Questions

We've had some hard questions asked of us in recent days by people who are not convinced we're ready to go in November. So I've spent a bit of time collecting the necessary data and assembling arguments to establish that we are in fact ready. One of the tasks I had was to get a reaffirmation of the director's commitment to the film.

He responded: "The danger is that the development process, if it is spun out, stultifies the desire to get the film made this year. I have seen this happen so many times before, and usually these films do not happen finally... If we make this film I intend to make an extraordinary film which will make everyone involved pleased and relieved they were involved. I have tried to answer the points raised. If there are any further, please contact me." This in the midst of a long and detailed email setting out his enthusiasm for the project.

Having just returned from the UK, it seems that everyone associated with the film is excited about it except some of the NZ bodies charged with making NZ films. Is this simply part of the 'cultural cringe'? Or is it associated with a form of artistic narcissism which makes the local creative scene so desperately parochial and lacking in imagination?

I'm simply grateful that the majority of our partners are people of not only rich experience in filmmaking but passion about the craft they give their lives to.