My Magic Mum
"Pre-production was a major challenge as we were virtually unable to communicate with the family in depth prior to the shoot. We knew their story on paper but its not until you’re actually on the ground that you really get to know someone and that’s when the story shines through. Before you know it there’s 2 days left the shoot the entire piece and things get a little cray cray."
"We had a small crew and smaller budget so the entire project had a real DIY approach. Green-screen scenes were shot against cheap fabric in a field with goats and cows standing by. The acting was sometimes a game of Rambu (the young girl) mirroring my expressions as I stood behind the camera. I can only imagine how unusual the experience was for all the locals involved."
“It’s not the traditional approach to charity film making and that’s why it’s so important.”
"The post production team was made up of animator / illustrator Andrew Khosravani, Colourist / VFX Matt Fezz, Sound Designer Jonny Higgins and myself as the editor. Jonny and Matt are my post production wizards who bring my wild ideas to life and I’m forever thankful to them. I’ve always admired Andrew’s work so it was a great privilege to work alongside him on this project."
"The piece was shot by DOP Campbell Brown using a Red Dragon with Canon cine-primes. Him and his AC Luke Tysoe went above and beyond to work hard but still found the time to teach the local kids chants about how I smell. Great team."
"I produced, directed and edited this project. With charity work you’re generally required to wear many hats which has it’s challenges but also rewards. It’s hard to balance them all on your head but if you do it right you don’t get sunburnt… That was a horrible joke. I would like to say the team I had behind this worked above and beyond to create something that we’re all truly proud of."
"The main reference was a film I directed in Indonesia two years earlier titled ‘Sammy the Explorer’. It is a similar premise incorporating the story of charity work through the eyes of a child."
"These are the projects that make my heart sing. I’m able to express myself creatively and be part of something bigger than me. That’s what it’s all about in my eyes. To collaborate with Opportunity Australia and share Rambu’s story in a fun colourful and original way requires risk. It’s not the traditional approach to charity film making and that’s why it’s so important. Just because a child lives in poverty doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy life and dream of a brighter future. I think it’s important to communicate that to an audience young and old in an enjoyable way. I seek to inspire support for families like Rambu’s, not guilt trip it out of people."
