Project Overview

Show News is a New Zealand film industry platform that connects professionals through news, events, and job listings. Built on WordPress with MemberPress, the website allows users to access exclusive content, join a member directory, and stay up to date with the latest opportunities in film and television.

I began working on Show News in mid-2023, developing the website from the ground up. The goal was to create a seamless membership platform that was easy for the site owner to manage daily and simple for members to navigate, from signing up to posting and applying for jobs.

Challenges

Show News required a range of moving parts. Including membership functionality, a directory system, job listings, and an event calendar, all needing to integrate smoothly. With so many plugins involved, the biggest challenge was ensuring compatibility between tools while keeping the website fast and stable.

As the content library grew, performance began to slow. I implemented WP Rocket to optimise load times and later replaced the original job listing plugin with a lightweight custom form solution, improving speed and simplifying maintenance.

Process

Working closely with Brian, the site’s founder, we refined the design and functionality to match his vision. Inspired by a clean, Facebook-style feed layout. He already had a clear font and colour palette in place, so I focused on structuring the layout and ensuring the platform worked smoothly across all user types.

The build included membership setup, news publishing templates, and custom forms for job submissions and applications. Over time, I’ve continued to maintain and refine the website, including migrating it to a faster local host for better reliability and performance.

Results

The result is a smooth, professional platform that makes it easy for new members to join, access exclusive content, and connect with others in the film industry.

Show News now runs more efficiently, loads faster, and provides a clear, intuitive experience for both members and administrators. The site continues to grow as a trusted hub for film professionals in New Zealand. With ongoing updates and technical maintenance ensuring it stays that way.