Film puts Rodney on map

Arkles Bay film producer John Davies, 48, will be pleased with the roll out of the red carpet when his newest movie The Map Reader premieres here early next month.

The film’s world premiere was in mid-October. Since then it has been listed in five film festivals in the United States.

"So far it has featured in all-American festivals, which amazed us. We were expecting success in European festivals. I’m very proud of the film, it’s wonderful what we achieved as a team," says Mr Davies.

The film was produced on a low budget with a crew of 24 people. Most films have between 60 to 100 members.

"Every film is a team effort," says Mr Davies.

"It doesn’t happen without great people – we had great people and it shows. The pictures look beautiful."

The film has received solid reviews from independent critics.

"You can’t repeat the experience of watching the audience at the premiere. They got it. We have been very happy," says Mr Davies.

The film follows 16-year-old Michael who escapes the realities of his smalltown New Zealand life by immersing himself within a world of maps.

The arrival of two young women into his life breaks his seemingly happy isolation.

Suspended beside it all is Michael’s single mother Amelia, who cherishes her son but simultaneously pushes him away.

"We wanted the audiences to know that growing up is always full of challenges. We are aiming the film for mothers and grandmothers who will empathise with the challenges of motherhood shown in the film and seeing other teenagers go through what their children go through," says Mr Davies.

The Map Reader will be released on February 5 at Berkeley Cinemas in Whangaparaoa, the Academy in Auckland and the Rialto in Newmarket.

The film features actress Rebecca Gibney, who also fronts the popular television series Sensing Murder, in the lead role.

"She was fantastic," says Mr Davies.

"She helped lift the younger actors’ games – they lifted up off the page. We had a wonderful group of actors."

Main character Michael is played by Jordan Selwyn, a former student of Kristin College in Albany.

Jordan, 17 at the time of filming, also had lead roles in productions performed during his time at Kristin and hosted its annual fashion show in support of child cancer.

He represented the school on several occasions at the National Shakespeare Festival, and was a cast member of a scene that won the best overall in North Auckland in 2007.

In 2008 Jordan moved to Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire, England, to work as a drama gap tutor, directing plays and assisting with the school’s productions and drama classes.

The Rodney district features in much of the movie.

Filming locations include Helensville, Kaipara College, Shakespear Park and Muriwai Beach.

"We also got Long Bay College kids to do a read-through to refine the dialogue and story."

Mr Davies says the Auckland Regional Council was the hardest local body to deal with on the project.
"They gave me a reduced rate to film at Shakespear Regional Park, but it still cost $2000 for one day’s filming with an eight to 10-man crew. I felt it was wrong," says Mr Davies.

"We pay rates and live in Auckland and pay for this park anyway. Many other Rodney locations were well under $500."

Mr Davies, a filmmaker who was formerly a film distributor and exhibitor, now combines all three jobs.

He has been in film distribution for the last seven years when he created his own company Arkles Entertainment.

His business now sells a catalogue of more than 100 films across Australia and New Zealand.

In 2005 he and two partners bought Auckland’s Academy Cinema and since then have filmed The Map Reader.

Mr Davies has five more films under way at locations all over the country, with Rodney featuring in at least one.

- © Fairfax NZ News