Producer’s Blog

http://www.nzembassy.com/belgium/news/new-zealand-films-to-feature-in-brussels-international-film-festival

“The New Zealand Ambassador will officially open the International Film Festival on Tuesday 1 November and this will be followed by a special screening of the New Zealand film Predicament by Jason Sutter (based on Ronald Hugh Morrieson’s novel). The official reception will showcase New Zealand wine and cuisine, with Rebecca Woodmore, the noted New Zealand soprano performing a number of waiata (Maori songs).

Two other New Zealand films will be shown during the Festival. My Wedding and Other Secrets by Roseanne Liang is a comedy which explores the challenges of cross-cultural relationship, with a specific focus on the experience of Chinese-New Zealanders. The third film, Matariki by Michael Bennett, is a fascinating portrayal of a community in the South Pacific and examines the importance of traditional Maori values. The fourth film, Russian Snark by Stephen Sinclair is the story of a Russian film maker Misha who leaves his country on board a small ship to go to New Zealand where he experiences the same difficulties to defend his ideas.”

Ocotber 6th, we were hosted by Island Screens and the lovely Angela Wright in Great Barrier Island.  We were flown over in a tiny place – 10 seater Islander, and I had the luck of sitting next to the pilot on this little adventure! It was a beautiful day and our flight was superb!  What an incredible view of the Hauraki Gulf!

Touching down in Okiwi, there was no one to meet us but our poster was on the wall and the car had the keys in it ready to go! We found a map and headed to the picturesque town of Typhena where we were staying.  On arrival we found that we were next door to there Currach Irish Pub and staying at the lovely Pohutukawa Lodge.

That night we had a great screening at the Tryphena Social Club with an excellent turnout for the Q & A and a slap up meal to boot! Real Barrier Hospitality!

Rencontres Internationales du Cinéma des Antipodes  - - http://festivaldesantipodes.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342&catid=76&Itemid=235

The Devonport Speculator covers the screening of Russian Snark. The film will be screened at the Victoria Theater in Devonport following a short Q & A session with the writer and director Stephen Sinclair (Ladies Night, The Bach, The Lord of the Rings, Braindead) and the films producer Liz DiFiore. The film was partly shot in Devonport and some of the cast and crew are from the area (including the Devonport-based actress Elena Stejko) therefore this screening holds great importance for everyone involved. Sinclair says it made sense to use his own backyard as the location for his first film as a director.

“I’m very familiar with the terrain round Narrow Neck, Cheltenham and North Head, where the rock formations and vistas offer fantastic visual possibilities,” he says. “And, of course, it’s nice and handy!”

http://www.speculator.co.nz/2011/critically-acclaimed-local-film-returns-to-devonport-home-turf/

Starting out as a sound assistant working with veteran sound recordist Mike Westgate, Ande has quickly moved through the ranks to become one of the busiest and most prolific of recordists, managing an regular blog or two as well as his daily sound recording material, and a rentals business. He recorded sound for us on Russian Snark and did a great job. Check out his work here http://www.fieldsounds.co.nz/ - He understands the fiscal constraints of low budget filmmaking and can set you up with a talented new-comer if your budget dictates this!

Yay – a screening in Devonport! Local residents Stephen Sinclair, Elena Stejko and DOP Steve Latty all hail from Devonport so we should get a great crowd. Q & A on the 29th in the evening – 8pm will feature Stephen Sinclair, Liz DiFiore, Stephen Papps, Elena Stejko and Stephanie Tauevihi.

Annie moved into 1st Ad’ing on feature film Hugh and Heke and proved to be a great asset to our production in this department as a result of her previous experience as a key grip on many NZ and international projects such as including one of her favourites Desperate Remedies.

We are gearing up for the DVD release as you know and nearly finished the slick.  We have a pre release planned as part of Arts Week and in conjunction with the Wallace Arts Trust who will be screening Russian Snark as a fund raiser for the gallery.  Watch this space for a link to the Arts Week info.

If you are looking for a respite from the Rugby World Cup, a screening of Russian Snark with a Q & A including Stephen Sinclair, Liz DiFiore, Stephen Papps, Elena Stejko and Stephanie Tauevihi followed by delicious wines and snacks and a chance to meet and greet the creatives behind this fantastic art film might be just the ticket! Keep October 14th free!

Well screenings in NZ have nearly finished and we are looking at the next step which is the DVD release. The lovely Andrew Ashton is working on the cover which we are sure will be stinking hot when he finishes with it!  If you know anyone who would like to sell DVD’s on our behalf, let us know!