12 Aug 08.

Tena koutou katoa.  Hi everyone.  Well, this has been a really out of it last few days.  I went over to Omamari beach (named after the Mamari waka, canoe, which capsized there) and stayed with my whanau (family).  I went to our marae and we had a hui (meeting).  Overall it went well.  I told the whanau (family) about the movie and one of them (Mihi) said she would like to come on board to help.

  Top has made a basic shooting schedule and also drawn up a production plan, so that is good.  She is figuring out the costs at the moment.  

  I have decided to go hard out sending emails off to as many potential investors etc as possible.  The sooner this trailer can be made the better.  I am dead keen on actually filming the movie, however, that is a long way off yet.  Even if I had the finances (millions) it would still not be ready to film until quite a while.

  I am going to film the trailer on a skeleton crew, however quality will NOT suffer.  Two of the key areas is lighting and sound.  So I will be having a professional cinematographer on board for the trailer, who will also help with the feature.

  Jade has kindly let me use the resources at her classroom to edit stuff for the footage I have been taking for the Whangarei TV station.  I downloaded some footage for over 1 hr just now...and it was ALL lost!

  I hope to find out about my bizzo grant this week.  

  As for Shifty & Shorty, it may not be happening.  No actors and actresses!  Whangarei is just so ho-ha at times. 

  I have only sent off ten emails to different maori businesses (for my trailer) and two responded.  One offered a pure Arabian white stallion with one eye for Tana Tu!  Ka pai!  That will be so cool!  The other contacted one of my referees to ask about whether or not I am straight up and if I can finish the film.  The answer to that is...only dropping down dead will stop me!!!  Ha ha ha.  The reality is, things are progressing well overall.  Top is doing the production budget/schedule; Two drafts of the script have been written (I am working on the third); The website is up and running;  I have a white Arabian stallion!; Mihi has come on board.  The main thing now is to raise the putea...so I will get on to sending as many emails as possible.  I will ask Top and Mihi to help me in this matter.  Plus I will be soliciting the tautoko of Maori organizations around town.    

  

8 Aug 08.

I have decided on a definite plan of action to raise the money for my trailer. I am going to target the local businesses in Whangarei to ask for their financial help. So I have a hui next Tue with the Northland Chamber of Commerce. I will then try and arrange to have a presentation to the different businesses. As well as seeing them personally on a one to one basis. There will hopefully be a good response.
I have determined to persevere with my movie Shifty & Shorty until it is made! So I am firmly committed. I have had serious setbacks with so called professional actors/actresses who have let me down big time. But, I am going to make it, come what may!
Hope to find out next week about my business start up grant.
Next blog will be on Sunday, going over to Omamari beach for a whanau hui tomorrow.
Quote for the day...Determination and persistance are omnipotent.

7 Aug 08.

Well, I am writing this from my sister's, where I am going to crash till I find a pad. I went around to all the big food chains i.e. Pak n Save and put my notices up looking for a pad. But I think I will try and score my own flat a...I have had my own pads before and it is much better...it just costs more.
I spoke to R yesterday, she is the one doing my business grant. Her Matua died (arohamai...haere, haere, haere ra ki te po nui, te po pango, te po roa)...so I sent her a email and told her not to worry about my thing until she is better. So I will not find out if I receive the business grant or not until who knows when. It may be next week or the week after?
In the meantime, I have access to the camera equipment at 155, so I am going to go and pick that up today. Give them a koha.
I am looking after my nephew today...a real little scallywag! Ha ha ha. I will take him with me for a tiki tour!
Two cinematographers emailed me for the position today. I will look at their show reels and let them know exactly where I am right now in regards to the film...so they know exactly what is happening.
Because of my current situation, it is easy to lose sight of the main goal, but I will keep my eyes firmly fixed. I will do the show piece for the video link on You Tube this week. I will have the professional camera and I intend to do a professional job.
My enthusiasm for Shifty & Shorty is waning. A number of people have mucked me around so I do not know about it anymore. So far I only have one actor! That is after advertising on The Big Idea for ages and using word of mouth! Anyway will not pull the plug just yet. See what happens within 1-2wks and if the situation is the same, I will have to postpone it indefinitely.

6 Aug 08.

Tena koutou katoa...Hi everyone. Well...my partner and I have put things on hold (I think)...so I have moved out and am now in the process of finding a pad in Whangas. The fella who was meant to audition for the role of Shifty (in my short movie) never showed. So he is out. He never txted or anything.
Regardless of my personal situation, I am going to remain focused on my goals.
My main thing now is to start raising the cash via my email site for funding to get the ball rolling.
What else is there? Oh that's right...the thought for the day...If at first you don't succeed, try and try again...then give up or you will make a complete ass of yourself! Ha ha ha...food for thought!

5 Aug 08 (cont).

Well I have resubmitted my script to Te Paepae! That is a humbling experience! Still I am glad I did. For what I took for criticism the other day...was in fact just another creative writer's ideas...which I can take or leave as I want too.
So yes, that is one bad trait I am going to work on...the way I become overly defensive of my creative works. So I will practice actually being able to take peoples suggestions for what they are.
Anyway, thanks to Renee at Te Paepae for allowing me to do that. I guess it was also due to all the stress I am under...with my short script and pre-production for that...plus trying to raise finances etc.
I am going to focus on positive things and from now on I shall have a quote for the day. Each quote will deal with a specific issue/subject. Today's quote is all about forgiving, 'Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die!'.

5 Aug 08.

I have asked Top to become my Production Manager and if she will write up a basic production budget for a seven day shoot (for the trailer).
I may have been overly defensive in my korero yesterday. I realize that film making is a team effort...and it is easy to alienate people if you say the wrong things.
Anyway, I have a white stallion, a 'hot' Arabian with one eye that I may be able to use for free! Ka pai! I shall try to get as much resources for free that I can. Most of the money will need to be spent on the crew and wages.
I have not yet come up with a strategy for my website (so people know about it).
I have accomplished a wide range of creative goals, producing plays, publishing books and so on. But I have never undertaken a creative goal of this magnitude before and it is extremely daunting. I compare to any other huge goal...and for me it is climbing my own personal Everest.
One thing I need to learn though is not to be overly defensive...that is what alienates others. So I will need to learn to be a diplomat! A politician! Ha ha ha.

4 Aug 08.

http://www.tanatu.co.nz/

Has anyone noticed that this blog site has the wrong date? Look immediately above this blog. It says the 3rd of August.
It is my darling babes birthday...happy birthday babe! Wuv u heaps!
Anyway, another day at Mangapai. I am getting ho-ha (bored) staying here, as there is no TV and I cannot get my Shorty St fix! Ha ha ha. But, the good thing with no TV, I get heaps done in regards to my movie!
Anyway I have decided not to go on Marae, because they want to do the story in a way which I do not feel comfortable with. So even though it is a missed opportunity to publicise Te Whakapouri, I feel comfortable with making that decision. I have also withdrawn my script from the film commission's 1st writer's initiative competition, and from the Te Paepae Ataata's screen play competition as well. The reason for this, is I know I have a very strong and powerful script, and I am not prepared to have other writers tell me what THEIR vision of the script is. For example, when I went down to the Aho Whaakari Maori Film and TV hui last week, one of the people there (who I know will be one of the main Te Ataata's scriptwriting teachers for those who win the competition) simply read my synopsis and then set about trying to tell me how it should be done! And that is one thing I dislike...unasked for advice! Now I am willing to take advice, when I ask for it, or if it is from someone I know and trust. But definitely not from someone I have just met.
Making a movie is a COLLABORATION and I know that it requires team effort. So my goal is to build a team of people who can see my dream and believe in it and make it their dream as well, and we can ALL make it happen. I realize I will have to drive and lead this thing...I know that...for above all it is my dream. But, others can make it their dream too...which is what I want and will have to happen, for the dream to be realized.

http://www.tanatu.co.nz/

3 Aug 08.

Tena kouotu katoa...Hi everyone. Well it is better weather here at Mangapai from where I am writing this. It has stopped raining...and the sun is out. But it is quite windy. I have been working out the few errors on my website (spelling mistakes etc)...so that is ka pai now! I am very happy with it. My first ever website...and what is it all about? My movie Te Whakapouri...so just in case you missed it...www.tanatu.co.nz
I hope to hear back next week whether or not I receive funding for my video production business or not. It has taken about six months of hard work to try and get the finances for my business. It is not a huge amount, just enough for a second hand semi professional camera, tripod and editing equipment (final cut pro). If I get it, my bizzo will be up and running ASAP and all profits will be spent either on the business or Te Whakapouri...My movie.
If my bizzo starts up, than it will be my bread and butter income, however, once the serious money comes in for Te whakapouri, I will focus 100% on that.
Last night I had a few beers and a pizza, while doodle the cat crashed next to the fire! He is a weird cat...the first cat I have ever known that cannot jump! Ha ha ha. Yes, definitely weird! Anyway, will keep everyone informed of my progress for Te Whakapouri. As I said, I have finished the rough script for the trailer. Will edit it to my satisfaction, than work on a storyboard, than a shot log. Than I can figure out the exact costs. Even if it is more than $30,000 to make, I will keep the costs within that dimension.

2 Aug 08 (cont).

Well...Cuckoo just created my website...ka pai! Thank you to Cuckoo! So yeh check it out...www.tanatu.co.nz...I hope to have a video link to my blurb on You Tube up and running by next week...ka kite ano.

2 Aug 08.

Well...I wrote my trailer for Te Whakapouri yesterday. The first draft anyway. I will modify it a bit...but that is the way I will be doing it. I have been studying the trailers on You Tube for feature films and there are a number of different formats to use. There is the one where you can see the action, but it is all voice overs throughout. Than there are the ones which use superimposes throughout. Than the ones that use dialogue. Than the ones which use all the different combinations. Mine will be superimposes plus action. And perhaps a little dialogue.
I went to the launch last night. They were playing classical music...so I couldn't leave fast enough! But I paid my respects and showed my support. One thing I noticed though, there are NO Maori on the crew at all (editing, camera, lighting etc)...which I think is not right as over half the audience will be Maori! So I hope they address that issue.
I had my first audition for Shifty and Shorty at the library. It was for the character Mrs Hunt. A small part. The person who played the part did alright. I really want to do the best (technically) that I can with Shifty and Shorty, as short movies are good experience for the feature film.

1 Aug 08.

Well tonight is the official launch of the Whangarei TV Station. I will leave home about 3pm...buy my waihine a birthday pressie than go and have a sauna...than go to the launch. I am going to film it with my little mini DV and tripod and mic.
Next week (Wed) I am having a story done by Marae about my movie Te Whakapouri. They are coming up to film me. So that will be positive publicity when it is aired for what I am doing.
I am waiting to hear back about my business grant that I applied for to start up my production company. It has taken six months of hard work...so hopefully I hear back soon. It will be enough for a professional camera, tripod and editing equipment (final cut pro).
I am also in the middle of my movie Shifty & Shorty...just doing the auditions right now. So hopefully I will start filming in about four weeks!
So there is quite a bit to be focused on...although my PRIMARY focus is Te Whakapouri. This weekend I will complete my website and once it is up and running will let everyone know. Plus I will be putting a blurb on You Tube. Also, I have started work (script) on my trailer...because I want to do that so I can show potential investors the possibilities. The way I see it...some of the utter crap that is made for millions (B grade flicks etc)...if they can do it...so will I! Ha ha ha.
Anyway...I got the book 'Rebel Without A Crew' out and have been reading it. It is about a independent film maker who made a movie for $7,000.00, which has now grossed over $6,000,000.00. I have also been researching HEAPS of indie film makers etc and the one common denominator is that they use LATERAL & CREATIVE ways to get their movies made and raise the putea (finances)...so that is the road I am taking too.

31 July 08 (cont).

Well I just had some tu meke (choice) news from Top who has come on board the waka! Ka pai! As the whakatauki says...One alone will fall...but two will help each other climb the mountain.

31 July 08.

Tena koutou katoa. This will be a regular (or is that irregular! Ha ha ha) blog I will do whenever I have the time, to let everyone know where I am with my movie venture Te Whakapouri.
Well, I have just got back from Aucks. The weather was shocking. I went down to make contact with Aho Whakaari Maori Film and Television. I only had three hours sleep. I left at 5.30am. It was pissing down and foggy. Cars were up my ass (so I slammed on my brakes several times just to make them BACK OFF). It was a horrible journey! Anyway went to the hui. Made some good contacts...and even became a paid member! Aho Whakaari are doing positive things for Maori...check them out. Also went to TVNZ. Marae is doing a story about me (in regards to the film).
I came back (thank the good Lord) the next day. Glad to be out of rat city! I have made a contact with a Maori film maker in Windy Welly...who I will call Top! (you know who you are e hoa). She liked the script. So hopefully she will become involved.
Anyway just a short blog today. The hikoi (journey) ahead will be filled with obstacles...but I will keep my eyes on the dream and vision and that will give me the purpose and mana to carry it through.

Tana Tu Productions

Tena koutou katoa. E mihi ana ahau i te Matua nui i te Rangi. Ko Mahuhu ki te Rangi te waka. Ko Ngati Whatua raua ko Te Roroa nga iwi. Ko Taita raua ko Waikaraka nga marae. Ko Maunganui te maunga. Ko Kaihu te awa. Ko Waipoua te ngahere. Ko Omamari te moana. Ko Raroa toku Papa. Ko Betty toku Mama. Ko Penehamine Netana-Patuawa taku ingoa. No reira tena koutou tena koutou tena no tatou katoa.


Kia-ora everyone. Well my name is Penehamine Netana-Patuawa (formerly known as Benjamin Nathan). Throughout the years I have been involved in different areas of the Creative Arts. Now though, my main focus is film-making. I have just written the first draft of a film script called, 'Te Whakapouri...The Darkening', which I intend to make and direct. It will be my first feature film and I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing my dream into reality. I know it is going to take a lot of hard work, effort and determination to do so. But, I am a extremely motivated and focused man and am 100% confident it will happen. For one thing I have found in everything I have done in my life, that once a person fully commits to any type of creative enterprise...Providence brings resources, tautoko and help to that person which he never dreamed possible.
So that is where I am at this stage. If anyone out there is interested in what I am doing, feel free to send me a email and say hi. Kia-ora.