The Waterfall

Producer & Director - Watershed Films, 2010, for TVNZ.

A remarkable journey through Fiordland, New Zealand, through the eyes of four of NZ’s most celebrated contemporary artists. They respond not only to one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, but also to its history, in particular that of William Hodges, ship’s artist with Captain Cook in 1773. A work of art in itself, The Waterfall combines good characters, a great yarn, humour and stunning cinematography within the natural canvas of World Heritage Status Fiordland.

"El Capitan" award, in recognition of excellence in film making, Yosemite Film Festival 2011
"Best Editing, Documentary", Aotearoa Film & Television Awards, 2011.

Documentary - Producer & Director

Film and Television Projects Include:

LIFTING OF THE MAKUTU

Producer & Director - Watershed Films, 2005, for TVNZ.

Winner - Best Director Award - NZ Screen Awards 2006.

Winner - Special Jury Prize - Wildsouth International Film Festival 2005.

Winner - Special Jury Prize - FIFO, Festivale International du Film Documentaire Océanien 2008.

The story about a Maori family struck by tragedy – the loss of seven little boys at birth; a New Zealand scientist determined to find an answer; the fascinating world of molecular research and the scientist's resultant world breakthrough; and about the ever-present importance of Genetics in our lives – the choices and ethical dilemmas we all might one day have to face.

ATA WHENUA - SHADOWLAND

Producer - Murihiku Films, 2004, for Fiordland Cinema.

A cinematic journey of Fiordland shot on 35 mm and High Definition by award winning cinematographers, with outstanding musical composition on Dolby Surround sound.

Created for Fiordland Cinema in Te Anau, the film has been lauded by NZ Tourism and NZ Government Officials and screened and sold throughout the world.

X FORCE - FREE FLIGHT

Director - NHNZ, 2000, for National Geographic.

Winner - Best Documentary Award - Festival of Film of Free Flight, Coupe Icare France 2002.

Winner - Best Aerial Film - International Aerial Film Festival (FIA El Yelmo, Spain 2003.)

One of a six part series on the science of extreme adventure commissioned by Nat Geo (US), X Force - Free Flight follows four of the world’s top paraglider pilots as they attempt a “vol bivouac” along the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

Gripping, utterly beautiful and fascinating, this is a compelling and breath-taking story.

X FORCE - SCIENCE OF SAILING

Director - NHNZ, 2001, for National Geographic.

Another in the six part series “X Force” for Nat Geo (US), the infamous Sydney to Hobart race proves a testing ground for the most extremes of boat design, weather and sea conditions. Add to the mix a tornado, the rigours of Bass Strait, and the humour of an Ozzie crew, and this is one adventure story not to be missed. 

KIWI BUDDHA

Originator, Director & Camera - Spacific Films, 1999, for TV3.

The documentary follows a young NZ/Tibetan boy from his recognition as a High Lama, the subsequent celebratory tour around New Zealand, to his buddhist monastery and “enthronement” in Northern India.

A remarkable and endearing story across cultures, in which children will always be children.

OUR SMALL WORLD

Director & Camera - George Andrews Productions, 1999, for TVNZ.

An intimate portrait of life on the tiny pacific atoll of Fakaofo, in Tokelau; the dilemmas the atoll dwellers face retaining family and traditions while offering their children the best opportunities elsewhere. A tender, beautiful and simple story, this one was a privilege to create. 

See George Andrews Productions.

GOING UNDER

Producer, Director, & 2nd Camera - 1999, for TVNZ.

Documentary following a group of scientists researching climate change in the Cook Islands of the South Pacific. Both science and culture, the story weaves between the scientists’ pursuit of cores from ancient, underwater corals, and the warmth and fascination of life in the Northern Cook Islands -  inevitably the communities most at risk from rising sea levels.

Africa 1997-98

From 1997 to 1998 I lived between Uganda and Kenya. During that time I worked as camera operator and director, producing stories in Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan and Kenya. These included:

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN

For Unicef, for the Hague Peace Conference 1999.

The film follows the story of recently released child soldiers immediately following their escape from the Lord’s Resistance Army in Northern Uganda/Southern Sudan.

THREE WOMEN OF MASAKA

For World Health Organisation and Uganda TV.

Over half of today’s children in Western Uganda are AIDS orphans. This short film documents the lives of two grandmothers who have lost all their children, and are now left with all the grandchildren to look after, and the eldest girl of the family left to look after her siblings.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE

For World Health Organisation and Uganda TV.

One if five Ugandans under 20 will contract HIV. Shot in Kampala High Schools, the short film uses students ideas and initiatives to communicate the need for AIDS awareness among young people. (The film was then shown to schools throughout Uganda.)

A WAY FORWARD

For World Food Programme.

Filmed in Northern Kenya, the film documents a WHO workshop among the Samburu tribespeople. In particular, the film looks at the division of roles (men, women and children), and the difficulties surrounding education and food and water security within the community.

TALKING ABOUT FOOD

For World Food Programme.

A training film for WFP, this was shot in remote villages in Southern Sudan, looking at the difficulties in food security, food distribution and the general environment (lack of security etc.) in the region.

Other Television 1984-2000 Includes:

DEEP BLUE 

1995, TVNZ Natural History Unit.

1 of 3 presenters (and script writer) for a 13 part series of Adventure & Natural History (below and above water) during a circumnavigation of the South Pacific.

60 MINUTES/FRONTLINE

1993 - 94, TVNZ.

Story Producer/Director for TVNZ current affairs.

20/20

2000, TV3.

Story Producer/Director for TV3 current affairs.

THE MYSTERY OF NORTH HEAD

1992, George Andrews Productions, for TVNZ.

Director and camera, following the personalities behind the archaeological investigations into a series of pre WWII hidden tunnels, and the possible hideaway of the original 1918 Boeing Aircraft.

FIRST HAND

1990 - 92, First Hand Productions, for TVNZ.

A ground-breaking series taking advantage of semi professional Hi8 cameras, making slice of life stories about New Zealanders. This was a rich and valuable learning ground for documentary - both the camera work and storytelling.

SPOT ON

1984, TVNZ.

My introduction to television - a year spent presenting the children’s magazine programme.