About Me

Hello! I’m Sebastian Vidal Bustamante, a Creative Director, Filmmaker, and Senior AV Tech based in the vibrant city of Auckland, New Zealand. My journey in media and communications is one of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence. From the bustling streets of Santiago, Chile, to the creative hubs of Buenos Aires, Argentina, my career has taken me through some of the most dynamic film industries in the world, enriching my skills and broadening my creative horizons.

Professional Experience

As a Creative Director, I weave narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. My filmmaking skills add a vivid visual dimension, ensuring stories are not only told but experienced in a powerful way. In my role as a Senior AV Tech, I have mastered the art of audiovisual production, from sound and lighting to live broadcasting. This technical foundation allows me to deliver content that is both aesthetically stunning and technically flawless.

Career Highlights

• King Tupac: A crowning achievement in my career, this animated short is now streaming on Māori+ as part of the AKO FOR NINOS Project. Directed by me, "King Tupac" was honored as the opening feature at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival in 2022, celebrated for its inspiring and entertaining depiction of spirit and legacy.

• New Zealand Tag Football: Since 2018, I have been the videographer for New Zealand Tag Football, capturing and promoting the sport’s vibrancy. My work significantly contributed to the community’s growth and the sport’s recognition as an official sport by Sport New Zealand in 2021.

• Marathon and Tuhoe Color: I directed these impactful films, showcased at major New Zealand film festivals. "Tuhoe Color" proudly represented New Zealand at the 27th Autochtone Film Festival in Montreal, Canada, in 2017.

• Creative Director of Sine: Leading an adventurous European tour 2023, I helmed a series of documentaries on synthesizer fairs and electronic music companies, unveiling the fascinating culture and technological advancements within the industry.

Academic Achievements

• 2021 Ako for Niños: This project is encapsulated in the abstract titled, "Ako for Niños: An animated children’s series bridging migrant participation and intercultural co-design to bring meaningful Tikanga to Tauiwi." Developed by a migrant social services organization and a media-design team, it introduces Latin American Tauiwi to Tikanga through an animated children’s series. This initiative included a community short story writing competition and co-design with a kaitiaki (Māori guardian/advisor), emphasizing the integration of cultural narratives and fostering intercultural understanding.

• Ako Rangatahi Animation Workshop 2024: This workshop was developed with the support of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities Development Fund and Foundation North. Conducted at Studio Toi One and ALAC INC in Auckland, it aimed to foster animation skills among young participants, encouraging creativity and intercultural learning.

My Vision

With a blend of creative vision, filmmaking prowess, and technical expertise, I lead teams from concept to delivery, creating high-quality content that elevates brands and engages audiences. I am passionate about storytelling in all its forms and look forward to future collaborations that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.