Career Spotlight: Jonno Woodford-Robinson ANZSE
Jonno Woodford-Robinson’s career as an editor is a testament to versatility, rhythm, and a deep understanding of storytelling across genres. From blockbuster VFX spectacles to intimate indie dramas and documentaries, his work combines technical precision with a strong creative sensibility.
Born in Waihōpai Invercargill, Jonno grew up in a household where creativity was highly valued. His English father was a sculptor and art teacher, while his Irish mother taught high school English. Music became Jonno’s first creative language as he was an avid pianist and drummer, playing in his high school band and spending countless hours in the music room. This early grounding in rhythm would later shape his approach to editing, beginning with his first project at 17: a music video for his band.
After a formative summer working at a local radio station, Jonno moved to Ōtautahi Christchurch to study radio and television broadcasting, focusing on drama editing. He later relocated to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, where he began working in post-production, editing commercials, short films, and the occasional music video.
A pivotal moment in Jonno’s career came when he met Oscar-nominated editor Michael Horton. Working alongside Horton, Jonno operated Lightworks and Avid systems, developing both his story editing and technical skills. This mentorship came full circle years later when they co-edited Lee Tamahori’s acclaimed drama, Mahana (2016). Together, they won Best Editor at the 2017 New Zealand Film Awards.
Jonno’s feature film career began with the cult classic Tongan Ninja (2002), quickly followed by a series of diverse projects. These included the psychological drama Fracture (2004), the groundbreaking Rotuman film Pear ta Ma ‘on Maf (The Land Has Eyes) (2004), and Taika Waititi’s debut Eagle vs Shark (2007), both of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His work on the short film Closer (2004), which screened in competition at Cannes, demonstrated his sensitivity to character-driven storytelling, earning multiple accolades at the New Zealand Screen Awards.
Alongside his editorial work, Jonno developed an extensive VFX skill set while working for Wētā Digital’s (now Wētā FX) motion capture department in 2005 and 2006. His proficiency with Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve Fusion has enabled him to seamlessly bridge traditional editing with VFX-heavy workflows, making him a sought-after collaborator on complex productions.
Throughout his career, Jonno has contributed to a remarkable range of high-profile productions. His credits include Mortal Engines (2018), The Rehearsal (2016), What We Do in the Shadows (2014), and Pork Pie (2017). He was an additional editor on Jared Hess’s box office hit A Minecraft Movie (2025) and Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005), and part of the editorial team for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003).
In television, Jonno’s work is equally distinguished. His credits span international and local productions, including Mr. Corman (2021), Cleverman (2016-2017), and One Lane Bridge (2020). Notably, he served as lead editor on the Emmy-nominated series Time Bandits (2024), a fantasy adventure that blended improvisation with complex visual effects, an ideal match for Jonno’s hybrid skill set.
Beyond narrative, Jonno has made significant contributions to documentary storytelling. He edited and associate-produced Peter Young’s The Last Ocean (2012), a powerful environmental documentary advocating for the protection of the Ross Sea. The film screened at international festivals, won multiple awards, and played a role in the establishment of the world’s largest marine protected area.
His documentary work also demonstrates a strong ability to integrate archival material with contemporary footage, notably in Dame Gaylene Preston’s mini-series on the 2010 Christchurch earthquake, Hope and Wire (2014), and Tom Scott’s tele-feature dramatisation of the protests against the 1981 Springbok tour, Rage (2011).
Most recently, Jonno edited Chelsie Preston Crayford’s debut feature, Caterpillar (2026), a drama exploring the dynamics of three generations of women facing a life-changing event, continuing his focus on character-driven storytelling.
In addition to his vast career in post-production, Jonno has been a longtime supporter of DEGANZ and is committed to helping usher in the next generation of editors. He has been a mentor to many, taking on various editor attachments over the years. He was also a key player in the establishment of the Aotearoa New Zealand Screen Editors (ANZSE) Accreditation. He is currently serving on the ANZSE committee, helping to evaluate the next round of Accreditations.
Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Jonno lives with his wife Rieko, an artist, surrounded by inquisitive wild birds and a wide selection of teas.
Last updated on 23 April 2026
