麻豆传媒高清

Tell us about and . What can we expect from these films?

I think one of our co-directors from Black Forest Films, Addison Heath, summed them up well: while they鈥檙e two very different films in terms of tone and subject (Haunted & Devoted is a brooding queer vampire romance, Grand Finale is a bold Giallo-style drag thriller), they both share a deep examination of mortality and are essentially about facing the inevitable. I think audiences can expect genuine, uncontrived filmmaking that comes from people who are passionate about film. Haunted & Devoted is currently in post-production and expected to do the festival circuit later this year, and Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey is in pre-production with filming taking place in November. Grand Finale is Black Forest Films鈥� biggest and boldest film yet, with drag superstar Love Connie (RuPaul鈥檚 Drag Race, Legally Blonde) taking centre stage as our protagonist and featuring actors who have starred previously on screens big and small in things like Donnie Darko, The Fabelmans, The Book of Boba Fett, Shortbus and Ghost World. We are also privileged to have Lloyd Kaufman on board, the legendary founder of Troma Entertainment and the creator of The Toxic Avenger. Both films are part of a .

What do you enjoy most about producing films and how鈥檇 you get into this role?

I love producing because I get to be involved in so many aspects of the filmmaking process in a way that (hopefully!) takes the stress away from the director. It definitely scratches my organisational 鈥榠tch鈥�, that鈥檚 for sure! I initially started in the film industry in 2014 by providing publicity and social media marketing services to assist independent filmmakers who didn鈥檛 have a budget for marketing. At the indie level things like publicity and social media marketing can be a luxury, so it was my 鈥榝oot in the door鈥� as it was. In the process, I also became self-taught in crowdfunding campaign strategy and implementation, which led to a role as Projects and Operations Assistant at Boosted, the crowdfunding platform of the Arts Foundation of New 麻豆传媒高清. I then worked as a Communications Assistant for the New 麻豆传媒高清 International Film Festival in 2019 and at that stage I knew I wanted to be involved in film in a different capacity. That鈥檚 how I began producing, because I could use my prior skillset and build further skills from there. I鈥檓 also currently in the process of rewriting a feature script, so that鈥檚 been an enjoyable process as well.

You鈥檝e worked with independent filmmakers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Aotearoa. Are there any significant differences within the film industry based on location?

One of the most noticeable differences between the regions is the differences in training and internship opportunities available. It鈥檚 very dependent on what鈥檚 happening in the region- e.g. how many international or domestic productions are being filmed, the population base, etcetera. Funding opportunities vary per country as wellsome regions or states have film offices that offer financial funding incentives or subsidies. It鈥檚 always worth investigating what鈥檚 available for you in your region in terms of funding, grants and subsidies to help get your film made.

Why do you think it is important to help share and promote stories of people from diverse backgrounds?

My mindset around diversity and inclusion in filmmaking comes from my own background being queer and M膩ori (Ngai Tahu) and seeing a welcome increase in diverse storytelling in Aotearoa and beyond. I take the phrase 鈥渘othing about us without us鈥� very seriously. I think filmmakers in Aotearoa are doing an amazing job in terms of diversity in storytelling. R奴rangi, Ka Whahai Tonu, Creamerie are all fantastic domestic examples.

Hailing from 艑tautahi, did the city have an influence on your decision to stay and come to UC to study your BA?

I did my BA as an adult student in my late 20鈥檚, so I was already firmly established here. That being said, when I was looking to do my BA I never really considered studying elsewhere! The reason for that was because there were so many courses available at UC that really appealed to me- in fact it was incredibly difficult to narrow my choices down! It was definitely very convenient to not have to uplift my life somewhere else and have to get to know a new city.

Do you have any favourite experiences or memories from your time at UC you鈥檇 like to share? I had a part-time job working for what used to be the Audiovisual Department. It had an office in the Undercroft which has now completely been transformed since my days as a student. It fantastic place to work. We would deliver AV equipment to tutorial rooms and lecture theatres when required but would also be on call to troubleshoot any difficulties. As a result, I鈥檓 now a proficient troubleshooter when it comes to AV and computer problems.

Any additional comments/remarks?

It鈥檚 never too late to do tertiary study. I found being an adult student at UC was a great experience.