 47, and Georgina Conder, 42 – and this year they, too, have scored a major win for women with the release of their film Cousins.
As they chat to the Weekly, there’s a refreshing familiarity and humour between the pair. They’re like family – a fact confirmed when Ainsley mentions her eldest daughter is currently staying with Georgina. “She behaves better with George,” she says with a laugh.
“Eyes are looking good,” Georgina quips back at Ainsley, who recently had her lashes done.
The pair met more than two decades ago and went on to work with Taika Waititi before deciding in 2015 to form their own production company, Miss Conception Films.
“We’re both mums. I’ve got three kids and George has three,” says Ainsley. “The film industry is not conducive to having children, but that’s something we actively work against. We create different ways of working that suit us.
”
That means fostering an environment where parents on the team are looked after. Sometimes, they can job share. Other times, crew members’ kids are included in the movies, so the children can be on set.
This story is from the May 17, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 17, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy