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Sam Kennedy

Founder & Director of Pillar Media

About Me

With over 14 years in television and social media production, I bring a wealth of experience and creativity to every project. I’m passionate about crafting stories that resonate, whether it’s through video, photography, or digital campaigns. My background in high-end television means I understand the power of visual storytelling, and I bring that same attention to detail to every brand I work with. At Pillar Media, I focus on delivering content and digital strategies that not only look great but also drive results. Let’s tell your brand’s story together.

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Where it all began:
CaptureNZ

Before Pillar Media, before the client work and campaign strategy, there was CaptureNZ, my passion project turned personal brand that laid the foundation for everything I do today.

CaptureNZ started when I hit the road with my good mate Kyle Mulinder, better known as Bare Kiwi. We travelled the length of Aotearoa, sharing stories, epic landscapes, and raw adventure through a camera lens and a phone screen. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into something more, a platform that now connects with over 20,000 followers who share the same love for the outdoors, exploration, and storytelling.

The account was never about filters or hype, it was about authenticity, timing, and capturing the beauty of New Zealand in a way that resonated with people. From early morning hikes and misty mountain shots to trail running and real moments behind the scenes, CaptureNZ became a place where community, creativity, and connection all met.

That experience shaped how I now approach digital marketing at Pillar Media. It taught me the power of consistent content, the importance of knowing your audience, and the value of telling a story worth following. What began as a backpack and a GoPro is now a business helping others bring their vision to life, with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of strategy.

Live TV to Live Content

Before stepping into the world of digital marketing, I spent over a decade behind the camera in broadcast television, capturing the action, the emotion, and the big moments on some of New Zealand’s most iconic shows and sporting events.

As a camera operator, I was fortunate to work on productions that reached thousands, if not millions, of viewers. From the intensity of the Rugby and Cricket World Cups to All Blacks test matches, Super Rugby, and ASB Classic Tennis, I was right there on the sidelines, framing moments that mattered.

But it wasn’t just sport. I also worked across a huge variety of entertainment shows including Family Feud, Dancing With The Stars, 7 Days, Jono and Ben, and many more. Whether it was live TV or pre-recorded studio work, the pace was fast, the standards were high, and the storytelling had to be sharp.

That time in television taught me how to capture compelling content under pressure, how to work as part of a tight crew, and how to translate emotion and energy through the lens. I had the privilege of working alongside some of the best directors and creators in the country, learning from their craft and sharpening my own eye for detail and storytelling. Those lessons carry through to the work I do now at Pillar Media, combining technical know-how with creative instinct to craft content that connects with people.

TV gave me a front row seat to great storytelling, and now I get to use that experience to help businesses share their own stories in a way that feels real, engaging, and made for the platforms people actually use today.

Why Pillar Media

Pillar Media was built to bridge the gap for small to medium businesses that know they need a digital presence but do not have the time, tools, or team to make it happen. So many business owners try to manage their social media, create content, or run ads themselves, but it quickly becomes overwhelming or inconsistent.

That is where I come in.

With years of experience behind the camera and a deep understanding of storytelling, I have taken the skills I learned in television and content creation and translated them into something that helps real businesses grow. Pillar Media offers low cost, effective solutions that are tailored to your business, your audience, and your goals, without the fluff or agency price tag.

I believe in keeping things simple, friendly, and results driven. Whether it is social media management, content creation, paid ads, or a new website, I work closely with you to tell your story in a way that connects. No confusing jargon, no lock in contracts, just honest service that delivers real results.

At the end of the day, I love helping good businesses get seen and succeed. If you have something great to offer but need help showing it to the world, that is exactly what I am here for.

We are ready when you are. Contact us today for a free consultation

hello@pillarmedia.co.nz

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