Just back from a 9 day shoot in the South Pacific for Beyond The Horizon, a feature length documentary that has been 2 years in the making (so far!).
We followed Zoe's return to Tonga and captured her unique and emotional story.
I don't want to give much away and save it for the film, but what I can divulge is that it was an emotional rollercoaster of a trip - lots of unfolding stories, plenty of characters, and laughter that gave way to tears.
We managed to film everything that we came for, and plenty more besides.
This story of human connection will be a powerful one, and that is all thanks to the people we met and their openness and honesty at a time when it would have been easier to close up. We never heard a 'No' on the trip, and we were only greeted by welcoming arms.
The island itself is such a magical place and takes centre stage in the story. You can almost feel it breathe, wince, sigh and grit its teeth. I think we captured Tonga's rugged beauty and I can't wait to showcase it. Speaking of which, we hope the edit will start this December.
Key to the success of the filming was an ace team who really bought into the story.
Jono Drew was a masterful Director of Photography and his vision was invaluable. He really drove the feel and captured powerful shots and raw emotions that will resonate with the viewers. He simply went above and beyond on this one, of which I'm extremely thankful.
Same can be said for Joseph Veale - who gripped the boom throughout the shoot and kept everyone laughing too. He also played some crackin' tunes.
Jay Law was an ace Production Manager who got us up and running on location, and negotiated the potholes of Tonga like BA Baracus of the A-Team...
Sioeli Lolhea ('Joe') whose drone talents were simply astonishing and always greeted us with a huge smile and valuable local knowledge.
... and of course Zoe, who was offering up suggestions and organising contacts, as well as perfectly recounting her story and unfolding new ones at the same time.
The currency of kindness throughout the filming was traded by so many people. Sal, Phil, Ray, Kim, The Campbells, Chris, Deb, Martin, Wayne... all of whom you'll see in the finished film. And those behind the scenes who helped like Jason and all at Tanoa, the Ministry of Tourism, the choir school, the Rugby teams, and the TAWS crew.
And of course the donors - those who helped make the idea become reality by pledging their support.
Time soon to turn 35 hours of footage into a compelling story.
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