The casting call is out for budding producers, directors, storytellers, scriptwriters and videographers to make Raglan the hub of filmmaking in the Waikato.
The inaugural Raglan Filmmakers’ Club debuts on Thursday, July 4 from 6-7.30pm at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre.
The man behind the lens of the club is Raglan filmmaker Ray Diprose who is responsible for the Raglan Screens’ promotional clips that feature at The Raglan Club, Raglan Pharmacy, the Community House, Old School Arts Centre and Pirate Pizza.
The club is open to all ages and abilities and Ray hopes that by coming together people interested in all areas of filmmaking can share ideas, tools of the trade, provide feedback and collaborate on projects.
“This is something that can support anyone in the community with a love of filmmaking to bring their ideas and vision to the screen,” he says.
Ray is certain there are plenty of film creatives who are working in isolation around Whaingaroa and he hopes the club will provide opportunities for them to be inspired and at the same time build on their skill set.
“Working together on a film project can really help crystalise ideas that you don’t get without other people being involved.”
A member of the Raglan Film Festival, Ray says club members could feed into the Raglan Film Festival Awards (RAFFAs) in September and screen their short film on the big screen at the Old School theatre.
“That film festival is perfect for local talent to test the waters of their filmmaking with an appreciative local audience. They get to attend Raglan’s version of the Academy Awards and be in the running for some great prizes.”
Ray has come to filmmaking as a way to explore his creativity in the retirement phase of his life and has since made a few documentaries, some commercial work as well as promoting Raglan events and businesses through Raglan Screens.
The Raglan Filmmakers’ Club will meet the first and third Thursday of the month at the Old School Arts Centre from 6-7.30pm starting Thursday, July 4 – koha membership.
Janine Jackson
