Will Hall & Owen Black - Codename: NETHERWOOD

Owen Black and Will Hall both formerly of Shortland Street have put their balls on the line in the name of big screen fame and fortune. We caught up with Owen to get the lowdown on their project, codename: NETHERWOOD.

The plan: Produce and star in a 90 minute feature film.

The venue: North Canterbury's beautiful Waipara Valley.

The genre: Western.

A western? Does that mean you and Will are going to be working on your horse riding skills and six shooter quick draws?

Haha, not quite. It's more of a modern day western and it's set in rural New Zealand so while it contains the classic story features of a typical western like the stranger arriving in town, testosterone fuelled stand-offs and a big shoot out at the end, it's a story that will be told with a modern freshness and kiwi flavour. It's also going to have a lot more thriller elements than your average western.

And this is something you've written yourselves?

I began working on the script earlier this year with Cristobal the director. I got to about forty pages before approaching John Argall who I knew to be a very talented writer. I showed him what I'd written and there were several key scenes in there that really resonated with him so he agreed to take it on. From our original concept he has created a thrilling, ravenous beast of a script that will stimulate an audience on many different levels.

You sound pretty excited about the script..

It's a project that we're all very passionate about. We can't wait to start shooting and completely immerse ourselves in the world that John has created, and to explore its possibilities.

Where’s the money coming from to make this movie?

We are aiming for 100% private sponsorship but obviously our main objective is to get the film made so we'll take money from wherever we can find it.

Have you approached the Film Commission or Creative New Zealand?

Not yet. There seems to be the beginnings of a movement towards an independent film industry in New Zealand and I really want to be a part of that. I was inspired by a number of independent productions that my friends have been involved in over the last year or so and I really think it's the way forward for the New Zealand film industry. It's about keeping creative control of the project; we want to take full responsibility for what makes it onto the screen.

So who exactly are you approaching?

We're approaching a range of businesses and individuals that might be looking for innovative and exciting ways to get their brand out there.

And how's that working out for you?

We've had a great response so far, people are genuinely excited by what we're doing and we've already had a number of businesses pledging their support. We've got a long way to go yet though.

Let’s say I'm a potential partner, what can you offer me in return for my input?

Well that really depends on your level of input. The most obvious thing we can offer you is brand placement within the film. Brand placement is a multi-billion dollar industry in the

States but is yet to take off in NZ. Other things we can offer are daily behind the scenes vlog entries, viral advertising clips incorporating the film and product, corporate hosting opportunities, on set visits for companies and their clients - the possibilities are endless!

And let’s not forget the first red carpet world premiere event ever to come to North Canterbury and the branding opportunities that will present.

Why North Canterbury?

It's where I'm from, and I've always wanted to bring something like this home that the locals can get involved in and really be a part of. It's also the ideal location for this type of movie. For most of the year Waipara is a lush, green valley but come summer it turns into a brown sunburnt wilderness with the hot nor'west wind howling through – perfect location for a Western!

Who is your target audience?

18 years and up. With the chainsaws, V8s and shoot-outs it will essentially be a boy’s film but it’s a story that will appeal to a much wider audience.

Finally, what do you want to achieve with this film?

When I go to a movie I want to be affected in some way. I don't want to come out thinking 'where did I park the car?' or 'it wasn't bad considering it was a kiwi film'. I want to see a film that kicks me in the guts, tickles my gonads or makes me want to kill the president. Movies are all about stimulation. If you can't stimulate the audience in some way then why bother? What is your objective? We want to blow the audience away, we want to make a classic kiwi film that kiwi's can be proud of and a film that can stand on its own two feet in the international arena.

If you are interested in approaching the Netherwood team or just want to follow their progress you can visit their website: www.netherwoodmovie.com