8 Sep 08.

Well...I have a definite short film in mind, which I am going to shoot ASAP.  I have tried to do two other short films this year, P (about the drug P and it's effect on young people) and Shifty & Shorty (a comedy about two ex cons).  However, through lack of actors (being based here in Whangas they are rare to come by!) it has not happened. The movie I am definitely going to make will be based on my award winning poem Aroha...Love (so I will be getting my actors from Aucks and shooting there, this will ensure it is made!).  I am going to make it free-style. With just my actors and me on a semi-pro HDV cam, with a directional mic.  I will just use a 'loose' storyboard...nothing else.  My idea is to do a freestyle improvisational video...one that is not hindered by a huge crew or a set script.  Now I don't know how it is going to come off...it may be really bad, or choice as.  But I am going to give it a go.  I am going to draw up the storyboard ASAP. Advertise on The Big Idea.  Get my actors, shoot in Aucks, edit it at Northtec, than put it on You Tube and submit it to the film festivals.  Simple as that.

I have also decided that I am not just a film director, but, in actuality, a Creative Artist, a poet, biographer, playwright, actor, scriptwriter, theatre director.  I am all of those things as well, so I will also be getting back into them.  All this year I have focused primarily on film-making and I have found that I have not been using my creativity and potential in my other creative areas.  Of course, I will be continuing in my feature film, but I plan to form a team of others who want to do it with me, rather than slogging away on my own, as I have been doing so far.  Of course Top has been helping me, but with her being so far away (windy Welly), she has agreed to be the 1st A.D., allowing me to get someone closer on board as my Production Manager.  Still, thanks heaps to Tops for her tautoko (support) so far!  To do this I may eventually need to relocate to Auckland!

Thought for the day...This above all, to thine own self be true, than to no other man can you be false.

6 sep 08.

Have moved house...extremely stressful. I also have a concise plan drawn up for the trailer.

Thought for the day...JUST DO IT!

5 Sep 08.

Well I moved into a new pad last night.  It is sweet as.  My base of operations.  I will now be focusing 100% on the development of the trailer.  I will look upon it as a short film.  So I will be implementing the following ASAP:

1) Storyboard (script is done).

2) Scene Breakdown Sheet.

3) Shot log.

4) Location scout.

5) Finances.

6) Props etc.

So, everyday will be spent wisely, undertaking this mahi.  I need to find someone in and around Whangarei to come on board.

Thought for the day...Imagination is more powerful than willpower.

4 sep 08 (cont).

Well had a bit of a kip...so feel refreshed. Taking Doodle to the vets (found him last night outside in the garden!).

Watched a BRILLIANT short movie called, 'Being Bad'. 10/10. Cinematography was AWESOME. Story was superb. Riveted, from beginning to end. About three street kids, one a thief, one a dreamer, one a call-boy. Man, it was so choice a. Director was Laurence Coriat (who also wrote it). Producer was Norma Burke. Cinematographer was Natasha Braier.

After watching that, it has inspired me to get my A into G and do a short movie before the year is out!!! And I am going too!!!

Another thought for the day...Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

4 Sep 08.

It is 3:40 a.m. as I write this. I am worried about our cat Doodle, who has a bad wound on his throat. I will take him to the vets today. But, he has disappeared! He always sleeps with us, and this is the first time this has happened, so I am very worried. I will go and look for him again soon. He is a very friendly cat.

As for the movie...well I will be focusing on making a short movie to finish this year off. I would still like to do Shifty and Shorty. I finished a 3 min 'filler in' for Whangarei TV station. So I am happy about that. Nothing great, but hey, it was on my little mini DV! My camera work is very good now. My eye for lighting has improved a great deal too. Still need to work on sound. For now my focus will be the 3min music video. I plan to do that 100%.

Thought for the day...Far better it is to dare mighty deeds and fail, than to be one of those cold and timid souls, who live in a gray twilight of nothingness and never have the courage to dare at all.

3 Sep 08 (cont).

Update:  I have just received my first donation from Ngaroimata Winiata of Kahuhura Gallery in Gisborne!  Kia-ora...too much! Thanks heaps Ngaroimata for your faith in me and my dream! Things are looking up!  Ha ha ha.  So that is really choice.  Still a long way to go...but...I will get there.  As Confucious said...The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

3 Sep 08.

I still have not heard back from my bizzo plan for my production bizzo. Anyway, look forward and move on.

It is 5:45 a.m. Have been up since 5 a.m. I will start my exercise regime at 6 a.m. Just a light workout 30mins. I plan to get back to full strength, 2hrs per day, 6days per week, like I use to do. I intend to start up boxing again and perhaps doing jeet kune do (Bruce Lee's fighting art).
This time though, I am going to be 100% committed to what I am doing a.

The feature film. Well, I have decided to start doing fundraising to raise the $30,000 I need a. This is the best way to get things done. So, I am going to form a core team, and just start doing it. No more mucking around. Time is of the essence. Some people have said I am doing some things too fast. True, in regards to the financial aspect and the budget etc. But, I am learning, so I will keep plodding along a. It will happen. Three years I give it. In the meantime. I will focus on short movies. That is going to be my focus. I intend to make a short movie ASAP.

I still have a music vid I am doing with some young fellas a. So I will be focusing on that too. Plus, I have to do the editing for my Matariki footage (shot with my little mini DV cam.

Thought for the day...Success breeds success.

1 Sep 08.

Well it is 7:56 a.m. I have been up since 6 a.m. I made my babe brekky...Coffee (beans have to be crushed etc) and spirilina. I then washed and dried the dishes from last nights kai (tea)...Babe cooked the most awesome meatballs, chips and broccoli with carrots.

Anyway...I hope to hear back from Raina today. It is a waiting game now. Hopefully it is good news...I will be disappointed if it is not. Funny though, I have not been concerned about the grant until since last week. Now I just want to either get it or not...so I can get on with things a.

I will be going to Aucks either way...I am going to sell my books in Ponsonby door to door. It is a good place to sell books. The houses are very close together and the people are usually quite friendly...plus they have cash to spend!

When (if) the grant comes through, I will let this blog know. Thought for the day...Our thoughts create our reality...We are the Masters of our fate...the Captains of our soul.

31 Aug 08.

I find out apopo (tomorrow) if I will be getting my business grant to start up my Video production Company. The grant will enable me to get a semi-pro camera, tripod and computer (with editing software). I will then be in bizzo! It's been a long, hard slog to get the financing. So far this year I have applied for:
1) ASB business grant ($150,000) to start up a Video course for At Risk youth. Turned down.
2) Creative NZ grant ($5,000) to finish off my play Tana Tu. Fifth year and fifth time I have applied (five different projects). Fifth time I have been turned down.
3) AMP Scholarship grant ($10,000). Turned down.
4) Book grant ($1,000) to publish 100 books. Turned down (I ended up getting a loan, which I am still paying off!).
5) Video Production Company Grant ($10,000)...Here's hoping!!!

When (if) I start the bizzo up, my kaupapa will be to respect people (customers or not) and to work hard. I will be putting the film in the hands of a producer (once I secure one). But, the film will immediately come first, once financing comes through. The Video company is my bread and butter stuff and to keep my skills developed and up to play. The film is my dream...but dreams don't give you kai! Thought for the day...If you reach for the stars you may not get them, but you will not get mud either.

27 Aug 08.

6:37 a.m. Thought for the day...Let us dare to dream the impossible dream.

26 Aug 08.

Tena koutou katoa...Well it is 4:18 a.m. and I just finished sending off heaps of emails to all the actors/actresses who responded to my Expressions of Interest ad on The Big Idea. In hindsight I should have waited till the money was raised and it was DEFINITELY on before putting a ad on there, but hey, I have never done this sort of thing before, and being only human, make mistakes (well that is my excuse anyway! Ha ha ha).
Yesterday was not very positive. My hui with a potential financial investor was cancelled (I am not going to bother contacting them again, if they are serious about investing in the movie, they will get back to me). One of the people I hoped to get on board changed his mind. I also lost out on a contract with Fulton and Hogan, to do a video for them. The only bright spot, was that Jan, a professional cinematographer, has definitely committed to the movie. Ka pai! That is really good news a! So I hope to have a bio on my website about him.
Yesterday I sent a number of emails to distributors. Plus I emailed a German Production Company. I will keep plugging away. Thought for the day...If you always put limits on yourself and what you can do, physical or anything, you might as well be dead. It will spread into your work, your morality, your entire being. There are not limits, only plateaus. But you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you - Bruce Lee.

25 Aug 08.

It is 6:35 a.m. as I write this. I feel really good about the movie...I received a excellent email from Emma Barnett...Thanks mate! It really boosted my confidence a...Even though I am positive about this whole project...Like any normal person I have periods of self-doubt...So when I receive such a positive email...it strengthens my resolve.
I have been studying, 'Mind Power' written by John Kehoe. I am applying it's principals to this venture, by positively visualizing a successful outcome.
I was busy yesterday, emailing prospective distributors, plus also making contact with overseas investors for my movie. I will need to draw up a strong production plan, plus have some definite distributors on board, as well as have a strong production crew, plus cast. These are the four main factors to attract potential investors on board. I will also be actively seeking a co-producer.
Thought for the day...Success breeds success.

22 Aug 08.

Tena koutou katoa...well I finished my blurb for You Tube which I hope to put online this weekend with a link to my website.  I also intend making changes to the website.  I am not that happy with the video (for You Tube) however, as I asked the camera operator to do a medium close up throughout the entire video (shoulders and head) but she might not of heard me properly.  So I have created a border around it, to cut out certain parts I did not like.  Still, it is ok.  The main thing is people will be able to see me.  I will be using lateral/creative thinking to come up with a new concept to raise the money for my trailer.  This is something I will be getting onto this weekend.

I have a had a positive response from the ad I put on the Big Idea.  True, I have not yet raised the capital, but the reason for the ad is to have everything in place once the finances are raised.

The more I become involved in this...the more I feel confident of it's ultimate success.  The main thing is to focus on one step at a time.  Thought for the day...You are today where your thoughts have brought you.  You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.  You cannot escape the consequences of your thoughts.  In your hands will be placed the exact results of your thoughts.  Whatever your present reality, you will fall, remain or rise according to your thoughts.  Your thoughts create your reality.  To change your reality, change your thoughts. 

21 Aug 08.

Well...another day, another blog! Ha ha ha. Anyway I filmed my piece for You Tube which I will be editing apopo (tomorrow) and putting online, so it can be linked to my website. I filmed it at the Whangarei TV station. I did it professionally (lights and background etc)...so people will know I am serious about what I am doing.
I have a hui (meeting) on Monday with a potential investor...so fingers crossed. Plus half of all profit from my video production company (weddings etc) will be put directly into my savings account until all the putea is raised.
I have produced, directed and edited two shows for the Whangarei TV station. A small 3 min doco about the Tibetan peace march, plus a 10 min doco about the Maori writers who came to town. They came out alright, considering I only had my camera (and no lighting or sound man). I am also putting a proposal forward for a regular half hour show about positive Maori talent to be shown on Whangarei TV (if that is successful I will use the money toward my trailer, than once the full amount is raised, focus 100% on that and sub contract my other show out).
I re-edited my advert on The Big Idea. I had a 'abrupt' email from a fella (and he wants to audition for a main part!) so decided I needed to clarify issues that he raised. I know this is going to be a challenge to make...but I also know it can and will be done. I am PASSIONATE about the script...it is powerful and a story I am determined to tell...simple as that. Also, so MANY movies are made everyday...and each requires financing. It will take hard work and effort...and above all...faith and belief in myself and those who want to make it happen with me.
Thought for the day...Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

20 Aug 08.

Today I picked up a homeless man...in his fifties...he was hitching from Whangarei to Wellsford. All he had was a pack on his back. I asked him why he was homeless at the age of fifty...and he just said he could not get on the dole or find a job. Even though I found that hard to believe, I did not judge him, as who am I too judge him? I gave him $5 for a kai and dropped him off at the service station (just past where I have to turn in). I shook his hand and wished him luck. But as I pulled away and watched his lonely figure walking down the road...I felt a sense of sadness...for did not he deserve to have a home to call his own? I mean how rugged that must be...never knowing where you are going too sleep or where your next kai is going to come from. So I feel BLESSED. I have ALL my whanau and friends and everyone I know. There are so many opportunities and possibilities out there...that we must seize them whenever we can.
Anyway, on a more better note...I finished editing the, 'Maori Writers on Tour' for the Whangarei TV. It is 10 Min's long. It is alright...considering I only had a camera and no proper lights etc.
Tomorrow I will make my 5 Min spiel to be put on You Tube, which I will be linking to my website on the weekend. I intend to add some more pages...I hope to put Top on there and Jan too...if he comes on board.
Thought for the day...I felt sorry for myself cause I lost a shoe...until I met a man who had no foot...Be thankful for what you have people!

19 Aug 08.

Word up everyone...or whoever reads this! Ha ha ha. Well...I was exhausted last night...crashed out early as a. I seem to be doing heaps...but not making any real progress...but I think that is just the way I feel a.
I went to the Hui Taumata today at the Kingsgate Hotel...The turnout was quite small...but the speakers were quite good. I had the opportunity to have a korero about my film. I also met the CEO who knows someone who is a independent producer...so he is going to talk to his friend about my project.
I realize that to raise the $30,000.00 I am going to have to come up with some revolutionary concepts a...Perhaps doing a regular slot on you tube and trying to get coca cola to sponsor it...something like that a. Something involving video...that is the key. Or perhaps not. Perhaps something entirely different and outside the square...So I am going to start brainstorming until I actually come up with the idea.
Still...it is only early days a...this is a long process which may take several years! So this will be one long running blog!!! Ha ha ha.
Anyway...the main thing is not to take it too seriously a...to have some laughs along the way...or what is the point of it? So yeh...I am going to do that a. Ka kite ano.

17 Aug (cont).

www.tanatu.co.nz Well...I am embarking on a new journey...one of self-development. One in which I am going to tap into and use the awesome power and potential within my hingaro (mind)...We have the right to succeed...and the power of the universe will help us do so, if we ask for it's awhi me tautoko...help and support.

17 Aug 08.

It is miserable weather as I write this. I have the fire going...and just got back from having a sauna.
Yesterday I sent over 55 emails to local Maori bizzos to solicit their tautoko for this venture. On Tuesday there is a hui in Whangarei which I will attend. I wrote up the expenses for the trailer...and it came over. So will be making the necessary cuts etc.
Top will be getting hold of Temuera Morrison and offering him the part of Chief Patako...also going to see if Tania from Shorty St is interested in auditioning for the role of Aroha.
I am reading the book Mind Power by John Kehoe...and will be implementing those principals in all aspects of my life. So I will be practising positive visualisation for this goal in a consistent way.
Will be editing tomorrow. Filmed the Maori tour that came here (writers, singers and poets), so I hope to have that finished by the end of the week, so it can be put on the Whangarei TV Station.

15 Aug 08.

In a way, making this movie is my own personal Mt Everest. I have to plan it properly, solicit support, plus do all the hard work that is involved with it. It will require enormous determination and persistence to pull it off. Can it be done? Yes, it is done everyday...in fact more than everyday. Over 6,000 feature films are made every year throughout the world!
So, it is realistic and achievable.
The key is to undertake one step at a time. Also, even though in the past I have been satisfied when I have done my best (even though I have not succeeded)...In this, only success will satisfy me.
The key, I believe, is to keep the vision of what I want to make and create CLEARLY in mind. To visualize it consistently until it is made into reality.
Thought for the day...Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, can be achieved.

14 Aug 08.

Well...it is 10:48 p.m. as I write this blog. The fire is blazing and Doodle the cat is outside somewhere. He has been peeing inside so has been relegated outside for now.
I spoke to Jan a German cinematographer...We had a good korero about the trailer. He told me it will be a good idea to use a 'Red' camera...so I will go with that. If things work out between us, than I will ask him on board, as I loved his work that I saw...the composition and mood was ka pai.
Top is still on track with her mahi. Found out she is whanau (family) a cousin...so kia-ora cuz!
I will be spending all weekend sending out emails to the Maori businesses in Whangarei to solicit their support. I have been given a list of all the local Maori businesses...so I will be busy this weekend!
Anyway...thought for the night...Persistence and determination are omnipotent.

13 Aug 08.

I am really tired right now. Have had FIVE hui today in regards to my movie and production company. It is all about networking. Plus I edited for a few hours beforehand! So will keep it brief. Anyway thought for the day...believe in yourself and in the power of your dreams and they will come true.

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.