KINGSIZE 15 Year Anniversary 1998-2013

 

Fifteen years: it’s really been that long !!

I’m often asked, why the studio is called “Kingsize”, and the answer is pretty simple: first, it was a big building, offering a huge studio space, and secondly, I wanted a name that was vaguely Kiwi, so I thought of the iconic Cadbury Kingsize Bar of Chocolate. Hence “Kingsize”.

The second most frequently asked questions is: what was the building originally built for: perhaps this is urban myth, but the story goes that it was built for the Naval Reserve: originally Cox’s Creek ran beside the studio (as it still does, underground) and the masted yachts were stored and launched from here. Apparently also at some time, the building was used as a bomb store for the New Zealand Navy.

I was inspired to create Kingsize, based on my observations of L.A. facilities while studying photography at Brooks Institute in California in 1993/94. Realising that such studios and gear hire should be a vital part of the New Zealand industry, and identifying a virtual absence of such services Kingsize was proposed as the answer.

We began with just the main studio space, and at first we had resident photographers sharing the space, while also renting out to client photographers. Myself, Neil Gussey, Mat Blamires, Sally Shapcott, and Ken George were the establishing photographers, and over the years, we have been home to many more: more recently, Aaron K, and Toaki Okano.

As a commercial photographer with nearly ten years experience, I wanted to create a very functional facility, which was community based, and specifically centring around the shared passion of photography (which in recent years has come to include motion picture)

Taking my local experience as a photographer,  combined with what I had learnt from the American system of production, (which is comparatively much more complex and extravagant), Kingsize has grown to be many things, but always at it’s core: is a true love of the arts. Today, we offer studio rental, equipment hire, gear sales, consultation, education, and more.

Reflecting on this time, I am most proud of the fact that we have mentored and assisted so many young and emerging photographers and image makers. We have always run intern programs, and placed a huge emphasis on teaching, even though we are a business. To watch the careers of various people grow and flourish is what I hope is our lasting legacy. It is also wonderful that these same people return to Kingsize over the years, and maintain the connection from as far away as Europe, Scandinavia, South America, China, North America, and more.

I am particularly proud of the formal education program we launched this year. Headed by Luke White, these evening classes and weekend workshops formalise what we have been doing in a more casual way over the years. We now run the Assistant Bootcamp several times a year, offer basic and advanced classes in stills and video production, and much more: www.kingsizestudios.com

Also over the last three months, we have run for the first time, the “Kingsize Scholarship Program“, taking twelve students through an intensive course designed to help launch their imminent careers. The work these students have produced is truly astounding.

 

Over the last fifteen years, we have seen a lot. The early 2000’s heralded the film to digital transition. Later came the stills to video movement. We have seen economic peaks and troughs which continue to offer challenges: The Millennium, 9/11, and the GFC. We have seen the explosion of social media and the iPhone effect. Photographers, magazines, ad agencies, and facilities have come and gone. Change upon change.

As I look to the next fifteen years, I hope that Kingsize will continue to be a magnet for creativity, experimentation, learning, and business. To the countless clients, crew, supporters, and friends who have made Kingsize possible: thank you. I could not have done this without you.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about a party….soon.

Adam Custins
Founder & owner.

 

Above photo: our first logo, and our first price list in 1998. Designed by Rachel Doughty of One Design.