About me
Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Ella (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Kahungunu) works as an actor, acting coach, theatre and film maker. During her actor training at Toi Whakaari (2016) she discovered the joys of making her own work - and hasn’t stopped since. She further trained with Araitepō, a Mātauranga Maori high performance leadership program. The invaluable teachings of which are present in all her collaborations and projects. She is committed to telling Aotearoa stories focused on female experiences.This year Ella was the sole applicant selected for the screenwriting residency - Write Room Wellington, where she completed draft one of her debut feature ‘The Desert Road.’ She was chosen as one of six for the DEGANZ Emerging Female Director’s Incubator and was also funded by NZFC to be the Director’s Attachment on NZ Feature ‘PIKE’, directed by Rob Sarkies. Most recently, Ella was chosen by Script to Screen for their prestigious FilmUp mentorship program.
Ella has had an 8 year career as a top NZ acting coach. Some projects include NZFC feature ‘Grafted’, Warner Bro’s TV show ‘Black Hands’, BBC’s’ ‘Mystic’ and Netflix’s ‘Power Rangers’. Along with numerous short films and web series for NZOA, TVNZ and The NZ Film Commission.
Ella is proud to be an artist in Aotearoa.
Proficiencies & skills
Directing Powerful Performances
With 8years experience as an acting coach I have the skill and confidence to ignite powerful and imaginative performances.
Developing Ideas and Workshopping Material
I love supporting people in the early stages of creative ideas - ensuring deep connection and joy with the work and co-creators.
Acting - playful and courageous collaborator
I’m never out of energy to explore the deep well that is acting with other humans.
Director
Actor
Acting Coach
Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Acting
Te Kura Toi Whakaari O Aotearoa 2014-2016
Arai Te Pō - Mātauranga Māori High Performance Leadership Training
Arai Te Pō Ltd. Manutuke 2019