Rare opportunity to visit film set

Director Robert Sarkies is currently on location in Invercargill shooting his third feature film, Two Little Boys. 

Just back from an intensive two week filming period in the wilds of the Catlins, often in remote areas without cellphone coverage, the 50 cast and crew had an exceptional time capturing the beauty of the location, as well as local wildlife including dolphins, penguins and sea lions.

The unpredictable weather in the area caused the crew to be ducking and diving, often having to change their locations at the last minute however Robert Sarkies says it’s all part of the fun.

Sarkies brother and co-writer of the script, Duncan Sarkies, whose novel the film is based on, was on hand to help with any quick re-writing that had to be done to work around the weather. It is the first time the Wellington-based brothers have worked on a film together since their breakout hit Scarfies in 1999.

'It’s been a very intense and dramatic time. We’ve shot the heart of the film in one of the most secret parts of the country and it’s very exciting to be able to return to these areas of our childhood. We certainly didn’t make it easy for ourselves shooting in these extraordinary locations but it’s always a challenge and the team has been exceptional at thinking quickly and creatively.”  

Co-producer of the film Vicky Pope says shooting in the South has had it’s advantages. “We’ve met some fantastic characters and kind hearted locals. Many of them have been interacting with us on the Two Little Boys facebook page which is exciting. People are able to follow the film on its journey as it gets made which is a bit of a first. Often films keep people at arms length in production stage but with this film we were keen to show the process and let people find out more about what happens on set and on location.”

In a rare move the film set is being opened up to New Zealanders and Australians in a competition being run in partnership with Air New Zealand. Two people will get the chance to spend time on set and meet the film’s stars Bret McKenzie and Hamish Blake.

Pope says, “We’re incredibly grateful to Air New Zealand for coming on board and supporting feature film making in New Zealand. We couldn’t have managed this without their assistance and we’re so grateful this competition can be run for two lucky people.”

 
The competition includes flights and two nights accommodation, plus a welcome at the airport from Mayor Tim Shadbolt. 
 
Entrants need to explain, in 40 words or less, the funniest experience they have had with their best friend.  The competition closes at midnight on Thursday 10 February.

Entry form here: https://airnz.wufoo.com/forms/join-hamish-and-bret-for-lunch-camera-action-nz/

More information can be found at Two Little Boys movie on Facebook. www.facebook.com/TwoLittleBoysfilm
The facebook page takes people behind the scenes through the film making process and will continue sharing information, videos and images throughout the year.  

Two Little Boys follows the story of Nige (Bret McKenzie) and Deano (Hamish Blake), his recently estranged best mate. Their long-term friendship is put under pressure by "an unfortunate accident" involving a hot meat pie, a ginger cat and the untimely death of a Scandinavian football star.

The film is due for release in early 2012.