'Park Road Post Masterclass: NZ Short Films'

This very well attended Masterclass kicked off with a brief history on New Zealand short films.  It reflected upon, and reiterated, the importance of short films as a breeding ground for some of our most successful feature film directors - including Niki Caro (Memory and Desire, Whale Rider, North Country)), Jonathan King (Black Sheep), Scott Reynolds (The Ugly, Heaven, Shearer’s Breakfast), Robert Sarkies (Scarfies, Out of the Blue) and Taika Waititi (Eagle vs Shark).

Juliette Veber, the new head of Short Films for the NZFC, talked about the political changes in the 80’s that led to a shortage of private finance for NZ features.  In an environment where money for larger projects was becoming increasingly hard to find the NZFC had to find a way to nurture and develop kiwi filmmakers. This led to the establishment of the Short Film Fund, which later evolved into the industry led POD schemes we have today. Veber also pointed out the success of New Zealand short films from the early days of Alison Maclean’s award winning Kitchen Sink through to Taika Waititi’s Academy Award© nomination for Two Cars, One Night.

The bulk of the Masterclass focused on the pros and cons of the various technologies available to New Zealand filmmakers.  Chris and Fraser Clark’s The King Boys was used as an example of grading in the traditional manner, and the yet to be released Lethal Innocents by Kirsty Cameron, was the digitally graded film using Park Road Posts new Quantel Pablo.

 Sound designer Tim Prebble spoke about the importance of consulting with a sound designer prior to shooting.  This helped inexperienced directors understand what they can and can’t get away with, which saves precious time and money in post.  Tim also talked about the importance of sound in defining perspective using scenes from David Rittey’s short film Closer to illustrate his point.

The workshop ended on a high note for all emerging short filmmakers with Park Road Post reaffirming their commitment to kiwi short filmmakers; stating they treat them as seriously as any feature they work on.

Chaired by Fraser Brown (co-producer Dead Letters). Speakers included Clare Burlinson (Colourist), Adam Scott (DI Artist), Tim Prebble (Sound Designer), Juliette Veber (Short Films, NZFC).

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