Press release from Peregrine Productions
In the space of two weeks, Melbourne actor/director Richard Di Gregorio has been a part of two releases, in two countries.
One week ago, he led the release of the British Romantic Comedy ‘The Flirting Club’ in the UK. This week, he releases a moving music video he directed for singer/songwriter Michael Abrey titled ‘Smiley, what about the Roses?’ for the two year anniversary of Black Saturday.
The two projects may be worlds apart in subject, but to Di Gregorio, 33, they shared much more.
“I was actually in London filming ‘The Flirting Club’ when Black Saturday happened. I grew up in Lilydale, so a lot of it was happening around areas I knew very well. I was devastated. I was in 10 inches of snow in London at the time, so it was a real contradiction to back home.”
‘Smiley, what about the Roses?’ was penned by Michael Abrey soon after Black Saturday but Michael and his Golden Guitar nominated band RUCKUS were heavily involved in benefits and the rebuilding of the affected communities that he deemed it not appropriate to release the song until now, the second anniversary.
“Michael approached me and asked if I could listen to his song. I did and was instantly touched by it. It’s a song about hope and resilience” Di Gregorio said.
Di Gregorio donated his time to direct the music video, which was beautifully shot in Marysville and Labertouche, Victoria. Two areas affected by the devastating fires.
“Going to these affected areas, there is still so much rebuilding going on structurally, but also nature is rebuilding itself too. The song is about moving forward, but not in the way Julia Gillard says it.” Di Gregorio laughs.
And now with the devastating floods across Australia, he and Michael are hoping this song can give more. “The emergency services are again stretched to the limits.” Di Gregorio said.
20% of the profits derived from the sale of the song will be donated to the CFA. The music video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmjtDfI3pJY
And the projects don’t stop there for Di Gregorio, with a one man show he is looking to tour internationally and a co-written romantic comedy feature film in the works.
‘Smiley, what about the roses?’ is available for download on itunes and bigpond from February 7, 2011.