As a busy mum of two energetic primary school daughters, Bridget Ellis-Pegler is used to firing on all cylinders, working from anywhere, often with her handy dandy notebook for scribbling ideas.

Her latest idea is The Zingoshi Chronicles, a fun transmedia project using TV, online gaming, books and augmented reality to empower and inspire young girls. 

Bridget tells us how she never dreamed the project would morph into such a huge transmedia beast.

“It’s fantastic - but it’s taken me well out of my comfort zone into the business side of content creation.”

Qualifications: BA Sociology, Diploma in Film and Television Production.

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

I fire on all cylinders first thing in the morning. As I am the mother of two fabulous but very energetic primary school daughters, I love to get up very early and get going before the household wakes up.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Casual-quirky. I love dresses and fantastic shoes. If I ever become wealthy I intend to nurture this passion more… 

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

I love the torrential rush of writing when an exciting new idea takes hold. It’s exhilarating, and surreal…

How does your environment affect your work?

As much as I love the idea of an oasis of peace, I’m a mum, so hahaha, that’s an abstract notion! I always have notebooks on me for scribbling in, and I work on a laptop. I can work from anywhere - and often do.

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

Trust your instincts with people, and be yourself. Business is all about the people and the dynamics of relationships. Just like life.

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

The project I have brought into Art Venture is The Zingoshi Chronicles, and it is the one that has given me the most satisfaction, by far. It’s all about empowering and inspiring young girls - but in a very fun and non-earnest way!

Who or what has inspired you recently?

When I was mucking around with my daughters and giggling madly yesterday, it reminded me how important it is to laugh. It felt so good, and put everything back into perspective. I found that really inspiring, as I have been feeling disheartened in the aftermath of the US elections. 

Tell us a bit about your background.  

I worked for several years in NZ, England and Belgium as a qualitative researcher and marketing consultant, then returned to NZ to retrain in film and TV in 2001. I’ve worked as a scriptwriter ever since. 

Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.

The Zingoshi Chronicles is a transmedia property for young girls, on three main platforms; TV, Online (gaming) and Books. It also includes amazing technology components, like augmented reality. My producer Ronel and I recently went to Brisbane for the Asian Animation Summit for the TV side. Exciting!

You are an established creative entrepreneur so why were you keen to be part of the creative business acceleration programme ART Venture?

I never dreamed this project would morph into such a huge transmedia beast! It’s fantastic - but it’s taken me well out of my comfort zone into the business side of content creation. I knew ART Venture would be a phenomenal help for me with this unfamiliar territory.

What has the experience been like so far?

Running a project like this takes serious tenacity. It’s an incredible feeling to be surrounded by other creative entrepreneurs in the same situation, and also, to have such wise, practical and sensitive support from the facilitators. They put real effort into understanding us as individuals, and tailor the programme accordingly. 

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

I can truly say I can’t imagine doing anything that would satisfy me as much as what I do. I love the creativity, the emotional intensity, the intellectual stimulation, the combination of autonomy and teamwork, the constant learning, the sensational people I meet, and the variety of my daily life.  

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

“Go outside, (even if you can only manage it for a moment), look at the trees or the sky, and take a couple of very deep breaths.” 

What’s your big idea for 2017?

We have a team of absolute superstars in place; the talent astounds me. My dream for 2017 is to secure funding and take development to the next stage. I’m working on the first book and we’re hoping to make a prototype for the game, next.

• Bridget​ is a ART Venture 2016 participant - an initiative of Arts Regional Trust Te Taumata Toi-a-iwi (ART) with delivery partners The Big Idea.