Rima Te Wiata created a name for herself impersonating many famous New Zealanders in the comedy shows Laughinz, Issues, and More Issues. Her most famous parody was of newsreader Judy Bailey.

Rima Te Wiata created a name for herself impersonating many famous New Zealanders in the comedy shows Laughinz, Issues, and More Issues. Her most famous parody was of newsreader Judy Bailey.

Te Wiata is also a successful dramatic actor, having appeared in a number of TV dramas such as Shark in the Park, Sons and Daughters, and Shortland Street. Her film credits include 50 Ways of Saying Fabulous and Via Satellite.

In this ScreenTalk, Te Wiata talks about:

• Learning from the legendary Pat McDonald on the Aussie soap Sons and Daughters
• The joy of acting with other actor friends on Shark in the Park
• Having huge fun performing on the comedy shows Issues and More Issues
• How newsreader Judy Bailey asked her not to continue parodying her
• Heading to Australia to star in the sketch show Full Frontal
• Being conned by fellow star Eric Bana
• Having to learn to drive in order to host the doco Motormania
• Playing a ‘mean cow’ in the film Via Satellite

This video is available on YouTube to embed and distribute via a Creative Commons licence.

NZ On Screen: Camera and Editing – Andrew Whiteside