Two Signature Films projects from the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air and TVNZ funded initiative will commence principal photography this year.
The first project to go into production is Apron Strings, produced by Rachel Gardner (Maxim Films) and directed by Sima Urale. Apron Strings is a feature debut for Urale, who made the critically acclaimed and award winning short films O Tamaiti and Still Life. Her latest short Coffee & Allah is having its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Apron Strings was written by Shuchi Kothari (writer/producer Coffee & Allah) and Dianne Taylor. The film will be shot on location in Otahuhu, South Auckland in October.
The second project to go into production is Endurance, which will be produced by Angela Littlejohn (Maxim Films) and written and directed by Anthony McCarten (Via Satellite). Endurance is Anthony’s second feature as director, and the screenplay is based on his forthcoming novel of the same name – out of a gruelling endurance competition to win a car – the car going to the last person left standing with their hand still on it – blossoms a love story between two of the competitors. Production is scheduled for November in Anthony’s home region of Taranaki. Venture Taranaki has provided location and facilitation services to the production.
Trevor Haysom (In My Father’s Den) is executive producing both productions.
[release from the NZFC]