DEGANZ Watch List: Editors Spotlight
This week’s DEGANZ Watch List celebrates the incredible work of our editor members, spotlighting a diverse line-up of projects spanning feature film, comedy, and emerging web series pilots.
Leading the list is Caterpillar, the highly anticipated directorial debut from Chelsie Preston-Crayford. Edited by DEGANZ member Jonno Woodford-Robinson (ANZSE), the local drama was released just ahead of Mother’s Day and has already generated a variety of positive reviews.
Also featured is the new comedy series New Zealand Spy from Paul Williams, with fellow member Nadia Darby serving as assistant editor on the production.
Rounding out the Watch List are three pilot episodes developed through PASC’s Episode One Redux (Ep1 Redux) programme. This is the second iteration of the Episode One Web Series Development and Pilot Production initiative originally launched in 2022. Designed to strengthen the presence of Pan-Asian creatives both on screen and behind the camera in Aotearoa, the programme aims to foster exciting new voices in local storytelling. The featured pilots showcase the work of editor DEGANZ members Jack Woon, Adam-Luka Turjak, and Sam Small.
Find out more about each of these projects below:
Caterpillar
Feature Film
Editor: Jonno Woodford-Robinson
Set in a run-down Wellington villa in 2003, Caterpillar follows three women living separate lives under one leaky roof. Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for belonging. Her mother, Maxine, is a formidable single parent and filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico.
Now in cinemas across Aotearoa! Find a screening near you here.
New Zealand Spy
Drama Series
Assistant Editor: Nadia Darby
New Zealand’s newest spies – and the only three who applied – are tasked with protecting our nation from incoming threats, most notably those noisy neighbours in Australia. Starring Rose Matafeo, Paul Williams, Bret McKenzie and Joe Thomas.
Available to watch on TVNZ+.
Duel Weddings
PASC Ep1 Redux | Drama Series Pilot Episode
Editor: Jack Woon
When polar-opposite sisters are forced into a double wedding, sparring over their Chinese mother’s approval derails all plans – particularly as one is marrying a white man and the other, a woman!
Available to watch on RNZ.
Jani Bros
PASC Ep1 Redux | Drama Series Pilot Episode
Editor: Adam-Luka Turjak
Two codependent brothers are forced to support their family’s struggling crop-growing business, but their burning desire to forge their own paths throws their brotherhood into turmoil.
Available to watch on RNZ.
Strange Brew
PASC Ep1 Redux | Drama Series Pilot Episode
Editor: Sam Small
Surpassed by a perfect Machine, an aspiring Barista Champion enters a virtual realm to seek the knowledge of her Hero.
Available to watch on RNZ.
Last updated on 21 May 2026
