Subscribe
Trailer for the soon to be released short film PRUDENCE PECKER, featuring the actress Amanda Bishop — currently starring in ‘At Home with Julia’ on the ABC.
Sep
0
Prudence Pecker Trailer
Jun
3
Prudence Pecker – A New Short Film
No sooner have I barely finished one film, when the production bug strikes again – this time with my first foray into the romantic comedy genre with the short film, ‘Prudence Pecker’.
Following the direct challenge from the Head of Screenwriting at my film school, I opted to embrace the genre I loathe the most, romantic comedy, and try my best to make it my own.
“Prudence Pecker fantasizes about becoming a best selling romance novelist but her lack of real life sexual experience thwarts her dreams.”
My inspirational references for the film ranged from the films of Todd Solondz all the way through to the old Hollywood classics by Douglas Sirk.
I have been blessed with an amazing cast of talented actors – led by the very funny Amanda Bishop in the lead role of Prudence Pecker.
I opted to shoot the film on the Canon 5D DSLR for its cinematic look.
Currently half way through production, I expect to wrap the shoot later this month, and hopefully have the film completed by August for festival release.
Some production stills from the film can be seen in the slideshow below 
Jun
3
The Dungog Film Festival May 2010
A brisk May morning, saw the Australian premiere of my short film, The Final Illusion, up in the small town of Dungog.
In what was an incredibly inspiring weekend, I caught up with old industry folk from years back, rubbed shoulders with Gillian Armstrong after listening to her wonderful talk.
Helped film the speed auditioning competition with Australian Directors Guild President, Ray Argyle and Casting Director Faith Martin.
Listened to a panel featuring Jeremy Sims, Brendan Cowell & Cameron Daddo about their latest feature films, and went to a few entertaining short film sessions at the Oovie Theatre.
But I have to say, the real highlight of the weekend, was the Dungog Street Parade – when all the locals came out with their horses, cows, tractors and Jack Russells to entertain all us filmgoers
May
1
Love at First Bite : A Digitale
At film school we were asked to create a short autobiographical piece – one that utilized photos, stock footage, drawings and voiceover. A film that perhaps reflected on a story from our past, or a scenario that highlighted our personality.
I decided to tell the tale of my first love – at the tender age of 6 years old.
As crazy as the story seems – everything is entirely true! And yes, those drawings are all my originals
Apr
2
Satori – A Zen Short Film
March 2010 – saw me move quickly into producing the Zen short film, Satori. After a very brief pre-production period, the film was shot in 1/1/2 days in Sydney.
Shot on location at Fagan Park in Galston & in Chinatown, the film has a Japanese visual aesthetic.
The film is structured like a Zen Koan and is the tale of a Monk, his Master, and the art of of non-attachment.
The film was shot on two cameras – the Canon 5D and Canon 7D.
Currently in post-production, the film is expected to be complete sometime in May.
More detailed production notes will follow in the next week or so
Some production stills from the shoot can be seen below:
Dec
0
The Final Illusion – Production Stills
Stills from my upcoming short film, a surreal drama called ‘ The Final Illusion’ filmed in mid December 2009.
Jul
2
On Melancholy…
Why do we often shy away from melancholy? Like it is some big bad ogre that needs to be avoided.
I’d been dancing in the midst of joy and happiness for months when I felt my old mate melancholy drift in several days ago – for no specific reason, perhaps it was just the season for it to reoccur.
Seeping ever so slowly into my thoughts, like rain clouds invading a summer’s afternoon.
I couldn’t identify from where it came, only that it was here again.
It’d been so long, I’d almost forgotten what it felt like. But like an old long-lost friend, we soon became re-acquainted.
We spent the afternoon together, immersed in philosophical day dreams.
We listened to old songs that spoke truth to the soul.
We spent ages looking at the way the afternoon light shifted in my backyard. Stopping still, to observe the subtle changes in the colours.
We listened to the words that emerged from that deep place within, and allowed the pen to meet the paper.
I paid attention as it revealed new film characters to me, and the hint of a storyline.
And over the course of the afternoon, I became aware of the blessings that came with melancholy’s presence.
The heightened feelings present within my body
The sense of timelessness that had descended upon my afternoon.
The appreciation I felt for the present moment.
The awakefulness of my creativity.
And as I came to truly embrace melancholy, I felt it open up to reveal a deep state of gratitude.
It flooded through my body, overwhelming the heart, and spilling from my eyes in the form of tears. And all I could do in that moment… was smile…
As I wiped the tears from my cheeks, I realized melancholy had gone. But in doing so, it had left me a profound gift.
I look forward to the afternoon when melancholy drops by again…
* Image by Shawn Allen
