Mark Westerby returns as this year's Fringe Festival director to complete some 'unfinished business' after two years overseas working on the Sydney Film Festival and London Fashion Week.

Mark Westerby returns as this year's Fringe Festival director to complete some 'unfinished business' after two years overseas working on the Sydney Film Festival and London Fashion Week. "The industry has definitely moved forward in this time, there is more communication between artists and the sector and more of a willingness to share information and resources." While globetrotting he also discovered that international events may be larger 'but the hurdles are the same!'

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Inspiration usually strikes in the evenings for me - definitely not in the morning, at least not until after coffee!

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Pretty laid back I guess. I believe in leading by example so smiling is mandatory!

What aspect of your role as director gives you the biggest thrill?

Seeing the results of the work that Fringe artists create is the biggest thrill really. I'm proud to be a part of that process.

How does your environment affect your work?

We have an open-plan office and whilst I welcome visits by anyone, it can be distracting when I'm trying to get those funding applications done! Some days I do that work from home.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Both. I always look at the project I am doing from the strategic perspective and ask the basic questions like "Why are we doing this?", "Who are we doing it for?" and "Where are we heading?". But I am also finicky about the small stuff, because it all adds up.

What skills, experience and training do aspiring festival directors need?

Patience and passion. You can't work in this industry if you stress easily, you have be pretty laid back and don't sweat the small stuff. My practical background is as an arts practitioner and in business management. Both these areas have been useful in building this kind of career. Good communication is also the key - being able to relate to artists, sponsors, technicians, staff, media, audiences, etc is a must.

You were the festival director in 2005. Why did you leave and why did you return? How has the festival and industry changed in that time?

I left to work with the Sydney Film Festival and then run The Shoot Out Filmmaking Festival back in NZ. I also wanted to do some more traveling. Fringe was unfinished business for me, so I jumped at the opportunity to return to Wellington. Outside of the festival, there are many opportunities for Fringe to make a difference in the New Zealand arts community, it's a big blank slate for me so that is exciting. The festival has gone from strength to strength over the past three years. The guidance of the Fringe Arts Trust board has been key to this growth, along with the leadership from Karen Blyth the previous director. They were some comfy shoes to step into - thanks Kaz!! The industry has definitely moved forward in this time too, there is more communication between artists and the sector and more of a willingness to share information and resources. There are more festivals and arts events across the country which is creating a natural touring circuit.

In the past two years you've been involved in London Fashion Week and the Sydney Film Festival. What did you learn and how has it influenced your approach in New Zealand?

I discovered that the events may be larger but the hurdles are the same! These events (and others I have worked on like The Shoot Out and Tropfest), have given me good industry contacts and also many ideas that I have applied to the Fringe. This has mostly related to corporate sponsorship of arts events and how to maximise the benefits of these partnerships. Many corporate organisations in New Zealand have yet to recognise the advantages of partnering with arts-related activities.

What has been the biggest challenge putting together the Fringe Festival?

The Fringe programme is always the biggest challenge - combining so much information into one document is a real mission. My staff and I worked around the clock to put the programme together and keeping everyone happy is difficult. Balancing information with design, advertisements and sponsors is tough. We all breathed a sigh of relief when it went off to the printers before Christmas. The feedback since the programme launch has been overwhelmingly positive, so that makes it all worth it!

What are you most looking forward to about this year's festival?

I am looking forward to seeing the productions come to fruition, hearing feedback from audiences and critics, and generally celebrating the fact that the Fringe is one of the hottest tickets around town and the 'engine room' for new work and emerging artists.

What are your plans after the festival?

Sleeping - a lot! I have a two year contract with Fringe so I will be organising other Fringe events, we have two Fringe Showcases planned for Auckland and Wellington as well as some other activities up our sleeves so watch this space! I am also producing the Six O'clock Swill - a monthly series of one-act plays, have a film project in post-production as well as a couple of other opportunities in the mix so the craziness will continue.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Be flexible. You need to be in this industry. I have worked in so many different jobs, this not only expands your skill base and makes you more employable, but keeps the rent paid!

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Fringe in 2005 was a real highlight for me considering I took on the role in October 04 and the festival was on in February 05!

Who or what has inspired you recently?

The triple shot coffee from Emporio inspires me every morning!

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

My father was in the Navy many moons ago and I actually trained as a naval cadet for a while but I failed the officer's test so yeah, I could've been doing that. I still can't iron my shirts very well though.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

My aunt's beach bach at Mount Maunganui, so many great memories of long hot summers with family.

What's the best way to listen to music?

On the couch at home, preferably on a Sunday morning or at a concert in the park accompanied by a good bottle of wine.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A mess probably!

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

During rather tense situations, my mantra has always been "No one has died and the world hasn't ended" so that tends to put things into perspective!

What's great about today?

The sun is shining and the coffee is good!

What's your big idea for 2008?

To expand the Fringe empire! (evil laugh) The Wellington Fringe Festival runs from February 8 to March 2.

Read more TBI Tuesday Q&A interviews 29/01/08