Location, Locations

Next week we begin scouting and shooting locations. We need to make up a DVD to send over to director Gillies Mackinnon, as he begins his preparatory work for the shoot. The DOP also needs to get a feel for the places we're going to be operating in.

One of the primary locations is a boarding house in the Ponsonby area. We've been lucky enough to be offered the use of an existing and operating house which is perfect for what we're looking for. Because it currently runs as a shelter for psych patients, it has an authenticity which is better than any amount of set dressing. And the owner of the house is brilliant - she's a great supporter of the film and keen to do anything she can to help out.

It's that kind of grass roots encouragement which keeps us going in what are sometimes difficult times. This is a film which everyone involved in believes in. It's a story which has been gathering momentum and is now ready to go. Hence our steely determination to make it. It's kind of refreshing to be with a group of people who still have some regard for the art of cinema - not in any highbrow sense, but equally not designing plots by asking audiences what they want.

As the NZFC board meets next week, we'll be out making preparations for the film.