After graduating with a bachelor of communications from Melbourne University in 1960, Nigel Buesst sought work in the British film industry. He worked at Shepparton Studios as an assistant editor and on various other freelance assignments before returning to Melbourne in 1962 to work for the ABC at Ripponlea. Since then he has worked in various capacities, as film editor, cameraman, sound recordist, producer and director. Buesst spent thirteen years as a lecturer at Swinburne Film and TV Department and five years as Director of the St. Kilda Film Festival. He has also operated a small video editing establishment in North Carlton, the Sunrise Picture Co.