| Photos taken by Bill Lowrey / Photos supplied by Geni Johnston / Pictures of the Harluck hierarchy (from Geni) / Additional photos from Jennifer Russell / Additional pictures September 2005
I have been informed that a group of enterprising New Zealanders based in Taupo have been very busy making their very own Lord of the Rings type full length movie (currently at editing stage, hoping to premiere in February 2006).
Here is some information about the film, provided by director/producer Jennifer Russell:
Cultic has been made on a shoe string-budget of around $3,000, and involves up to 250 people to date. We started filming "Cultic" last December (2004) and finished early June. The story has evolved as things do, almost as if it was telling itself. I had the idea of making a movie with the co-operation of a community about 3 years ago and was sure it would work, with the right people coming on board to support it, giving their expertise, talents and love of the project without any payment. It has worked and will continue to work until final completion. Monetary support has come through from the RSA, the local Lions, the IHC ( we involved any age group and ability/disability) holding garage sales and private persons. Goods and services came from the business sector, free of charge. Thus we have been able to get this far, we aim to have the premier next year around February 2005 and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help us make this target. We regard the making of "Cultic" a unique concept and a real example of what a community can achieve, and enjoy the buzz while doing it. Hope we have given enough background of where we are at, feel free to contact us at any time via email. [By the way Jenni hints that donations would be most welcome!]
I don't know much about the plot, but I've been told it features "wizards, travellers, darkness, tragedy" and has echoes of "Alice in Wonderland" surreality. Sounds interesting! I've also been told it features an original music score including a theme song called " The Calling" (sung in operning credits) that has been described as "rocky Horrorish, surreal slightly mad" and yet at the same time "wistful and beautiful."
Some additional comments about the plot from co-producer Geni Johnston:
Cultic is a story about three people from diverse New Zealand backgrounds who meet completely by chance at a Team Building Weekend in Taupo and are transported to a mysterious "other world" where they get involved in the politics of the two tribes who live there "Ariss-Toss" - ruling class and "Harlucks" - working class - their name derives from the "hard luck - we got here first" attitude of the Ariss-Toss ! All will be explained in the movie which we are hoping will leave enough questions unanswered for the viewers to want to know more!!!
The following pictures are taken by Bill Lowrey, Jennifer Russell and Geni Johnson and they have graciously allowed me to post them on my web site for your enjoyment. These pictures sure brought back a lot of memories from me from our wonderful trip to NZ. Enjoy!
Photos taken by Bill Lowrey
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This is Fuchia on left and Kowhai on right - two of the Arris-Toss ( corruption of word aristocrat - common usage "Tossers" ) (Two types of clan) the other is the Harlucks ( corruption of words hard-luck )
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Three leads (from left): Trevor (Luke Treadwell) Sasha (Rebecca Bramely) and Gerald (John Hill).
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This is Lord Questa (Ron Taipari), high priest of the Arris-Toss, captured on location at Tihoi (western bays of Taupo).
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Ephemeral kids Opotiki and Anna.
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Ron Taiperi as Lord Questa escorting the three to the Arris-toss dwelling.
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Ngawai playing Ngawai Harluck lover of Lord Farquahar.
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Lynelle Bray as Delphinia seen with Vladimir playing guitar
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Kowhai actor Tim Bendy
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(from left) The Fop actor Brian, Lord Farquahar Chris Rushby, Farquarhars minder Arthur, Vladimer ( Glen ) and Delphinia( Lynelle ) James and Fuchia.
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Lord Questa starting his stuff at Tihoi.
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Photos supplied by Geni Johnston
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A sneering Harluck Waiter (Alistair Revfeim) to Aris-Toss - looking down his nose.
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Delphinia (Lynell Bray) & Vladimir (Glen Wilson) - Ariss-Toss Musicians.
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Mad Tea Party - Champagne Charlie (Ash Tanner) and Caligula (Kim Isles)
- at Arris-Toss Dwelling.
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Ephemeral children (Anna and Apotiki Donald).
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Aaron on guard at the Harluck Camp.
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Steve Green is filming from above with a Cherry Picker loaned by Lake Hire Service (they also loaned a big tent to relax in and a portaloo!!)
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Delphinia (Lynelle Bray) relaxing in the tent while waiting to film the "Harluck Scene".
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Relaxing in the tent (Dionne Bidois, Arthur Lambert and Kerrin Sheddon) while waiting to film the "Harluck Scene".
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Leilani (Dorothy Worthington) elaxing in the tent while waiting to film the "Harluck Scene".
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Extras of all ages (Joyce Eyre).
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Extras of all ages (Brian Watson, Ryan Hill, Jessica-Faith Moody& Alice Hill).
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Harluck Warrior (Henry Raharaha).
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Sasha ready to play paintball!
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Trevor ready to play paintball!
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Gerald ready to play paintball!
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Pictures of the Harluck hierarchy (from Geni)
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Logikus is the brother of Conundrum (head of the Harlucks) with Bran Tamakis (high priest, and somewhat in league with Questa), and his "good friend" Leilani. Sasha (from our time) is lurking behind Leilani.
Note of interest - Harlucks call Ariss-Toss "Tossers" Aris-Toss call Harlucks "Hairy legs" not terms of endearment!!!
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Multi tasking was the name of the game on this shoot - Vandalina - leader of the Aristoss applies make up to Questa the Aris-Toss High Priest.
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Feeding the troops - bread and tomatoes were donated, but we had to buy the sausages!
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Conundrum - chief of the Harlocks.
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Harluck friends.
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Vandalina is consulting her oracle in the pool of visions.
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Additional photos from Jennifer Russell
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Hi I am Conrad Hardy, I was a barman at Rockefellas Taupo when I was approached by casting, regarding taking part in a film called "Cultic" It was a big surprise to be asked, I was impressed with the enthusiasm of those concerned and after being contacted the third time, decided they must be serious and thought ito give it a shot. I really enjoyed the two workshops I went to which were run by Jackson Tennant at the Spa Hotel, especially as most of us there had never acted before and it was really great meeting everybody. There was a three day shoot of the Harluck Camp to go to and even though I grumbled about the early start, by the end of the three days I felt a great sense of loss when it came to an end. I didnt think I would feel that way, I made some great friends and I loved the experience It was great taking on a speaking part something I never thought I would get to do.
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Another photo of Conrad.
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Conrad playing an Arris-Toss in slippers!!
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Another of Ngwai and some shots of location for her scene.
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Ngwai from the back.
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Geni.
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Another photo of Geni.
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Shirley and Brian Best of Taupo Binn Inn two of the people who helped out.
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Shirley and Brian Best of Taupo Binn Inn.
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Julie Whirinui of Bakers Delight Taupo who supplied the bread.
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Another photo to Julie.
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Location of the Ngwai Farquahar shoot (Hindmarshes garden Taupo).
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Another shot of the garden.
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Additional photos September 2005
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Photo of our set director Kevin Moody and assistant wife Fiona with daughter Jessica shown with part of "Harluck" camp set .
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Gerald arriving at Taupo Airport.
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Lord Farquhar .
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Photo from Harluck shoot .
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Another image from Harluck shoot.
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Richard Turner and Steve Green (camera people). |
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