Wanaka Film Trust

Gone In 60 Seconds Awards Evening & Screening Night

2012-02-01T23:14:00.001+13:00

Get Yourself An Elf

Bye Now

Come on down to the new Paradiso location
( in the old church on Brownstone Street )
on Friday at 7.30 pm to watch the movies and , more importantly, to have your say in the audience awarded Best Film category!

ScreenTime

We have been very lucky to have some cool , generous prize sponsors too

Bring friends, dress up or dress down, whatever you feel like doing!

I don't know about you , but I'm keen to check out the new cinema location too!

One Minute (Christmas) Pizza

Entry is probably going to be by gold coin donation ( to Wanaka Film Trust ) but we just want you to see the flicks , so come on down even if you're broke.

Two Front Teeth

Hope to see you there.

Mine

Gone In 60 seconds III

2011-11-23T16:37:00.001+13:00

Last years "Best Film" Trophy (as voted for by the audience) 2010 Winner:Tim Pierce for "BLIP"

Okay guys and gals

For those of you who would like to see your very own movie screened on the big cinema screen, listen up.

As mentioned in the previous post, Gone In 60 seconds III is on!

RULES

Write - Shoot - Cut a 1 minute movie (made fresh for this competition)
Exactly 60 seconds from start to finish INCLUDING all titles, credits, etc. ( if any ) .
Made up stories please - serious / funny / dramatic - y'know FICTION.
No documentary / live sports type films this year please. I feel there are enough avenues already existing that cater to those type films.
use original music or no music. (Your film doesn't have to have a score, but if you do decide to have one, please don't just slap down a track from your iTunes collection. Either make your own tunes or ask someone you know who plays music for a tune - it's a minute long - you can hum a score if you need to!
Deadline for entries either by mail / in person or online link in my email in box, is December 18th at 5pm ,NZ time. (anything later than that is disqualified)
use any kind of camera you want . Animate if that's your thing - as long as I can play it , and it abides by the rules, it's in!
Don't do anything illegal - and keep in mind that kids may be at the screening .
THEME: This year your film should have a CHRISTMAS theme. (subtle or in your face - you decide)

ALL FILMS RECEIVED WILL SCREEN AS LONG AS THERE"S NOTHING TOO TRAUMATIZING THERE!

Only films complying with ALL RULES will be eligible for competition, but we will endeavor to screen every entry we receive in the cinema , so if you timed it wrong etc, don't worry - the screening is the best part.

WHEN?: Make your film NOW! - you have until December 18th 2011 at 5pm , NZ time to submit your entry. Don't leave it till last minute! (I know you will though)

FORMAT?: My life will be made easier if your film is on a usb stick in a Quicktime format - but .avi or DVD or whatever you have , will be accepted. If I can't play it, I will contact you & try to work out a way, but ultimately , I will do my best to get everything screened, no guarantees though.

Upload to YouTube / Vimeo etc - make it private/passworded for now and send me the link/password

I will have to be able to download it in order to screen it so enable that if applicable.

email me when you have your movie done and I will send you a Dropbox link to upload it to.

WHERE?: Either by old school mail to

Robert Holt

Wanaka Film Trust,

15 Nichol Street,

Lake Hawea,

RD2 ,

Wanaka 9382 ,

New Zealand.

Drop you film in person to Kai Whaka Pai in Wanaka - in an envelope/bag marked

FOR ROBERT HOLT - WANAKA FILM TRUST " Gone In 60 seconds III"

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS ARE ON THE ENTRY AND THE ENVELOPE!!

Shortly after the December 18th deadline (don't worry, it will be before Christmas) , there will be a screening night at the movies!

Date and details to be confirmed.

ANY QUESTIONS - email: wanakafilm @ gmail . com or ask me on twitter @wanakafilm

or comment in the comments box thingy below.

THIS IS OPEN TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE , ANY AGE.

THANKS EVERYONE-

Now get writing!

BACK TO MAIN BLOG PAGE

It Lives!

2011-11-12T18:37:00.001+13:00

Hi folks,

It's been a quiet old time here on the WFT Blog-Let's put it down to winter hibernation.
Okay , so - You didn't think 2011 would go by without a Gone In 60 seconds competition , did you?
I hope not. Gone In 60 Seconds III is alive!

I'll post details in the next day or two , but - this year , I'm changing things up a little.
Yes, it's still a requirement that entries must me 60 seconds long from start to finish - including any titles/credits etc - any variations on this will not be eligible for competition (but may be screened on the gala screening night).

The other rule is that films are to be fiction films.
I feel that there are a number of outlets in Wanaka for documentary / sports films and I know all you folks have a fiction film in you, so get thinking of a story idea.

This year , I am also introducing a theme - the theme is CHRISTMAS

Don't stress too much about this - It can be as vague or as stressed as you like and no one will be disqualified for not adhering to the theme enough - it just might make for a festive screening night , is all.

No details on prizes yet except that, as always , there will be an awesome handcrafted trophy for the best film winner , thanks to Gregg at mayefilms.com

The heart of the competition has always been about giving folks who would like to make a movie, but have felt that there are too many hurdles in the way, an excuse to shoot pretty much anything - on any kind of camera , a reason to do it.It's only 60 seconds - nobody is gonna get snobby about technical quality etc - it's just for fun!

That said, the supreme trophy and the chance to see your movie on the big screen , with a full audience, is the reason to enter this comp - if you don't win - so what - you have made a movie in your life and it will be played in the cinema!! - ain't that cool?

Everyone is busy here at WFT and free time for organizing events and prizes etc. is in short supply - so I'm handing some work out to you guys .If you think there needs to be prizes , other than the supreme trophy, then I would ask you all to have a think about any potential sponsors amongst you , that you may be - or know - and ask them if they would like to help out.

Anyone can get in contact with me at wanakafilmATgmailDOTcom (replace AT with @ and DOT with . )

More details soon, in the meantime - check out Tim Pierce's awesome winning 60 second film from last years comp below. (this is slightly longer version - but the entry on the night was 60 seconds)

View Main Blog

Blip - WFT 60 Seconds II Film Competition Winner from Tim Pierce - Zeros&Ones on Vimeo.

Winter Of Wells - The Documentary

2011-08-06T18:11:00.002+12:00

Wanaka Film Trust friend & filmer, Tim Pierce is a busy man. He's been working on a whole lot of projects this past year but the big one is Winter of Wells - The Documentary , which , as you may surmise , focuses on the Wells family from Wanaka and their domination of the skiing world. Looks great Tim.

This 52 minute epic will be out in Fall / Spring (depending on your hemisphere).

Check out the slick poster below and also all the relative press.

Want something more dynamic? Check out the wicked trailer after the break!

… LIKE

Winter of Wells ON SteroidS

Released in FALL, a spectacular 52-minute documentary reveals the incredible lives of probably the most ski-obsessed family in the world. "Most people will only know us from competitions, now they can see what we're really like," says Jossi Wells.

For the past two years "Winter of Wells" has enjoyed cult status: hundreds of thousands of viewers have followed the 22 episodes of the online documentary about Jossi Wells and his family. But that's not enough, according to director Tim Pierce: since the start of the year he has been shooting a DVD documentary about Jossi, Byron, Beau and Jackson Wells and their parents Bruce and Stacey. "The story of the Wells family is one of the most exciting tales there has ever been in action sport," says Pierce, "Which is why I want to introduce this unique family, which has spawned four of the most talented freeskiers in the world."

Up close and personal with an exceptional family

The story of the Wells brothers is truly unprecedented: Jossi Wells (21) is the reigning Dew Tour Cup Champion, AFP Halfpipe Champion and AFP Overall World Champion, Byron (18) achieved his first Dew Tour podium in Snowbasin last season, and youngest brothers Beau-James (15) and Jackson (13) are cleaning up by winning every contest in their age groups. "This documentary offers an unprecedented insight into the Wells family, their day-to-day lives and their values," says Pierce, creator of the "Winter of Wells" web series. Viewers are given a first-hand opportunity to see how the rivalry between Jossi and Byron affects the family dynamic, to hear what father Bruce (who works for the Ski Patrol) has to say about his boys' fame, and to understand why Jesus accompanies the highly devout boys every day they hit the slopes. "The best bit is," says Jossi, "that we get to control everything. We are able to explain our story as we see it – and we can be sure that people get to know us as we really are."

More action than ever before

The most important part of the documentary is, of course, the action on the slopes, for which all four brothers use the same equipment from ATOMIC: "We had more time and production was more professional than for our web clips. So the DVD turned out to be like 'Winter of Wells' on steroids: everything is bigger, more exciting and more spectacular than anything the fans have seen before." The latest web episode of "Winter of Wells" includes a teaser, offering a glimpse behind the scenes during the early stages of the shooting of the documentary: "We used remote control helicopters to shoot some of the footage, providing a new slant on the tricks performed by the boys."

"Winter of Wells – The Documentary" will be released online and on DVD in fall 2011.

CLICK "READ MORE" for video

FILM FESTS GALORE!! - NZ Mountain Film Festival | Winter Games Adventure Film Festival

2011-06-27T20:38:00.005+12:00

Hi everyone,

Not much in the way of snow yet but no shortage of film festivals!

Apart from the New Zealand International Film Festival
There are some filmy festivities closer to home in the next wee while.

First up, from July 1st to 5th is one for those based in ,or visiting, Wanaka.

The NZ Mountain Film Festival

Check out the link above for full schedule.

Also coming up in August

WINTER GAMES ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL

You may have heard that the Winter Games has taken over the Adventure Film Festival from Kirsten Nicholl.

The festival will now run from the 19th - 21st August at the Memorial Hall in Queenstown, and will consist of 4 to 5 sessions of Adventure Films sourced from Wanaka and around the world.
Check out their facebook page for info and also if you would like to become fans.

They are also running a short film competition which some of you may be interested in.

Get cracking!

cheers

Robert

The Row - By Team Translucent Flexible Ducting for 48hrs NZ comp.

2011-06-15T18:13:00.001+12:00

Finally available for your viewing pleasure! - our 48Hours NZ entry this year THE ROW

Our appointed genre was Musical (Please, not musical next year )

Required Items

A CHARACTER
Bobby Young or Bobbie Young, an ex-bully

A LINE OF DIALOGUE
"What have you got?"

A PROP
A bent bit of wire

SPECIAL TECH ELEMENT
The Freeze Frame Ending

Translucent Flexible Ducting's 48 Hours Filming Weekend Slideshow

2011-06-07T00:22:00.006+12:00

If you are viewing on an iOS device such as an iPad or iPhone, unfortunately the slideshow won't work , but here is a taster for the upcoming soundtrack album!!!

Photographs courtesy of our on set snapper - Martin Galley - nice work Martin!

New Competition, thought to be World First, has all eyes on Wanaka

2011-06-01T13:04:00.002+12:00

UPDATE: All you need to do to enter is send an email to nzmff@xtra.co.nz with your name and a brief bio and head shot photo to register!
Open to editors the world over.
Limited places. $$ to be won!

Be Quick ENTER NOW!

How do you get more people attending the NZ Mountain Film Festival when most of the seats in the Lake Wanaka Centre are full each evening??

Well, you start a new competition..... possibly a world first; an Adventure Film Editing Competition. Mark Sedon, supported by Lake Wanaka Tourism is the brain child of the new idea. “We have filmed a carbon free adventure” says Sedon, “and we’ll give the footage to film makers from NZ and around the world so that they can make a 3 minute film”.

Sedon and Wanaka cameraman, Simon Rasmussen rode their mountain bikes from Lake Hawea township around to Breast Peak, climbed up a steep ridge, then Sedon flew off on his paraglider. “The US$1000 first prize is sure to attract a lot of budding film makers” says Sedon. Entries to the competition open June 1, the film editing starts June 10 until 17 when the 10 best films will be displayed online, and during the July 1 to 5 festival. Festival visitors will get a special screening and vote for their favorite film with the winner announced on the last evening.

“Its really going to show case the stunning scenery of the Wanaka/Hawea area” says Sedon, “plus highlight the fantastic adventure activities that the region naturally attracts”.

Speakers at the July 1 to 5 Festival have been confirmed. After many years of trying, Mark & Jo Sedon have managed to confirm Greg Child as this year’s keynote speaker for Wanaka’s 9th festival. US based Child is considered an especially literate mountaineering storyteller and he was honored with the American Alpine Club's Literary Award for his prolific and insightful mountaineering literature. His book Postcards From the Ledge took home the Banff Mountain Festival Book Award in 1997 and he also won an Emmy for his video Hitting the Wall in 1998. Accompanying Child is Debbie Chambers, one of NZ's most accomplished adventure racers, Lake Hawea climber Lydia Bradey, arguably one of our festival's most entertaining adventure speakers, snow sports photographer and adventurer Steve Eastwood and Kiwi hard man, Steve Gurney.

The festival runs July 1 to 5 and also features 40-50 adventure films with several world and NZ premiers, workshops, art displays, return of the world record ‘Dyno’ attempt, live music, adventure trade show and of course lots of general socialising. Watch the web page for updates or sign up for the newsletter at www.mountainfilm.net.nz.

Y'all could WIN STUFF by simply supporting a Wanaka Filmmaker - easy as!

2011-05-27T16:38:00.000+12:00

You might remember a while back, I posted about The Langham Hotel's "Romantic Proposal", competition that our mates entered (LINK TO THAT POST)

Well, they were, thanks to your help, successful!

Now, they are the only Kiwi entry in the top 10 finalists!

WOW.

So they made another video and it's awesome and very sweet.

Now again, they need your "LIKES" , to get to the finish line.

There's something in it for you too!

If you follow the instructions below and "like" HIGH TEA LOVE, you get a chance to win stuff.

Read on :

"Win a Romantic Hamper for the most romantic comment written about our movie on the competition site.

Win a Von Avi “Cocktail Queen” Handbag .

We will enter all votes into a draw.

Prizes drawn June 3^rd

Support our movie entry in “The World’s Most Romantic Proposal”

HIGH TEA LOVE

Easy as a.b.c…..

http://on.fb.me/jkji3S

LIKE the Langham Hotels button

Scroll down to find our movie HIGH TEA LOVE

Click on movie scroll up and watch

Click the LIKE button below the movie

Write a romantic comment"

- Kaz von Heraud Parker

Some of the cast of Wanaka's 48hoursNZ entry "The Row"

2011-05-23T12:41:00.001+12:00

Left to Right - Andrew-"Bobby" , Ploppy- "Jed" , Greg-"Sheriff" , Andrea-"Deputy Quinlan"

2011-05-20T17:46:00.000+12:00

V 48 Seconds True Grit

2011-04-29T01:26:00.002+12:00

Made this for V 48 SECONDS (warm up comp for the 48 HOURS ) today . Hope you like it . (I know ,I know , it's a little rough round the edges but it was very last minute, oh well.)

Check out this years other entries in the V gallery HERE

Cheers

Robert

True Love by Kaz von Heraud-Parker

2011-04-11T16:34:00.002+12:00

Hi all.

A quick note to pass on some info about a short movie made here in Wanaka with "A Romantic Proposal" as it's theme.
Kaz & Jane have submitted their short for a competition to win a gazillion airmiles (ok that's a bit of an exaggeration ) to travel in luxury around the world!
Who wouldn't like that?

Well they did the hard yards and now all they need is some help from you!

Here is the link to the comp

It would be awesome if you could take the time to visit the link above and then follow these steps

1. Scroll down to the movies and click More Videos

2. Click on the movie "True Love" by Kaz von Heraud-Parker

3. Scroll back up and click the like button & write a fabulously romantic comment.

4. Paste this to your Face book page

DONE!

Perhaps if we are good, they will take us with them!

Thanks folks - it'll just take a couple of moments of your time.

Best of luck you romantic devils , you!

Check out the rest of Wanaka Film Trust blogposts here.

Great Night at "Flicks To Fix Christchurch" $$ Raised!

2011-04-09T22:07:00.000+12:00

Hi folks,
Well, we had an excellent fun filled evening on Friday at the fundraiser for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
A hugh thanks goes out to everyone who turned out for the screening.
You are a great lot , no mistake!

Just tallied up the total donation and I'm proud to announce that the generous friends of the Wanaka Film Trust put their hands in their pockets to the tune of $640. That's excellent and inspiring!
Thank you all so much.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank again, the very,very, generous filmmakers who were so kind as to donate their films.

These guys put a lot of time and effort into making films. This may seem like a glamorous profession, but the reality is that it is a lot harder work than a lot of people think.

With this in mind , as a way of showing our gratitude, all I would ask of you is to take a moment to
click on these links (facebook/twitter/email etc) and say hello to Ari ( Adventures Of Power) , Ian (The Other Marty) and Topher (The Attackmen) and see some of their other work.

I think that each of these talented film makers will continue to be making excellent projects in the future
and we are privileged to have seen some of their early work .

I would also like to thank the Paradiso cinema for , yet again , being beyond generous with their hospitality and friendliness.

Thanks also to Arielle Zadok , Sorted Printing , Anthony Mackey of amgd.ie and everyone who helped publicize and promote the fundraising evening .

Cheers Folks

Robert

"FLIX TO FIX CHCH" - SEE SOME MOVIES & RAISE CASH FOR CHRISTCHURCH

2011-03-30T15:29:00.009+13:00

Hi folks,

Hope you're all well.

I've a bit to get through, so please excuse me if I launch straight into it.

FLICKS TO FIX CHRISTCHURCH

As you all know , Christchurch has been devastated.

Hundreds are out of jobs , homes , normal way of life.

I know everyone has been super supportive to our Cantabrian friends already and I am loath to ask

folks to dip their hand in their pocket again , but - boy , do they need all the help they can get.

So here's what I've organized.

On Friday the 8th of April at approx 8pm , Wanaka Film Trust , with the kind help of the Paradiso cinema, will have a movie night.

We have a great line up of movies to entertain you for a few hours.

Headlining film ADVENTURES OF POWER

U.S. filmmaker Ari Gold , has given me permission to screen his funny and sweet , award winning ,air drumming comedy ,

Adventures Of Power starring Ari Gold himself , Adrian Grenier (star of Entourage), Mike McKean (David St. Hubbins of Spinal Tap amongst many many other great things),

Jane Lynch (Glee) and a host of other great people.

Opening act GOOD GIRL

Good Girl is a short film I shot in Feb of this year.
Written , shot and edited etc in Wanaka in a week, with local actresses Hannah Steven & Charlotte Gardiner .

This film has been directly affected by the Feb 22nd quake as Carmel Courtney who was writing and recording the musical score for the film lives in London Street in Lyttelton

and who hasn't been able to finish the score yet due to access to her studio etc being affected by the damage.

This version has a temporary score for this screening.

Support films THE OTHER MARTY and ATTACKMEN

The Other Marty is a hilarious black comedy made by Ian Lawton , an old friend of mine from Ireland.

Ian spent some time in Christchurch about 10 years ago and when he heard what had happened there , he jumped at the chance to do anything he could to help out a city that he holds dear.

Ian is currently at work writing his first feature film.

The Attackmen is a 2007 short film from Wanaka based ,American director and Wanaka Film Trust pal Topher Straus .

A slick looking film looking at two high school seniors from different religious traditions who come to realize, as a life-changing game nears, that their parents' values aren't the same as their own.

Entry to Flicks To Fix ChCH is by donation -

In order to do the best we can to raise the much needed cash for Chch - we are recommending a suggested minimum donation of $15

Of course, you may donate more if you can!

100% of entry donation will go to Christchurch Earthquake Appeal - ( Paradiso have been kind enough to offer to host at no cost!)

So, come to the movies on Friday 8th of April - For the price of 1 normal movie ticket , you get to see 45ish mins of short film and a 90 min feature film!!!

Oh, and if you want to ask any of the filmmaker any questions and have them answer them on the big screen , on Friday - email me those questions NOW! ( wanakafilm @ gmail . com )

SCROLL DOWN TO PREVIOUS POST ON THIS SUBJECT FOR VIDEO CLIPS!!

Cheers Folks!

Participants are needed for the Wanaka Workshop!

2011-03-09T10:49:00.003+13:00

Hi folks,

If you act fast , you can be part of this awesome event!

Want the chance to have, Wanaka's own Tim Pierce or Greg von Heraud Parker mentor you?

Then check out the info below and get involved! - Places are limited and it's real soon so read on and get involved!!

Cheers,

Robert

The Inspiring Stories Trust – Capturing New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Stories

Inspiring Stories is a new, innovative New Zealand charity kick-starting a nationwide project that support's young Kiwi's to harnesses the power of storytelling through filmmaking and creative digital media for a better world.

Participants are needed for the Wanaka Workshop!

Inspiring Stories is calling for applications from interested young filmmakers, changemakers and industry professionals interested in volunteering their services for the Wanaka Workshop. This will be held in collaboration with the ReGeneration Youth Jam Event.

Date: 14th March 2011

Time: 10-5pm (1 full day)

Location: Lake Wanaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Inspiring Stories is an innovative new national project that aims to spark a series of inspirational short film productions by connecting up young filmmakers with young Kiwi's making a difference. From March to July we're convening a series of two-day intensive workshops for young Kiwi's aged 13-26. The workshops are being held in every region, and focus on effective storytelling and documentary filmmaking. Participants learn core skills through a range of exercises, and develop a project of which they then go on over an 8-week period beyond the workshop to produce a short 2-4 minute film about an inspirational young person in their community.

To find out more, and apply for the workshops, go to www.inspiringstories.org.nz

The dates for each regional workshop are as follows:

Greymouth :: March 8th & 9th

Wanaka :: March 14th

Invercargill :: March 17th & 18th

Dunedin :: March 24th & 25th

Christchurch :: March 29th & 30th

Blenheim :: April 5th & 6th

EASTER

Palmerston North :: May 10th & 11th

Taranaki :: May 17th & 18th

Waikato :: May 25th & 26th

Auckland :: May 31st & June 1st

Whangarei :: June 11th & 12th

Rotorua :: June 14th & 15th

Gisborne :: June 21st & 22nd

Hawkes Bay :: June 28th & 29th

Wellington :: July 5th & 6th

For more information, please contact Laura Madden 021 442 285 or Guy Ryan on 021 243 9869

Please don't hesitate to get in touch should you have any questions.

Flicks To Fix Christchurch

2011-02-27T21:48:00.001+13:00

As I write this, there are a confirmed 147 deaths from the February 22nd earthquake that struck near Christchurch.

Sadly and surely, this number will increase.

As I write this, there are families waiting for news they don't want to hear.

When I first came to New Zealand, it was Christchurch that welcomed me into it's heart.

I lived there for 3 years and made many, many, friends .

It's where I met my partner and where I made the decision that I wanted to live permanently in New Zealand.

Knowing that it's only a matter of time until I hear a name or see a photograph of someone I know , who hasn't survived or who has been badly injured , is horrible.

The city itself, the buildings, the streets, the very character that is Christchurch, has been changed forever.

A day hasn't gone by since that fateful Tuesday, that I haven't shed a tear for Christchurch and it's residents .

The city faces a huge uphill struggle.

Businesses will disappear, jobs will go and so will residents .

I, like many, feel useless down here.

I, like many, want to help,in some way - in any way I can.

It's not much but every little helps, so I'm organizing a movie night, proceeds of which will go to Red Cross NZ .

Full billing / dates / venues to be confirmed but below are some of the few details I have for now.

Ari Gold is a very funny , talented and generous filmmaker, actor, musician and champion air drummer!

Ari contacted me after the earthquake ,expressing his concern for me and mine and when I mentioned that I wanted to raise funds and spirits for those

affected by the earthquake, he offered a no strings attached screening of his hilarious first feature film "Adventures Of Power".

It's thanks to his great offer that I can bring you an awesome evening of cinema , here in Wanaka , where all box-office takings for the night will go to help our Christchurch friends.

Check out the trailer, starring Ari Gold himself , Entourage’s Adrian Grenier and Glee's Jane Lynch and the great Michael McKean .

Wanaka local, Topher Straus has also kindly offered his short The Attackmen for the screening evening.Check out some clips below.

My good mate from Ireland , Ian Lawton, has a new short film too. It's called The Other Marty and it's a crack up! - that's on the bill too!

More details etc. as and when I have them.

Thanks folks!

It's on people!!

2011-02-19T00:41:00.001+13:00

V48HOURS Furious Filmmaking Contest

Okay , so it's that time of year again, where we start to think about a weekend of no sleep, caffeinated beverages and frantic filming - yes, the V48HOURS Furious Filmmaking Contest has

a start date ( kinda ).

Registration opens on March 1st with the actual filmmaking weekend 99% set for May 20-22nd .

Like all good things , dates , details rules etc are subject to change , so for the latest news , check the V48Hours website / Facebook group / or Twitter feed

Lets see if Wanaka can crush the competition! get your team together now!

Queenstown Film Society is on the hunt for local talent!

"Queenstown Film Society is inviting local film-makers to get in on the action and submit a short film to be screened as part of their 2011 season, which kicks-off at Dorothy Browns Cinema on 3rd May.

The Society would like to hear from anyone keen to have their original work screened as part of our 2011 line-up. The invitation is open to everyone from experienced film makers to those who have never made a film before; the only proviso being that the short film must have some sort of local link.

The idea is to recreate the glory days of the silver screen when ‘shorts’ were shown before each feature film. We also want to showcase local talent and provide our members with some unique film moments with a local twist. We know there are a number of locals who have made short films over the years, many of which have never been seen publicly and by starting the search now, we’re also giving any novice film makers the push to pick up a camera and start filming.

The Society is looking for short films, no longer than 15 minutes in length. The genre and subject matter are completely open. The film could be fiction or non-fiction, humorous, action-packed or thought-provoking. We’re sure there’s some great talent out there and we’d love to see it!

Anyone interested in submitting a film to be considered for the programme should contact Tracey Cunningham via email at imakeshortfilms@gmail.com for more details and advice.

Films need to be submitted in DVD format by the end of April 2011.

For further information please contact Tracey Cunningham on 0210761800."

(From the QFS website)

Good for Nothing

You may remember we posted about an ambitious, Kiwi , low budget western - referred to as a Pavlova Western - a while back.

Well it's got a name now , "Good For Nothing" , and those guys had their world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and got some

great reviews from some big names in the movie world.

Check out their website here and embedded below is the amazing looking trailer ( see if you can spot any of the local locations used in the film).

REQUEST

I recently had a request from a young film student at S.I.T , Sam White :

"Hi, for an assignment this year I have to work as an intern in the media industry.

Wanaka/Invercargill/Dunedin would be easiest but it can be anywhere. Do you know of anyone who could help out with this?"

If anyone reading this can help Sam out or would like to speak with him about any opportunity that may help with his assignment, just drop me a message and I can pass on

your contact details to Sam.

(to email , click me )

NEXT SCREENING NIGHT

I have a couple of films lined up for another WFT evening of short film screenings.
I have a few details to sort out but will let you know when I have details to give.

Cheers folks,

Robert

Coming to a screen near you soon!

2011-02-04T00:33:00.000+13:00

Hi all,
A quick reminder -

"Good Girl" , my new short that I made this past week, screens tonight at the Paradiso as part of THE
RUBY ISLAND CABARET show. Now the show has sold out so if you are coming along, great , see you there! - If not , well I hope you'll get a chance to see "Good Girl" in the near future - details tbc.

ALSO

Legendary Wanaka short film, " RABBITS " (dir. Greg Von Heraud Parker) screens in Dunedin on 12th of Feb as part of the "SHORT FILMS ON A TALL WALL" program (details of which are 2 posts down ☟)

It's wicked fun , so if you are in Dunedin that weekend , do yourself a favour and check it out.

Need convincing? - then check out the trailer.

Catch you all later.

Cheers

Robert

Good Girl

2011-01-27T00:11:00.007+13:00

Hi all ,

Sorry it's been a little quiet in here lately but I've been busy doing work for my new short film "Good Girl".

This is the first of my 2011 "Express Films", that is , a bunch of quickly made short films , done with minimum crew (often just myself) and minimum fuss .
Hopefully the will be good and people will like them , but it's really an experiment in prolificacy .
They say that if you want to be a writer , then you should write x amount of words a day to hone your craft, even if not everything you write is great.
I figure the same can be applied to film , so in an effort to keep me moving and learning, I plan to do a fair bit of this type of fast turnaround movie making in 2011.

It will hopefully keep me limber and prepare me for the other big 2011 goal - The 1st feature film!
So , watch this space and feel free to join in ! 2011 Express Films!

Here are a couple of early , ungraded stills from "Good Girl" . I hope you like 'em.
More details etc , soon.

Short Films On A Tall Wall

2011-01-22T21:33:00.001+13:00

A message from Craig Storey

"To All in Film!

Grab the Windex, Mr Muscle or 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water,
and clean your windscreen 'cos the SHORT FILMS ON A TALL WALL Drive In Film Fest is almost upon you...again!

Saturday 12th of February 2011 (8.30pm for 9pm) at
the Countdown Carpark, Moray Place entrance, Dunedin!
Only $20 per wagon, sedan or spaceship!

Watch an ever growing collection of amazing Southern short films
from the comfort of your Camry, Cortina or camel!

Tune your car radio (or walkman) to pick up the soundtrack,
beamed to you live through the awesome power of Stereo FM!

Nibble on snacks from the conveniently placed SuperMarket just to your right!
And behind you is Coffee! Real Coffee! In small, medium & bladder-shaking grande!

Its an awesome night out/in, whatever. Parking begins at 8.30-ish. Eye-candy as pre-roll.
Pre-sale tickets available through SFOATW@slingshot.co.nz.

And there is still time left to submit your under 15min film!
I'll add your awesome Southern-made film if you ask nicely,
and pay the entry fee of only $20! (No-competition this time, just film.)

Send your film NOW (on DVD/USB/MiniDV) to

SFOATW,
38 Clyde Street, Roseneath, Dunedin 9023.
Cake, cash & chocolate fish welcomed.

Much love & Jaffa Rolling!

Craig Storey, Supreme Commander.
Short Films on a Tall Wall.
StoreyTeller Films.
0210 665 798 / 03 472 7347

Craig Storey
StoreyTeller Films
& TreeFrog Video
40 Clyde Street,
ROSENEATH, DUNEDIN
9023 NZ

*Use ALL lines of address to ensure safe mail delivery.
Please include ROSENEATH, and DUNEDIN 9023. Cheers! "

Audio For Tim Pierce show

2011-01-05T15:17:00.003+13:00

Wanaka Film Trust "Creator Series"- Class 1 - Zeros & Ones Add Up - Audio by Wanaka Film Trust

For those of you who missed the first class in the Wanaka Film Trust "Creator Series", then check out the audio of that class, featuring Tim Pierce , here. (I have edited out all but a taster of the audio portion of the videos screened on the night, for length)
Obviously,the classes contain a visual element which isn't here , but if you wish to see some of the examples of the visuals that were on show on the night , I urge you to check out Tim's website http://www.zerosandones.co.nz/ and follow the links to video.

THANKS YOU GUYS!

2010-12-19T21:34:00.003+13:00

For those of you who couldn't make last weeks Wanaka Film Trust "Creator Series" featuring Tim Pierce, you missed out on the premiere of Tim's 2010 showreel. It's fantastic and inspiring to say the least.

We want to share stuff here at WFT so crank up the sound,go full screen and hit PLAY on Tims 2010 reel below.

Tilopa bag from F-Stop

Thanks heaps for coming out the other night to the Tim Pierce screening.

It's a very special thing to watch your work on the big screen with an audience , so without you all there , well , it wouldn't have been half as much fun.

We aim to have plenty more events like that and some other cool things coming up too, so stay tuned.

If anyone has anything they would like to discuss - a potential project, something they would like to share , ideas for guest speakers , funding ideas etc,

just drop me a line and i'll get back to you asap.

A lot of Tim Pierce's work requires him to haul heaps of gear and that's often into environments that can be tricky to get to.With the awesome support of the crew at F-Stop ( www.fstopgear.com )
Tim can carry his mobile movie studio on his back with this wicked Tilopa back pack.
I'm going to have to get myself one of these excellent bags! I wish I could have included myself in the draw for this awesome F-Stop bag ,(worth about NZ$400!!)

But the kind F-Stop folks wanted one of you, the audience , to have one for free!!
So, I put the names in a hat (actually , a bowl) and drew out the winner and the winner is.....Jamie Amstad! , Congrats Jamie , I'll be in touch to give you the details on how to get your awesome new bag.

Thanks everyone else.

Watch this spot for more news and stuff coming up.

Cheers

Robert

ZEROS & ONES ADD UP : An Evening With Tim Pierce

2010-12-10T16:02:00.001+13:00

Wanaka Film Trust is delighted to collaborate with Tim Pierce to present ZEROS & ONES ADD UP : An Evening With Tim Pierce .

Tim will screen some of his work from the last 12 months and be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Tim sums it all up quite well on his blog so I'll hand the page over to him.

Thanks Folks,

Robert.

"This is an open invitation to anyone who may be interested in seeing my work and hearing me talk complete and absolute rubbish for one night only. I’m teaming up with the Wanaka Film Trust to do a screening of my video work from over the last year at theCinema Paradiso on Thursday 16th of December at 7pm. Tickets are $8 and are available on the night, or you can pre book them by calling the cinema. (03 443 1505)

I’m going to be showing a bunch of my projects that you will have seen online on the big screen, and explaining exactly what goes into the process, from creating the concept right through to distributing the final product. Its an opportunity for people to learn about video production, see what is being produced locally and even get your hands on some of my equipment at the end of the night.

A big thanks goes out to Oakley, The North Face, Atomic, & the Wanaka Film Trust for supporting the event and making it possible. There will be a few goodies given away on the night from Oakley and The North Face too! Any questions just contact me. "
Tim Pierce.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS WINNERS AND NOMINEES.

2010-11-14T19:52:00.008+13:00

BEST OVERALL MOVIE (AUDIENCE VOTE)
BLIP - (director Tim Pierce)

New Blood Award

NOMINEES

NEMO AND THE TURTLE
ESCAPING PRISON
WiNNER - THE KIWI ROMANCE (director Jo Lynch)

*

Audio Award

NOMINEES

BLIP
NEMO AND THE TURTLE
PASTORAL PYRE
FRIGHTENED
WiNNER - FLIGHT 175 (director Greg Von Heraud Parker)

*

Story Award

NOMINEES

BLIP
FUTTOCKS
FATHERS HELPING HAND
WiNNER - GOD DAM IT (directors Brian Anderson/Janet Malloch)

*

Editing Award

NOMINEES

URBAN MADNESS
MT O ROAD E
FUTTOCKS
BLIP
WiNNER - FRIGHTENED (director Robert Holt)

*

Cinematography Award

NOMINEES

BLIP
FRIGHTENED
MT O ROAD E
WiNNER - PASTORAL PYRE (directors Greg Inwood/Lisa Johnston)

*

Art Direction Award

NOMINEES

FRIGHTENED
FUTTOCKS
NEMO AND THE TURTLE

WiNNER - FLIGHT 175 (director Greg Von Heraud Parker)

*

Actor Award

NOMINEES

PHIL MARTIN - FLIGHT 175
BEVAN HALL - BLIP
WiNNER - GRAHAM ASTON - FATHERS HELPING HAND

*

Actress Award

NOMINEES

MYRAN - MT ROAD E
JAN CARTER - FATHERS HELPING HAND
WiNNER - HANNAH STEVEN - FRIGHTENED

*

60 Seconds Of Spirit Award

NOMINEES

THE KIWI ROMANCE
ESCAPING PRISON
GOD DAM IT
WiNNER - BLIP (director Tim Pierce)

*

SPECIAL MENTION
YELLOW SNOW (Darren Simmonds/Topher Straus)
NEMO AND THE TURTLE (Louis Von Heraud Parker)
ESCAPE FROM PRISON (Oisin O'Connell)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FILM MAKERS!!

And the Winner Is...BLIP!

2010-11-10T17:58:00.003+13:00

Super congrats to Tim Pierce for taking out the overall BEST FILM prize and the '60 seconds of spirit award' for his awesome fun flick BLIP. (Please Note that this is a "Directors Cut" - I assure you , the official entry was 60 seconds)

Thanks again to everyone who participated in and supported this comp.

I can't thank our fantastic sponsors enough for their more than generous prizes and help.

We packed the Paradiso last night with film fans!

Other entries and winners are screened below (the next video will play when current one finishes) - (More titles added as I get the links - also official winners catogorised and listed shortly)

Stay tuned for an interesting upcoming project involving our Gone In 60 Seconds II winner Tim.

Please, next time you're thinking of where to give your custom, try and support our kind sponsors (Listed Below) as they deserve it.

Thanks all.

Robert

While we wait til Tuesday for Awards Show - do yourself a favour and check this out.

2010-11-05T15:42:00.004+13:00

"Gone In 60 Seconds II" Grand Awards Night

2010-11-04T11:51:00.000+13:00

BEST FILM TROPHY!

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the great response to our second annual "Gone In 60 Seconds" 1 minute film competition.

Last year was great but this year is looking awesome and bigger than ever.

We will be hosting the "Gone In 60 Seconds II" Grand Awards Night at the Paradiso Cinema , here in Wanaka, on Tuesday the 9th of November (that's next Tuesday) at 6pm (give or take 15 mins).

We would love to see you all there.

In fact we want you , the viewers, to be part of the Awards so much that we are going to have you pick the Over All BEST FILM award. This is the top prize and it's going to be tough to pick!

There will be a host of other prize categories on the night also - Judging for which will be done by a panel made up of some of our fine , generous sponsors.

We urge you to get along to the show - it will be fun , I can't guarantee that there will be a deciding arm wrestling match live at the venue again this year but we can only hope!

The registered film makers who have films in the comp will be given one free pass each, all other tickets will be $8 - all of which will be used to cover costs of this screening and anything left over will go back into Wanaka Film Trust

so we can continue to organise future events such as these.

On that note,I would like to thank all the people that have volunteered there time and services to make this happen.

A special thanks goes to Greg von Heraud Parker ,who did all the heavy lifting of the competition this year.

Thanks for your time

See you Tuesday!

Robert

Thanks to all entrants !

2010-11-02T17:24:00.001+13:00

The Deadline for "Gone In 60 Seconds II" submissions has passed.
Please watch this space for details of Awards/Screening Night.
~~At this time,it looks like it will be on~~
*CONFIRMED-Tuesday the 9th of November at Paradiso, 6pm to 8.30pm
~~Details to be confirmed shortly.~~

Thanks to all who entered

Awesome job getting that far - now lets see how this plays out!

Robert

Shout out to our Sponsors

2010-10-18T21:18:00.000+13:00

Yum, look who's just come on board as a sponsor for "Gone In 60 Seconds II" - 1 minute film making competition!
Another awesome sponsor to join these guys below. (In no particular order)

Thanks guys - you are all awesome !

Bring your mum to the world premiere of your own movie!

2010-10-15T19:20:00.000+13:00

Hi all,
Well,with just over a fortnight to go until submission deadline,I hope that all of you have your Gone In 60 Seconds II films well under way. I know some folks are already finished and others are heading in that direction.Of course it's still not too late to get in on the action.
You could probably make one a day from now until 1st November and raise your chances of a win considerably too!
Remember - this comp is open to everyone , everywhere!
All films will be screened at The Paradiso on the 9th of November.
Bring your mum to the world premiere of your own movie!
How cool would that be.
We don't care if your film is not shot on the latest piece of cinematography gadgetry - you could stand at the front of the movie theatre and display your flip book movie if that's how you roll, just a 60 second flick - that's the only rule!!!

Easy,right? and don't forget , there are PRIZES!! (heaps).
Be in to win.

check out the video in post below for all the details you need.

See you on the big screen, film makers!

Robert

How are things coming along?

2010-09-27T15:12:00.000+13:00

Hi everyone,
I hope you've all managed to have a wee think about your ideas for your 60 second films for "Gone In 60 Seconds II".
Keep an eye on the countdown clock and be sure to register HERE asap even if you haven't totally committed to submitting a film.It just helps us keep track of possible numbers etc.

Remember,feel free to ask questions etc. if you have anything you need help with.

Wanaka is full of film comps , it would seem , at the moment.Another one to get going on is MovieFest .
Check out the link for details (the deadline for registering for this comp is only a couple of days away - so get cracking!)

I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the finished films from both these comps.

Best get cracking on my own entries!

Cheers

Robert

2010-09-18T16:36:00.002+12:00

For Thousands Of Miles

2010-09-13T09:52:00.001+12:00

Hi Folks,
I know us film makers / fans of film, have our own troubles trying to get stuff made but I also know how great a feeling it is to be ,in some small way,a part of the process in getting someone else's project made too.
We ,I'm sure,have all helped out on a production made by our friends and acquaintances here in Wanaka or further afield, not for money or anything but to be a part of bringing something that started as an idea, to life on the screen.

Sometimes there are great projects that you want to be a part of , but they are not happening in your local area , but , hey ,you want to see that project in all it's finished glory,after all the hard work that has gone into it.

Well one such project that I want to see on the big screen - maybe even here in Wanaka at the Paradiso - is a film called
"For Thousands Of Miles"
I wanted to help out a little , so I gave a few dollars to one of their Kickstarter fundraising campaign's.As a reward,
one of the filmmakers,Mike , got in touch and sent me a FToM T-shirt.
Perhaps some of you around Wanaka have even seen me wearing it.It is honestly , the most comfortable T-shirt I own.
Anyway,this project looks great and, I think , will appeal in particular, to folks like you.Folks who choose to spend some time here in Wanaka,New Zealand, with it's stunning outdoors and people with heart.

Look, just give a minute or two of your time to check out the video below and a couple of the links beneath that and if you feel that this is the kind of film you'ld like to get behind and you have a couple of dollars you could spare then click on those links and give a buck or two to FToM's Kickstarter campaign and tell your buddies , who may be interested too.

Thanks for your time.

Robert.

For Thousands Of Miles (Blog)
Support And Funding
Softest T-Shirt You Will Ever Own!
FTOM on Twitter
FTOM on Facebook

Other Projects On Kickstarter

Last nights screening

2010-09-08T16:59:00.000+12:00

Greg, talkin' the talk.

Hi folks,

I want to thank all who came out to the Wanaka Film Trust screening last night.Good to see familiar and new faces in the crowd.

Some links for you regarding the "Gone In 60 Seconds II" - 2010 , 1 minute film competition .

•The WFT Blog (with live countdown to the deadline ) http://www.wanakafilmtrust.blogspot.com/ The Facebook page for help/crew/other info etc http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127000763994040&v=wall

•The info and registration site

•The Post Office Box to which to send your entry (a quicktime file or mini dv tape preferred but we will endeavor to deal with whatever you send - don't sweat it)- MAY E Films P.O.Box 299 Wanaka.

•Physical address where you can drop off your movie - Cinema Paradiso :: Ardmore Street, Wanaka (there should be a box there - ask at counter)

•And of course this email address wanakafilm@gmail.com to which you can ask questions etc., too.

Looking forward to seeing some great 1 minute bursts of movie magic! - You can enter with as many movies as you like and from anywhere in the world!

Cheers,

Robert

WFT hosts Short Film Screening & Launches "Gone in 60 Seconds II " One minute film competition.

2010-09-02T15:50:00.006+12:00

Wanaka Film trust is delighted to host another movie screening night tomorrow.

(7th September @ Cinema Paradiso. (8pm sharp) *just a $5 entry fee to cover costs)

We will be screening the rarely seen
"Good Taste made Bad Taste"

A behind the scenes of Peter Jacksons classic horror, "Bad Taste".

As relevant today as when it was made , this "making of" style doco is sure to inspire and educate the filmmakers in the room.

We will also be screening 3 award winning short films from New Zealand,the trailers for which are below.

The Six Dollar Fifty Man
Brave Donkey
This Is Her

That's not all

We will also be launching our second annual,1 minute film making competition

"Gone in 60 Seconds II "

• Make a 60 second movie about anything, shot on anything you can get your hands on.

• HD / Cell Phone - whatever!

• Return it to Paradiso Cinema by the 5pm,1st November 2010,deadline.
• Chance to win some amazing prizes.

• No crew? come along to launch night and find others to team up with.

• Become Instant Film Makers!

All entries will play at Gala Screening and Awards night @ Cinema Paradiso on 9th November 2010

for more information go to mayefilms.com / www.wanakafilmtrust.blogspot.com

*1 RULE - 60 seconds from start to finish.

No excuses - just make flicks!

"Gone In 60 Seconds II"

2010-08-27T18:05:00.000+12:00

"Gone In 60 Seconds II", the 1 minute film making competition.

Wanaka Film Trust annual film competition, "Gone In 60
Seconds".

The event kicks off, 7th September directly following a great Wanaka Film
Trust screening night at Cinema Paradiso. Then you have eight weeks to
make a short movie, about anything, shot in any fashion, with any sort
of gear, on anything, no longer than 60 seconds in duration.
Entries must be submitted no later than 1st of November 2010.
Then on Tuesday the 9th of November there will be
a screening of all the films and an awards ceremony at Cinema Paradiso.

There will be prizes in different categories (thanks to our sponsors).

And the overall Best Film Award will be decided by the audience on the night.

Fun times ahead.
More details as they come-watch this space.

Cheers
Robert

Extras Wanted In Wanaka

2010-08-23T17:19:00.000+12:00

Wanaka Film Trust friends REEL DREAMS are in need of some extras.Please read following for details.

REEL DREAMS is looking for some people to do extra work one day at Snow Park AUG 31 (weather day Sept 1) There will not be any pay but we will provide a meal and a memory. Please email Topher with your photo if you are interested. topher@reeldreams.com

LOG LINE: Two twenty something funny looking guys are walking towards a ski bar- One of the guys falls to his knees to inspect a patch of yellow snow. The other guy is oblivious until he notices everyone watching. He spots something though – and also starts eating the snow. Pan up to reveal a man cariyng a leaking keg…

[EXTRA 1] Male. Snowboarder. 20-25. A hardcore snowboarder.

[EXTRA 2] Male. Snowboarder. 20-25. A hardcore snowboarder.

[EXTRA 3] Male. Snowboarder. 20-25. A hardcore snowboarder.

[EXTRA 4] Female. Snowboarder. 20-25. A hardcore snowboarder. Maybe punk rock?

[EXTRA 5] Female. Skier. 40-50

[EXTRA 6] Female. Skier. 40-50

[EXTRA 7] Male. Skier. 40-50

[EXTRA 8] Female 25-30

[EXTRA 9] Male 25-30

[EXTRA 10] Female 20-25

Mercury Brigade SmokeFree RockQuest Video

2010-08-18T14:35:00.006+12:00

UPDATE 2 -
Video is now unlocked.Please enjoy and share. Mercury Brigade Facebook page

Last Week , Myself and Greg,Darren and Dan O'Regan shot this video for the boys of Mercury Brigade for their submission to the SmokeFreeRockQuest 2010 competition.
Hope you like it.Feel free to embed it on your Facebook/Blogs etc.

Cheers

Robert.

The Western shot in NZ

2010-08-14T21:25:00.000+12:00

Love the look of this film.
When I first arrived in NZ in '95 I travelled through Mackenzie Country and thought,"What a great spot to film a western! Well,Mike Wallis and his team beat me to it.

Can't wait to see this.
Awesome work you guys.

Mercury Brigade SmokeFree RockQuest Video Shoot

2010-08-09T11:42:00.000+12:00

Sorry It's been a bit quiet here on the WFT blog - been busy shooting video for local high school band Mercury Brigade for their video submission section of the SmokeFree RockQuest competition.
I'm cutting it as we speak.
I'll post pics and vid later but here are a couple of pics from the shoot.

"Fishy Tales" Online Now

2010-07-29T11:45:00.001+12:00

Hi all,
Wanaka Film Trust's first official production, "Fishy Tales" has finally been uploaded to Short Film Otago's Youtube Channel. (I would suggest they get themselves a Vimeo channel to avail of the longer video lengths allowed so as not to have to split them up.)
Check out the SFO website for details on funding for your short film .Be warned - closing date for this years applications is 9th August.

Enjoy,
Robert

Part 1.

Part 2.

Is this a picture of Brad Pitt at Lake Wanaka?

2010-07-29T10:44:00.002+12:00

Someone who want's to remain anonymous has emailed me this pic.

What do you think?

Makes sense that if he was in the South Island , he would come to Wanaka , no?

Anyhow - If this is you Brad, Wanaka Film Trust welcomes you - enjoy yourself.

Robert

The Yes Men Fix The World — Free,Legal,Peer-to-Peer Edition of this awesome film.

2010-07-27T01:41:00.003+12:00

I just finished watching this film and I loved it.
The Yes Men have made this film available to legally download via Peer-to-peer torrents and are encouraging viewers to share it .
You will need a BitTorrent client in order to download this film.
If you don't know what a BitTorrent client is , or how to use one - Click Here and follow the instructions , or ask a youngster.There are other ways of viewing though too - for more info click here

Enjoy.

Robert

"Fiendishly amusing... Out-Borats Sacha Baron Cohen at his most confrontational."—Washington Post
"This is the year's top documentary film." — New Scientist
"We think it is a serious matter when people willingly misrepresent themselves." — Exxon

ABOUT THIS RELEASE

VODO's sixth release is the special Peer-To-Peer Edition of the multi-award-winning The Yes Men Fix The World. This edition, made exclusively for VODO, includes exclusive controversial footage of the Yes Men impersonating the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Yes Men are being sued over this action, and see P2P as the best and only way this material will get seen. They're calling for it to be copied as far and wide as possible.

The Yes Men are a culture jamming activist-duo raising awareness around social problems caused by corporations. Operating under the mission statement of telling the truth and exposing lies, they practice a concept they call "identity correction", in which they impersonate entities that they dislike -- some would call it social engineering on a grand scale! From their offices in Milwaukee, they create and maintain fake websites similar to ones they intend to spoof, which have successfully lead to numerous interview, conference, and TV talk show invitations. These occasions are then used to expose, through parody and surreal humour, the dark motivations of our multinational world.

THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD is a screwball true story about two gonzo political activists who, posing as top executives of giant corporations, lie their way into big business conferences and pull off the world's most outrageous pranks.
SOME WORDS FROM THE YES MEN

"We have been impersonating people in power in to make political points for over a decade. The Yes Men Fix the World is our second feature film. It's won a bucket of awards and accolades, but we're still broke. We are hoping that people who share it will donate some money so that we can do even more outrageous actions.

How outrageous? Outrageous enough to get us sued! Not long ago The US Chamber of Commerce took us to court for impersonating them. That is why on this special p2p version of the Yes Men Fix the World, we have included an exclusive video that the US Chamber of Commerce does not want you to see. You can only see this surprising film on the exclusive VODO p2p release.

One final note: making films takes lots of hard work. And money. We busted our ass to make this film and still owe our friends barrels of cash they loaned us. By supporting us and joining the Yes Men Labs, you not only get a membership card and an entry into the prize draw, you also help us to pay all those people back and fund future projects. We're sharing by P2P because we made this film to be watched, and with your help we'll able carry on with what we love doing."

"Great fun! It takes some nerve, not to mention diabolical intelligence... to pull off the elaborate pranks devised by the Yes Men." — New York Times

Documentary, 2010, 95 mins

0000000111111 WOW

2010-07-24T22:14:00.001+12:00

Wanaka filmmaker, Tim Pierce of Zeros & Ones TV series documenting the lives of professional free skiers Jossi and Byron Wells - Winter of Wells, is screening on the worlds biggest action sports websites, Air New Zealands international flights, and FuelTV.
Nice work guys.

Check out the teaser below and see more episodes HERE

Reel Dreams in the press.

2010-07-12T11:52:00.001+12:00

(Originally Published on Otago Daily Times Online News (http://www.odt.co.nz))
Making movie dreams come true
By Marjorie Cook

Marjorie Cook finds a Reel recipe for film success in Wanaka.
Into the great migrant melting pot that is Wanaka put one South African adventurer, one American comedian, combine with creative New Zealanders and sprinkle liberally with enthusiasm.

Then watch the goggle-box to see Reel Dreams turn to porridge and rise to the occasion, all at the same time.

Reel Dreams is a film-production company launched this month by director Topher Straus and producer Darren Simmonds, both 35-year-old entrepreneurs who settled in Wanaka in 2007.

They met through the Wanaka Film Trust and decided to form a stand-alone company specialising in high-end television commercials.
Reel Dreams now has a modest portfolio of three completed products.

Their second project, an advertisement for Harraways Oats, is screening nationally and they have a seemingly bottomless well of other projects waiting on story-boards.

The pair got their start because they went out on a limb last year and made a speculative promotion for Nike, using numerous local people to film and star in a 45-second advertisement set on Roys Peak.

"It achieved its goal because it got us Harraways. It showcased what we could do.

"And now we have [another client] Dream Doors," Mr Simmonds said recently.

But who are these people so keen to put Wanaka's talents on the tube?

Topher Straus probably needs little introduction in his home town of Denver, Colorado, where he became immersed in the entertainment world at the age of 14.

He was employed by Tribune Broadcasting and by the time he was 18, the junior comedian had hosted a cartoon club programme, numerous other television specials, appeared in more than 350 commercials and won an outstanding public service campaign Emmy for his work.

Mr Straus graduated with a bachelor of fine arts (film art) degree from Syracuse University, in New York, in 1997.

He moved to Los Angeles, where he worked for a year as an assistant to the late film-maker Robert Altman (M. A. S. H., Tanner '88, The Player, Gosfield Park).

Working as assistant to the prolific Altman was "a dream come true".

Moments that spring to mind include waiting in a golf cart while Altman smoked a joint or taking a call from actor Robert Downey jun while the actor was in jail.

"It was great, really enjoyable. He [Altman] was a really nice person," Mr Straus said.

"He would say things like 'Topher, take this script to Lily Tomlin. While you are there, pick me up some oatmeal with real maple syrup.'

"I would be asked to research anything and everything. I was there for one year."

Then he took a similar job for a while with Academy Award-winning director Curtis Hanson (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, LA Confidential), and another telephone encounter with another actor - this time Russell Crowe, who cursed at Mr Straus when he asked for his name.

Mr Straus formed his first television production company at university and from 1995 began directing films. (See details above)

He and his wife Emelie, a Swiss New Zealander, decided to move to New Zealand in 2007 because they couldn't think of a better place to escape the busy-ness of Sunset Boulevard, six-lane highways, and Los Angeles' night-time noises of helicopters, sirens and gunshots.

They are expecting their first child next month.

Mr Straus says he has always felt compelled to perform.

"It's in my blood. My grandmother was a radio star, my grandfather and father were advertising executives ...

"I am glad I love doing it," he said.

Mr Straus now teaches improvisation workshops with Kahu Youth and in Queenstown.

Mr Simmonds has had a varied and colourful career in the outdoors, with scuba diving, skiing and climbing among his loves.

Growing up in South Africa and educated at an all-boys' school, the done thing was to get compulsory service over and done with soon after leaving school, but Mr Simmonds had other ideas.

"I didn't want to enlist in the army and thought, right, I am going to escape the country.

"A year after I left school it all changed anyway.

"I was interested in diving and my mother was trying to convince me to join the navy.

"But I decided to travel. I liked the idea of backpacking around Europe.

"At the time, a lot of people were taking money out of the country. They would pay people to take it out.

"So this guy paid for my trip to London," Mr Simmonds said.

Four years and 40 countries later, Mr Simmonds arrived in Queenstown, where he skied by day and worked as a magician at night.

Then he moved to Wanaka, where he had enrolled in an outdoor education course, met his future wife Vanessa, and worked as a researcher for a farm management company.

Visual arts had always been part of his life - his New Zealander father and Australian mother owned a photographic business in Johannesburg - so he rekindled his interest in film and photography and now works as a videographer. (See fact box for details)

He also founded the Wanaka Film Trust and four trust projects have won small grants from Short Film Trust of Otago and screened in Dunedin and at other festivals.

Mr Simmonds has participated in 24-hour film-making competitions*, with this year's effort (in the sex education genre) making it to the finals*.
*(that should read 48hrs and City Finals - Admin)

So what is their secret to short-story-telling?

"I'm the Yin. He's the Yang ... Darren is funny but he doesn't know it," Mr Straus said.

Mr Simmonds sees his role as keeping his creative partner focused on the client's vision.

"The more we work together, the more we understand each other," Mr Simmonds said.

Mr Straus says the amount of work in telling a story in 15 to 60 seconds is "amazing".

Several days' filming, for which camera operators and actors are employed, might be followed by several weeks in post-production.

More weeks can be spent in pre-production, requiring the input of graphic artists.

And there's also the all-important client liaison.

The art of making television commercials is a finely balanced one and relies on good communication, they say.

Even just 15 seconds is enough time for the audience to find out what they are being sold, if done correctly.

A client's expectation of an advertisement also has to be dealt with on the level.

"They see a great ad and don't realise that would cost them $1 million," Mr Straus said.

For example, the Nike spec advertisement was designed to look like a $250,000 ad "but we did it for about 1% of that".

The pair accept a portfolio of three ads - one spec, one screening and one about to screen - is very modest, compared to the number of ads screening on television on a daily basis.

Like many migrants to Wanaka, they have discovered a patchwork career has been a necessity; work puts food on the table.

But they emphasise they haven't been in the production business very long.

While Mr Straus will continue to teach improvisation and Mr Simmonds will continue to film weddings, Reel Dreams is a full-time commitment.

And they are committed to using Wanaka's pool of talent in making their dreams come true.

The facts
Topher Straus
- Directs narrative and documentary films
- Films have screened at 10 international film festivals
- Directorial debut: Extra: In The Background of A Dream - screened 2002 Santa Monica International Film Festival and the 2002 Rome Independent Film Festival.
- Has now secured worldwide distribution.
- Remi Bronze Award: The Attackman - awarded at the 2007 Houston Worldfest

Darren Simmonds
- Producer several short films
- Founded Wanaka Film Trust
- Producer: Fishy Tales (2009, funding assistance from Short Film Otago)
- Director: snow sports documentary on Olympic gold medallist snowboarder Kelly Clark of the US (in progress)

More information
- Reel Dreams www.reeldreams.com
- Wanaka Film Trust www.wanakafilmtrust.blogspot.com
- Short Film Otago www.sfo.org.nz

Life In A Day

2010-07-08T00:46:00.003+12:00

Life In A Day is a historic global experiment to create the world's largest user-generated feature film: a documentary, shot in a single day, by you. On July 24, you have 24 hours to capture a glimpse of your life on camera. The most compelling and distinctive footage will be edited into an experimental documentary film, executive produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald.

For more information, visit A Life In A Day

Ant Timpson writes an open letter to New Zealand Film Commission

2010-07-02T14:38:00.000+12:00

From filmguide.co.nz

An Open Letter to the Hon Chris Finlayson, MP, Minister For Arts, Culture & Heritage and Graeme Mason CEO, New Zealand Film Commission

Dear Messrs Finlayson and Mason,

They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Now I do understand that you both are in the midst of processing the eighty-seven page review of the New Zealand Film Commission by Sir Peter Jackson and David Court and that you may be pressed for time to peruse any additional material relating to the review.

So let me keep this brief and to get right to the point.

The indepth Review covered many areas for potential improvement to the New Zealand film landscape and featured many common sense applicable solutions to existing problems. However one theme that appeared to pop up throughout the review was the need to find and nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent.

The review makes special mention of the annual V48HOURS event, cutting directly to the heart of the matter with;

“The NZFC should already have an idea about who the exciting young film makers are – who’s winning the film competitions, who submitted the most imaginative films to ‘48 Hours’”

Before that fully sinks in, the review follows up with this slamdunk;

“The NZFC could have a stronger role in nationwide film contests like the ‘48 hours’ competition.”

Which in a somewhat selfish analysis could mean that the event (self-described as a nationwide talent incubator) needs to be better supported. The event continues to grow each year yet unfortunately struggles to survive on the goodwill of sponsors (all the lovely logos below) and the competitors themselves. The event has grown exponentially for eight years since it started in 2003 with just 44 teams and one cinema. This year over ten thousand people participated and flocked into cinemas nationwide, while others watched the network television series and finally even more viewed films online.

At its core, the V48HOURS answers all the Parliamentary functions required of the NZFC which are, ‘to encourage and also to participate and assist in the making, promotion, distribution and exhibition of films’. – something the V48HOURS does very well in cinemas, TV, online and DVD to large NZ audiences every year.

At present it appears the NZFC is hamstrung by existing funding guidelines as the V48HOURS falls under the “Festivals & Awards Programme’, which means it’s seen on par with the Wellington Fringe Film Festival. No offense to the Fringe but the two organisations are on completely different playing fields in terms of what they achieve in the industry.

Those guidline restrictions make it appear that the NZFC are failing to support the infrastructure and success that the V48HOURS has built over 8 years.

More than $1,000,000 is spent on Industry Support alone by the NZFC each year. The V48HOURS which the Review has stated is the entity where future talent is being discovered, receives $0.00 from NZFC Industry Support funding.

The NZFC Statement of Intent says one of its primary goals looking forward was to “Build a Talent Pathway in 08/09″ and directed nearly $5,000,000 towards this ‘Pathway’. Surprisingly the event that inspired more New Zealanders to create film in that period than any other entity received only $5000 operational support. Which leads one to ask if the allocated monies (non production) that are already set aside for establishing the next generation of filmmakers are actually being utilised in the most forward-thinking way.

But then again, I would say that wouldn’t I?

Sincerely,

Ant TIMPSON
Director V48HOURS.

REVIEW OF THE NEW ZEALAND FILM COMMISSION By Sir Peter Jackson and David Court

2010-07-01T11:49:00.002+12:00

picture:Natasha Baucas

Full 87 page document has been released.

Download pdf here

No More Heroes / New Zealand Mountain Film Fest

2010-06-30T14:55:00.009+12:00

No More Heroes

Hi folks,

There will be an outdoor screening (weather permitting) of
Andrew Moore's movie No More Heroes , which show cases the history of skateboarding in New Zealand at the Twilight,Outside Theatre @ Lone Star on Sunday 4th July.
Movie starts 5:45pm - 7:15pm.
Gold coin donation to Treble Cone Search Dogs,(remember ,you may need them some day!).
Dress warm :Cancelled if Raining.

FILM FESTIVAL SET TO LAUNCH – TICKETS ON SALE

The New Zealand Mountain films is set to go this Friday (2 July) with a five day-and-night programme packed with talented international and New Zealand made films, passionate adventure speakers, workshops, adventure trade show and art exhibition

Festival goers can view a diverse mix of over 50 films featuring the most daring, the most exhilarating, to adrenaline fueled escapades, taming nature to discovering new worlds. With multiple three to four hour sessions daily, with some including a speaker, the festival will inspire and entertain all age groups, friends and families and there are tickets still available for all sessions.
The festival will kick off Friday with live music from local musicians Hound Lounge, viewing of the art exhibition and trade show. This will be followed by awards and previews of the festival films and then viewing of several thrilling films including the Winner of Best New Zealand Made Film, Into Perpetual Ice.
A highlight for the festival is a presentation from Canadian Will Gadd, a fanatical ice climber, paraglider and kayaker, titled “Ice, rock, rivers, clouds and grizzly bears”. His Saturday night talk will feature pictures, videos, comics, profanity and attempted profundity, high and low humor, generally good entertainment for an hour; followed by four films including the NZMFF’s Grand Prize winner; Mount St.Elias.
Other speakers include Adrian Lang from Australia who climbed a 1000m rock face in Pakistan with Wanaka climbers Bruce Dowrick, Jon Sedon and Scott Standen. He will talk on Sunday night at 8pm and the following night at the same time is Martin Jones from Christchurch who is talking on skiing in Northern India. Kylie Wakelin rounds out the four keynote speakers and will talk on Tuesday night about her recent trip to become the first New Zealand woman to ski to the South Pole (900km).
The interactive workshops will educate the mind and relax the body: Featuring a free community avalanche awareness course with Peter Bilous, a yoga session with Rosie Cox, a digital film making workshop with award winning film maker Corrie Francis, a ski/snowboard tuning workshop, or listen in on a climbing literature reading by Christchurch writer Paul Hersey.
“The full to the brim programme features some truly spectacular films this year, the entrants seem to have stepped up a level which made the judging that much harder,” said festival director Mark Sedon. “There is hot demand for the 5 day Festival Passes as usual, and there will be ample single session tickets sold from the venue, the Lake Wanaka Centre at 89 Ardmore St, from 4pm Friday and throughout the festival. Tickets cost between $15 and $25.
The New Zealand Mountain Film Festival runs from 2 to 6 July.

Lots Of Stuff.

2010-06-17T18:38:00.001+12:00

Hi all-
Lot's going on so i'll get straight into it.
First off, Wanaka Film Trust now has a YouTube Channel and a Facebook page so hit the links and subscribe/follow etc.
☜ YouTube Badge on the left of the page there should take you right there anytime. Facebook badge too.

Next up, Heather (who kindly set up the WFT Facebook page) has bought herself a lovely Panasonic DVX102b and now needs a decent sturdy tripod and a good fluid head.But as the camera blew the budget has anyone out there got a spare or unused tripod going cheap? - if so perhaps you could give Heather a holler on facebook or email me wanakafilm @ gmail . com and I will pass on info.

Next on agenda,
Reel Dreams Productions, that's Darren and Topher to us WFT folks have a new website and a nice piece written about them on Business.Scoop .
The guys are bringing more eyes to Wanaka as a production hotspot which benefits us all,so I wish them good luck with their venture.

Finally,as mentioned in previous post , THE INTERNATIONAL 2010 NZ MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL is approaching and below is the latest press release with info.

That's it for now.
Thanks folks for your time,
Please feel free to add a comment on the left there and stay warm!

Cheers
Robert.

PRESS RELEASE – 16/06/10

NZ MADE FILMS FEATURE HEAVILY IN FINALISTS FOR

THE INTERNATIONAL 2010 NZ MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

Conquering fear, discovering new worlds, nurturing nature and gaining great heights are some of the elements featured in the winning films of this year’s New Zealand Mountain Film Festival in July.

The five-day festival programme, being launched today, is packed with 53 films finalists of inspiring, scenic and entertaining stories offering the armchair explorer unique adventures across the world from the comfort of their seat. There were 93 entrants in this years film makers competition, with a record 20 of them made in NZ.

Of these, 13 ‘made in NZ’ films have been selected as finalists to be shown in Wanaka at the festival July 2-6.

Into Perpetual Ice, Directed and Produced by Jared Meehan of Mount Maunganui wins the title of Best New Zealand-made film including receiving the prestigious Hiddleston/MacQueen Award. When informed of his award and $1000 Meehan replied “I don't know quite what to say. Thats amazing news. NZ has some incredible film makers these days so I really didn't expect it to do so well.” The 20 minute film follows five international kayakers on a journey to the birthplace of their sport; an expedition to explore and paddle some whitewater rivers in Greenland. The group get marooned on an ice berg and eaten by bugs in their quest for a first descent in their kayaks. Into Perpetual Ice gives a brief insight into Greenland's culture and the nature while following these paddlers on their difficult mission. The obstacles faced make for an exciting trip and eventually all the hard work pays off with rewards of white gold.

The Grand Prize and $1000 award has been given to Mount St.Elias, produced and directed by Gerald Salmina of Austria. It is an epic story about four very different characters – three of them men, one a mountain. A dramatic and awe-inspiring adventure film following three of the world’s greatest ski mountaineers to Alaska’s Mount St. Elias in their attempt at the the longest ski descent on earth.

Set against the backdrop of Alaska’s dangerous beauty, Mount St. Elias is about a visionary but borderline experience where unparalleled physical and mental pressure pushes them to the absolute limit. Two Austrian ski alpinists Axel Naglich and Peter Ressmann as well as the American freeski pro Jon Jonhston are facing this breathtaking challenge!

The Asgard Project (UK, Directed and produced by Alastair Lee) is the winner of the Best Film on Climbing. The film was also the runner up to the Grand Prize and follows top climber Leo Houlding’s ambitious expedition to make an ascent of Mt Asgard’s daunting north face, regarded as one of the most difficult big walls in the world.

To reach Mount Asgard the climbers sky dive into the heart of Baffin Island, in the Arctic Circle. The story gets off to a spectacular start as the plot twists and unforeseen problems come thick and fast in this unrelenting epic. Once the team commit to the wall the drama only increases.....

Nature Propelled (USA, Directed and Produced by Seth Warren) won the Best Film on Mountain Culture & Environment. Seth embarks on a petroleum-free adventure with his nature powered fire truck named Baby, tracking the life cycle of water through the seasons. Featuring stunning and often daring footage, Nature Propelled demonstrates the connection between the elements, renewable energy, adventure sports, and practical ways that individuals can use these elements to power their lifestyles.

The Best short film went to Snow Tramp (Canada) The lure of the mountains is powerful indeed so when our modern day ‘Tramp’ chances upon a newspaper photo of a ski resort, he knows in his heart what he must do..... The obstacles are many. Will he do it? Can he do it? And, most importantly, will he get the girl?

Take a Seat (UK) won the best film on Adventurous Sports and Lifestyles; which follows Dominic Gill’s mission is to cycle 32,000 kilometres from the north coast of Alaska to the southern tip of South America, on a tandem push bike, picking up strangers on the way.

REV: A Buried Treasure (Canada) won best Snow Sports Film and is a unique documentary about “a town that skis.” A heartfelt and raw story about people who ski, live and visit the place of their dreams, now in transition from a historic quiet mountain town to a world-class ski area.

“The diversity of films to be screened at this year’s film festival is outstanding," said festival director Mark Sedon. "The different emotions, senses and imagination to be stirred by the collection of films is quite unreal. The viewer will gain an insight to many different worlds, challenges and experiences and be entertained at the same time.”

All winners and 53 film finalists will be screened during the festival, which runs July 2 to 6. Festival Passes and Single Session tickets are available now through the website and then at the Lake Wanaka Centre from 2 July.

Details of all films are listed in the programme which will be available from stores in Wanaka and on the web site www.mountainfilm.net.nz

NZ Mountain Film Festival

2010-06-08T09:29:00.000+12:00

NZ Mountain Film Festival’s film makers competition closes.

The 2010 NZ Mountain Film Festival’s film makers competition closed on June 2nd with 75 entries from film makers in places as far away as Brazil, Peru, India, Europe, Russia and the USA with another 6/7 late entries expected this week. “The number of entries is less than last year” says Mark Sedon, the festival Director, “but the quality is far higher and our ‘throw out’ box is very small” he continues. Especially noticeable is the level and number of NZ made films. There are several vying for the top prize of $1000 and the Hiddleston/MacQueen Award. A group of local film enthusiasts will help pick the best NZ made film later this week and together with the 40 or so other film finalists, will be screened at the festival from July 2nd to 6th in Wanaka.

The speaker lineup is the biggest ever with four keynote speakers and five workshop speakers. Will Gadd is coming all the way from Canada just to do a talk at this year's festival. Will is a prominent Canadian ice climber and paraglider pilot. He formerly held the paragliding world distance record, with a flight of 423 km. His talk is titled "Canada Exposed" and features: Ice, rock, rivers, clouds, grizzly bears and some other stuff from the last 30 years of non-stop Canadian adventures. Pictures, videos, comics, profanity and attempted profundity, high and low humor and generally good entertainment.

Also visiting Wanaka during the festival is Adrian Lang from Australia talking on his trip to the Karakoram Range in Pakistan with his Wanaka mates Bruce Dowrick, Jon Sedon and Scott Standen for some high altitude rock climbing. Their audacious goal was an all free first ascent up a remote 1000m high granite pillar. In his video and photo presentation Adrian takes us into a spectacular region of the Karakoram to experience their highs and lows of the trip, and their ultimate success in establishing a ground-up all free ascent with difficulties up to grade 25 at altitudes above 5000m.

Kylie Wakelin from Twizel became the first Kiwi woman to ski all the way to the South Pole with six other members of the Commonwealth Antarctic expedition after 50 days of trekking through some of the most challenging terrain on earth.

Martin Jones is the fourth keynote speaker who’s talk will appeal to the skiers and snowboarders. Its about skiing and also setting up a ski business in India to help the local Kashmir people learn how to cater for foreign and domestic ski tourists, acquire the equipment, develop their skills, and establish the infra-structure for on-going sustainable ski tourism at Gulmarg Village in the Kashmir Himalaya.

As well as the speakers, workshops and viewing of the film finalists, the festival also features art displays, ice sculpturing, live music and an outdoor trade show. Tickets will go on sale June 18th when the festival programme will be launched Watch the web page for updates or sign up for the newsletter at www.mountainfilm.net.nz.

Ride Share For Dunedin Seminar

2010-06-02T18:23:00.001+12:00

Anyone going to Dunedin needs or wants a lift please email me wanakafilm at Gmail and I will try to put drivers and travelers in contact with each other.

Thanks

Robert

Rolf de Heer Seminar in Dunedin

2010-06-02T15:20:00.001+12:00

Rolf de Heer in the South

Seminar in Dunedin for screenwriters, directors, and producers with internationally acclaimed Aussie low budget film-maker Rolf de Heer on June 4th.

Venue: Room G106

Otago Polytechnic

cnr Union St & Harbour Terrace

Dunedin

Friday June 4th, 2010 1pm - 5pm

There will be a Christchurch seminar on June 3rd at NZ Broadcasting School.

http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/2010/05/rolf-de-heer-conceiving-and-crafting-cinema/

Rolf is known for his avowedly independent approach to film-making, especially with Australian aboriginal communities, and he has a string of international awards. (Bad Boy Bubby, The Tracker, Dance Me to My Song, Ten Canoes)

Rolf has shown it's possible to regularly write, direct, and co-produce feature films outside the industry norms on a modest budget (from $500,000 to 2.5 million), while defining his own cinematic voice.

Using his own work as case studies Rolf will share his filmmaking philosophy, from the writing process to delivery to an audience, with particular focus on the relationship between budget and story ideas and the crafting of low budget cinema for the international marketplace.

There will be a question and answer session.

You need to register by email:

Dunedin: baddock@earthlight.co.nz

Christchurch: richard@shuriken.co.nz

Open to students and anybody interested.

Koha at the door to cover afternoon tea.

The Dunedin session is being hosted by Screen Dunedin

Otago Polytech Design School,

in association with

Script to Screen.

Funding support from the NZ Film Commission.

For those unfamiliar with Rolf's work, Bad Boy Bubby won the Grand Special Jury prize and the International Film Critics Prize at Venice in 1993, and four Australian Film Institute awards in Australia. The Quiet Room (1996) and Dance Me To My Song (1998) were invited into Competition at Cannes. The Tracker premiered to critical acclaim at Venice in 2002. Alexandra's Project was invited into competition at Berlin, 2003, while Ten Canoes won the Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.

There is an interview with Rolf here: http://www.afc.gov.au/newsandevents/afcnews/converse/rolf_deheer/newspage_135.aspx

"Dig Deep,Dick" Now viewable here!

2010-05-23T00:47:00.000+12:00

Now that 48hrs comp is behind us for another year,I am happy to present our humble entry here for your viewing pleasure.
Please feel free to embed or link this video to your website/Facebook account etc.

Hope you like it.
Cheers

Robert

New Zealand Music Video Month : Videos 14

2010-05-21T14:44:00.001+12:00

Artist: Goldenhorse
Track:Don't Wake Me Up
Directed by Helena Brooks

New Zealand Music Video Month : Videos 12 & 13

2010-05-16T13:31:00.003+12:00

Artist:The Naked And Famous
Track: All Of This
Director: Joel Kefali and Campbell Hooper

More details on bands website HERE
Artist:Lawrence Arabia

Track: Apple Pie Bed

Director: Luke Savage

More details on artists Myspace page HERE

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 11

2010-05-14T01:02:00.003+12:00

Track:The Devil and Me
Artist: Hera
Director: Andie Spargo
(Plenty more details HERE)

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 10

2010-05-13T00:57:00.002+12:00

Song: I Need a Shot
Artist: Little Bark
Director:Ruth Korver

(More Details here)

"Follow Me" - Wanaka Screening Thursday 20th May.

2010-05-12T15:26:00.002+12:00

I'm not really a bike kinda guy but when I saw this trailer for Follow Me the new feature length biking film from Ant Hill Films I was blown away!
This movie looks super slick.Shot , primarily,I believe, on a Red One camera , the imagery from the year long,round the world shoot is awe inspiring.
So this movie screens on Thursday 20th at the Paradiso here in Wanaka at 8.30pm.
I will be checking this out for sure.
Have a look at the trailer and see if it whets your appetite.

Cheers
Robert

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 9

2010-05-11T19:06:00.000+12:00

The official video for 'Panic Bells'
By nsu featuring Siknik
Directed by Aleksandar Janev
(Be sure to watch in HD if your connection speed can handle it.)
more details here

Behind The Scenes/Deleted scenes "Dig Deep, Dick"

2010-05-10T22:06:00.000+12:00

"Dig Deep,Dick" will be on the V48Hours Viewing room shortly - In the mean time have a look at some deleted/behind the scenes footage.

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 8

2010-05-09T11:30:00.000+12:00

The Official music video for Amethyst Caverns from the video game Shatter’s soundtrack.
Music by Module aka Jeramiah Ross
Directed By Corie Geerders.

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 6 and 7

2010-05-07T10:11:00.001+12:00

Video for the band HLAH and their song Wet Rubber.
Directed by (Trying to track down this info - will edit when I know)

Video for the Gin Wigmore song Oh My

Directed by Stuart Gosling

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 5

2010-05-06T01:31:00.000+12:00

Video for 'She's got it tonight' by I AM THE LIGHT.
Director DAMIEN SHATFORD | Director of Photography LOGAN McMILLAN

Nice music video,this!.Simple concept,executed very well.

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 4

2010-05-04T15:42:00.000+12:00

Artist : SHIHAD

Clip : Sleepeater

Director : Sam Peacocke

Free Legal High!

2010-05-04T08:58:00.003+12:00

Do you like the following?:

Fart Jokes
Stoners
Explosions
Mexicans
Dogs
Losers
"Office Space" references
John Candy
Devin The Dude
Funny micro budget indie movies that are self distributed .
Free Stuff
If you answered yes , then I recommend you hit the link below and download yourself the movie

SELF HELPLESS

It's free , legal and funny.

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 3

2010-05-03T09:32:00.002+12:00

The Lovely Ladi6
with this Oscar Knightley directed video
for WALK RIGHT UP

New Zealand Music Video Month: VIDEO 2

2010-05-01T19:29:00.001+12:00

Sweet lookin' video

Dukes - 'Self Control'

New Zealand Music Video Month : Video 1

2010-04-30T22:33:00.003+12:00

As New Zealand Music Month is about to kick off. I would like to post some NZ Music Videos on the site over the next 4 or so weeks.
If any filmmakers/musicians out there would like me to embed their video on the site , please email me with a suitable url from which I can embed (youtube , vimeo etc.) and a link to any website or blog you may have etc.
email to wanakafilm @ gmail . com .

I'll kick off with Garageland's late '90's cracker Come Back.

Thanks

Robert

"DIG DEEP, DICK" has made it to the Dunedin City Finals!!

2010-04-30T10:47:00.000+12:00

Hi all,
Well Congratulations to Team Pineapple Lump!!

Wanaka's own 48hrs Sex Ed film DIG DEEP, DICK , has made it to the Dunedin City Finals!!

Here is a complete list of City Finalists for all locations

CITY FINALISTS 2010

AUCKLAND

Bald Faced Cheek - Brown Means Earth - Romcom
Blindvision - The Separation of Sidney Manson - Twin
Del Sur - The Fiddles - Musical
Downlow Concept - Only Son - Ghost
Fatboy - Lost Call - Ghost
Goodfellas - Carousel - Road
Haynes Film -Two Timer - Time Travel
Hybrid - Chicane - Road
Idiotvision - Confessions of a Frabricator - Romcom
me vs googleplex- Gravity's Pull - Biopic
No Star - Humanity : The Last Seven Minutes - Biopic
Prime Rib- Life in the Bus Lane - Femme Fatale
Rascals - The Game of Love and How to Keep Ahead - Romcom
Sinistral - Not Quite Wellywood - Romcom
Stone Soup -Making Children For China - SexEd
Winlove Adventure Bros - The Pool - Road Movie

HAMILTON
Ad-Hoc Films - Emotional Wreck - Rom Com
Bwod - Sex with Rod Driver - Sex-Ed
DF-10 - Try and Try Again - Rom Com
Dingo Rat Patrol - Stroking the Bishop - Sports
EDGY - Brian Did it Again - Femme Fatale
Indiefilm - Garden of Eva - Rom Com
Radioactive Reptiles - Sid & Kate - Twin Movie
Team Lafter - Reeling In Time: The Sidney Manson Story - Time Travel
The George - Finally - Twin Movie
Reel Good People - Gone - Time Travel
Whenua Pamamao - Baxter - Road Movie
Zarquons Fish - In Sickness - Rom Com

TARANAKI
Alpha Monkies - Ecoute - Ghost
Bartercard Girls - Votre Mien - Femme Fatale
Digital Story - Doll - Twin
Ivan Goff Fan Club - Hopping Away - Sports
Jampot Productions - Making a Spectre of Yourself - Ghost
Primary - il restorant disoray - Rom-Com
RRRFOFES - Strawberry, Raspberry - Twin
Spin Productions - Separate Ways - Twin
Teen Bunnies - Fabricate Your Future - Time Travel
WAT?! - Who is silent gives consent - Time Travel
Zer05um - Broken - Road

GISBORNE
2 Many Darkies - A Toy Car Named Sydney - Road
Cowps Productions - The Twin Within - Twin
Kaihanga Productions - Bad Toy Bubby - Femme Fatale
Kaiti Hill - Birds, Bees & Zuchini's - Sex Ed
Kratos - Love, Death & A Henchman - Rom-Com
Number 9 - Desperately Seeking Widows - Ghost
Opotiki College V - Lion Forest: A Golfing Legend - Biopic
Pie sammies represent - Nanny Rose - Road
Stout Street Studios - Way Of The Bee - Musical/Dance
Team Membrana - Flat Pack - Musical/Dance
Team Pedro - When One Needs A Baby - Rom-Com
The Packing Shed - Delivered - Road

WELLINGTON
Abusement Park - DeVito - Twin
Dog Films - Balls & Chain - Rom-Com
Good Clean Pants - Take Me Back - Time Travel
Haneke - Remise - Sports
iamsimonpeter.co.nz - The Legend of Simon Peterson & The Story of Wogboth - Rom-Com
Luquid Chicken - Thumb of Maui - Biopic
Moffilaide - Timelanders - Time Travel
Squint Eastwood - Greenwich Mean Time - Time Travel
Team Cupcake Go 6.7 - Lake Flaccid - Musical/Dance
The Avatards - Melodies of the Heart - Rom-Com
The Mammal Group - The Wake Up (RomCom)
Traces of Nut - Longdrummer - Biopic
24 Reasons to Die - Dirty Bird - Musical/Dance

CHRISTCHURCH
Gorilla Team Gorilla -Death In The West- Sex Ed
Hot Black Dog - Hot Foos- Sports
Meth Robot Ninjas - Opportunity - Time Travel
Mrs e movies -Schism: A Story Of Patience - Sports
Pressure Productions -Louis The Lips - Manson: One Mean Mother-Pucker - Biopic
Princess Zoe Films - Whole Wide World -Road
Spanatron - Without Balls - Sports
Spooce Media - It Just Aint Lakker -Twin
STRANG ENTERTAINMENT - Take 4 -Ghost
TBALC - I Am Single - Rom-Com
The Otter - Time-A-Saurus -Time Travel
The Outwits - Bechamel (White Sauce) - Musical/Dance
Zzzzzzz - Tu Padre - Road

DUNEDIN
Brown Paper Bag - King of South D - Road
Crisscross - Bonksy - Bio-Pic
Team Zombiecopter - The Sipowicz Split - Twins
Eclectics - Caught Dead - Ghost
Team Shadbolt - Freudian Sip: The Life of Danny Watson - Biopic
Mirage Videos - The Stag-do - Twins
Red Forgs - How Billy went bananas - Sex-ed
MacJay Productions - Engaged to a Ghost - Ghost
The Elman Poole Fellowship - Lammergeier: The Bird of Love - Rom-com
Off to the Accountant Films - The Meek shall inherit - Twins
Squashed Pineapple Lump - Dig Deep, Dick - Sex-ed
Team Super-best-friends - The Gurgitator - Biopic

48hrs Heats and Reviews

2010-04-25T22:23:00.000+12:00

Hi Folks,
Well, let me update you on the 48 hours shenanigans .

A bunch of folks from Team Squashed Pineapple Lump made the drive down to Dunedin on Friday to attend our screening of Dig Deep,Dick in the 4th Heat for Dunedin affiliated teams.

Delighted to see another Wanaka team (well, 1 member of the team made it there)- Team Mystitron with the quirky film 'The Sound of Penguin'.
Had I known there was another team from Wanaka taking part I would have covered them in this blog.(Any Mystitrons out there - get in touch if you would like to tell us about your 48hours production etc.)

Dig Deep ,Dick was received extremely well , in-fact it got the Audience Favourite Award!

With plenty of entertaining movies to watch - we all had a great time.
Shout out also, to our neighbors over the hill, Queenstown team- "Team Super-Best-Friends", and their film 'The Gurgitator'.
Awesome flick guys - hope to catch up again soon.

You can check out reviews for all films in our heat here (Including the very nice reviews for Dig Deep,Dick.)

We will find out on Tuesday ,I believe , if we have progressed to the City Finals , which will be in Dunedin on May 9th . FINGERS CROSSED!!

photo: courtesy of http://www.mayefilms.com/

More Photos From Wanaka's 48hrs Shoot!

2010-04-20T22:58:00.000+12:00

And Lots More Here

Photographs:Martin Galley

Photos from Shoot weekend

2010-04-19T10:57:00.002+12:00

And Lots More Pictures HERE
Photographs:Fraser Mills

Behind The Scenes Of 2010 48hrs Entry "Dig Deep, Dick"

2010-04-19T10:04:00.002+12:00

48

2010-04-16T11:38:00.000+12:00

So tonight at 7pm , it's all on!
V48hours film competition kicks off this weekend .
Best of luck to all the teams taking part.

A special shout out to Wanaka's own Squashed Pineapple Lump

Thanks to all who have helped and who will help over the weekend.

Don't be surprised if a sleep deprived team member is looking at you funny over the next couple of days.
They are probably thinking - hmm , that guy would look great for the part of the evil henchman,
or something.
It's all good fun and the best thing about it is that by Sunday evening , there will be hundreds of new films born in New Zealand!

You can keep an eye on what's going on over the weekend by checking out the Squashed Pineapple Lump twitter feed @V48SPL and also the Wanaka Film @wanakafilm twitter feed

Hopefully there will be time to let you know how we are going.

Here also , is the winning entry to the V 48 seconds comp.Congratulations to these guys.

Enjoy.

Robert

My 4th and final stab at this years V48seconds challange.

2010-04-12T16:20:00.002+12:00

My 3rd stab at this years V48seconds challange - It's a bit dodgy.

2010-04-09T18:58:00.000+12:00

Before you click on the play button I should warn you that this may not be to everyones taste and I would encourage you not to play it if you are easily offended.

Really , don't play it.

Show Me Shorts

2010-03-30T12:00:00.000+13:00

New Zealand Short Filmmakers

17 March 2010

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The Show Me Shorts Film Festival is now calling for entries. The deadline is 5pm Monday the 5th of July.

This annual national short film festival plays Kiwi and Australian short films between three and 30 minutes long, made within the last three years.

Show Me Shorts will screen in cities and towns throughout New Zealand from the 4th of November. This year organisers are expanding the locations to include Tauranga & Waiheke Island. The successful short filmmaking seminars of last year will also be repeated with the addition of a short film development lab, details of which will be announced in the coming months.

Festival Director Gina Dellabarca who programs the festival says, “The whole team is always really excited at this time of year because we know those shorts are about to start rolling in. We all have our favourites, but the festival is open to any genre and we encourage both established and emerging filmmakers to send us their work. We are particularly looking for striking films with high production values and a strong central idea that will capture the audience’s imagination.”

Last year’s Kodak Best Film winner was Kiwi ex-pat Jacqui van Beek for the insightful childhood drama ‘Just Like the Others’. The other big winner was the CGI motion capture animated war drama ‘Poppy’, which took home three of the eight Show Me Shorts awards. The 2009 selection of films demonstrated the versatility of short filmmakers, covering a wide range of subjects and including a record number of world premieres.

For further information about Show Me Shorts visit our Facebook fan site http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8502010138&ref=mf or to enter your short film go to https://www.withoutabox.com/login/5217.

2nd entry for 48seconds comp...more in the pipeline.

2010-03-24T15:50:00.000+13:00

If you've seen John Boorman's 1967 movie, POINT BLANK with Lee Marvin,
Then this will make sense ...if not , well, will just be ... odd.

enjoy!

Thanks

My 1st stab at this years V48seconds challange

2010-03-19T22:27:00.000+13:00

The idea is you pick a scene from a movie and recreate it , but it must contain a V beverage in there somewhere.

Much thanks to Maddy for playing along.

Hope you enjoy

(Oh by the way, I did a scene from Spanish zombie movie [REC].)