Hey everybody! Well, it’s been a long time coming – three years after shooting principal photography the New Zild public finally gets a chance to see our film (those who live outside Auckland, that is, and didn’t get the chance to see it at the Ak Film Festival). I’m looking forward to doing the Q and A’s round the North Island – in Ak, New Plymouth, Wellington, Havelock North and Palmy. It’ll be a bit like the bad old days, touring a theatre show round the country, except without the company of actors. A mixed blessing: it’s a lonely old road, but at least I won’t have to hear any carping about cruddy accomodation and lousy food etc etc from the talent!

I’m looking forward in particular to visiting Wellington, where as a young man I spent the best part of two decades. I’ll be catching up with my old pals the legendary Steinie Brothers, fellow film makers and dipsomaniacs! Also Stephen Bayliss (most of my friends are called Steve; I just feel comfortable around them), financial wizard and canny fisherman. If there’s time I hope to row out into the harbour avec lui and catch a few spotties.

And maybe on the way between provincial centres I’ll find some inspiration. Liz and I had such fun making this movie, it seems silly not to have a crack at another. We’ve been talking about shooting something in Coromandel, where we both have roots. My family bach is on one side of Coromandel Harbour, and hers on the other (we often communicate via smoke signals!). So, we’ve got the location sorted, all we need are a handful of characters and a story. Any ideas, anyone?