Didi Lagerqvist

On her start in film editing…

I came to New Zealand 22 years ago as a young jazz musician and soon realised that I needed to re-invent myself somewhat. So I learnt film editing.

On being creative…

I love telling stories, to order them to make sense and to reach people emotionally.

There’s basically a million ways to tell one story so every decision I make is me putting a part of myself into my work. It’s intensely personal. But because my industry is one of collaboration when other people put their stamp on the final product, too. Finding the balance is important.

On juggling a career and motherhood…

Being a freelancer means things continuously change for me, but right now a typical day involves a snuggle in bed with my girls before getting them off to kindy and school and then getting stuck into my work day, which involves editing a new TV show about bosses living with one of their employees for a working week. It’s never a dull moment.

On change …

My industry has changed hugely. When editing of video tape was linear. Technology has made the art of storytelling a lot more accessible to people. 

On finding success…

Tenacity is a good trait to have when working in my industry. Being a freelancer means you constantly need to prove yourself. That’s very hard at times.

On immigrating to New Zealand…

I was born and raised in Drammen, Norway. I left for New Zealand as a young woman, 22 years ago looking for adventure. I never looked back.

On her inspiration…

I find inspiration in switching off. I treasure my time doing restorative yoga. It makes me better at my job as a mother and an editor.

What does community look like to you?

Family and friends sharing responsibilities and riches.

On her side hustle…

My husband and I have created a kid’s clothing line called Elk and Me. We are ethical + organic, colourful + playful, for boys + girls. We want to create clothes for kids that are natural but have personality. Tony is the designer and I have strong opinions on most things. It seems to work.

On raising her children in New Zealand…

I have two lovely girls, Milly (7) and Lina (2). It is second best to Norway for raising children.

On working through a creative block…

I don’t. I leave and come back to it.

On a life lesson learnt…

When people show you who they are, believe them!

On someone in life for whom you’re grateful …

As a child, my granddad Henry was my beacon.  

Three words on being grateful…

Empathy, thankfulness and giving.

On being involved in Great Full…

I love the energy and the heart of this project. I come from a society where free healthcare is the cornerstone of society. I happily pay my taxes- they pay you back tenfold.